Crucifixion of Apostle Peter, Rome, AD 69 

Jan Luyken created this engraving of the Crucifixion of Apostle Peter in the late 17th century, though the event it depicts took place in Rome around AD 69. The image creates meaning through visual codes. The inverted cross, for example, has become a recognizable symbol of Peter's martyrdom, reflecting the story that he requested to be crucified upside down as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Christ. The Roman setting, with its classical architecture and imperial soldiers, emphasizes the historical context of early Christian persecution. This print reflects the cultural and religious conflicts of Luyken's time, specifically the tension between Protestant and Catholic interpretations of scripture and tradition. As a historian, I would consult contemporary religious texts, historical accounts of Rome, and biographical information on Luyken to better understand the social and institutional contexts that shaped this work. Art like this reminds us that its meaning is always contingent on its historical moment.