Saint Peter in prayer, looking upwards and to the right 1656 - 1660

This is Lucas Vorsterman the Younger's Saint Peter in prayer, made sometime between 1624 and 1666. Peter, the first Pope, is depicted with furrowed brow and hands clasped, gazing upwards as if receiving divine inspiration. The book may point to his role as a writer of scripture. Consider how the act of looking upwards transcends cultures. From ancient Egyptian art, where figures gaze at the sun god Ra, to Renaissance paintings of saints receiving heavenly visions, the upturned gaze signifies a connection to the divine. This motif is deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. It speaks to the universal human desire for transcendence, for something beyond our earthly existence. The eyes become a focal point, acting as a conduit between the earthly and the divine. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of images to evoke profound emotions and connect us to the spiritual realm.