Le crucifiement de Saint Pierre 1643

Sebastien Bourdon painted the crucifixion of Saint Peter in the mid-seventeenth century, likely with oils on canvas. The martyrdom of St. Peter was a common subject for Counter-Reformation artists. Bourdon's painting, however, adopts a relatively restrained baroque style, compared to other works from the period. The image aims to generate an emotional response in the viewer, and to inspire piety and faith. Painted in France, this work is embedded in the religious, political, and cultural battles of its time. The Catholic Church sought to counteract the impact of the Protestant Reformation through art. This involved reaffirming core doctrines, teaching scripture, and demonstrating the power of the Church. To better understand this work, we can consider the histories of the church and the papacy, while examining theological debates on the nature of martyrdom and salvation. The social and institutional contexts that shaped this painting’s production offer us richer insights.