Den angrende Peter. Forarbejde til radering fra 1882 1880 - 1881

This is Carl Bloch's preparatory drawing from 1882, a study for an etching titled "The Repentant Peter." Bloch, living in a deeply religious era, often depicted biblical scenes, reflecting the cultural and moral values of his time. In this sketch, Peter is hunched over, his face buried in his hands, enveloped in shadow and drapery, a physical manifestation of shame and remorse. The additional hand study on the right offers insight into Bloch's artistic process, while underscoring the expressiveness he found in the body. Consider how Bloch navigated the expectations of religious art while also injecting emotional depth and human vulnerability into his figures. Did he, through Peter's posture of regret, critique or reinforce the contemporary notions of sin, redemption, and masculinity? This image invites us to reflect on our own moments of regret and perhaps, the possibility of transformation.