The Tears of Saint Peter c. 1612 - 1613

Jusepe de Ribera created "The Tears of Saint Peter" with oil paint on canvas, a common material for the time. Ribera masterfully manipulates the oil paint, building up layers to create a rich and textured surface. The materiality influences its somber appearance; heavy brushstrokes and a dark palette emphasize the weight of Saint Peter's remorse. Notice the folds in his cloak, achieved through careful layering and blending of the paint, giving a tactile sense of fabric. The artist's skilled hand is evident in the rendering of Peter's face, where each wrinkle and tear is meticulously captured. Ribera’s artistic labor translates into an emotionally charged work, where process and material work in unison to create an intimate experience. The combination of materials, making, and context is essential to understanding the full meaning of "The Tears of Saint Peter," blurring traditional boundaries between art and craft.