Artwork Page for Saint Peter Repentant

Details / Information for Saint Peter Repentant

Saint Peter Repentant

1645

Georges de La Tour

(French, 1593–1652)
Culture
France, 17th century
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
Framed: 140.3 x 119.1 x 7 cm (55 1/4 x 46 7/8 x 2 3/4 in.); Unframed: 114 x 95 cm (44 7/8 x 37 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the Hanna Fund 1951.454
Public Domain
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Location
On view at Musée Jacquemart-André, Paris, Sep 11, 2025 - Feb 22, 2026
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Did You Know?

The rooster next to Peter is a reference to Jesus's prediction that Peter will betray him, stating: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

Description

During Jesus’s arrest on the night of the Last Supper, the apostle Peter denied knowing him. Although Christ forgave his betrayal, Peter was consumed by guilt. La Tour represents Peter as an old man, reflecting on his past actions in a state of perpetual repentance. The apostle’s red-rimmed eyes and the uncertain light of the lantern suggest anxious sleepless nights; muted colors and simple forms give visual expression to Peter’s somber emotions. Unlike other artists inspired by Caravaggio, La Tour worked in relative isolation in northeastern France, and his connection to his Italian counterpart remains unclear.
An oil painting of a light skin toned older man sitting in a dark room with a bright lamp at his feet. He is facing our left and there is a rooster sitting on a table beside him. His eyebrows are raised, his mouth is slightly agape, and his hands are clasped in front of his chest.

Saint Peter Repentant

1645

Georges de La Tour

(French, 1593–1652)
France, 17th century

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