ARTWORKS

The Assassination of Saint Peter Martyr

Giovanni Bellini (1431/1436–1516)

The National Gallery, London

The Assassination of Saint Peter Martyr

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This scene tells the story of the murder of Saint Peter Martyr, a friar of the Dominican Order who was killed by members of the Cathars, a heretical sect whose teachings he had spoken against publicly. The saint is shown on the left – he has collapsed to his knees, an axe lodged in his skull. His killer makes a final blow to his chest with a dagger.

Until recent cleaning and restoration the picture was covered by layers of varnish which had darkened over time, as well as old repainting. The cleaning revealed the cleaver in the saint’s head, a characteristic feature of images of him. Cleaning also revealed that the dark tree trunks are interspersed with glimmers of bright summer light. This light is perhaps a promise of salvation – Peter’s life and his martyrdom for his faith led to him being declared a saint in 1253.

The National Gallery, London

London

Read more on The National Gallery, London
Title

The Assassination of Saint Peter Martyr

Date

probably about 1507

Medium

Oil and tempera on wood

Measurements

H 99.7 x W 165.1 cm

Accession number

NG812

Acquisition method

Presented by Lady Eastlake, 1870

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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Artist or maker

Giovanni Bellini

1431/1436–1516

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