Crucifixion of Saint Peter
Caravaggio
1600–1601
Painting – Church
Free
15min
Cerasi Chapel, Santa Maria del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo 12, 00187 Roma
Peter shown old, fragile, frightened — the head of the Church in all his humanity — lifted onto an inverted cross by labourers whose faces are hidden. No divine light, no angels. Just the physical reality of an old man being crucified. Hangs opposite the Conversion of St Paul in the same small chapel — two meditations on calling and martyrdom facing each other.


