José Brú Albiñana (1855-1921) "Saint Peter", 1891

Watercolor on paper. Oil painting of a religious theme and Baroque style depicting Saint Peter. The central motif shows the bust of an elderly Saint Peter with a long white and grayish beard, his gaze and face directed fervently towards heaven, a very faint circular halo or nimbus above his head. The figure wears a muted reddish tunic and firmly holds the Holy Scriptures against his chest in his left hand, a classic attribute of the Doctors of the Apostles or Evangelists. The background of the scene is completely dark and neutral, creating a powerful chiaroscuro effect with tenebrist influences that dramatically illuminates the wrinkled face, prominent forehead, and hands of the saint. In the lower left corner of the canvas, on the red garment, is a dedication, signature, and date: "To the Academy of San Carlos, José Bru, 1891."

Size: 49 x 33 cm; Size with frame: 61 x 55 cm