Follower of Jusepe de Ribera

Possibly sold at Lepke, Berlin, 1922–23 (according to the Christie's New York catalogue, 1999);

J.A. Vandenburgh, Nygmen, The Netherlands and Andover, MA;

With Nassau Galleries, Andover, MA (according to a label on the reverse);

From whom purchased in 1957 by the previous owner;

By whom sold, New York, Christie's, 29 January 1999, lot 192 (as attributed to Carreño de Miranda);

Where acquired by the present owner.

This striking depiction of Saint Peter undoubtedly follows the tradition of similarly rendered saints and philosophers shown with sober realism in closely cropped formats, as popularised by Jusepe de Ribera (1591–1652) in the early 17^th century. Ribera’s influence is exemplified by the deep interest in the naturalistic depiction of the saint and in the play of light and shadows. The stark lighting of the composition and focused gaze of the subject bring an immediacy to the picture that is at once arresting and engaging. 

An attribution to Luca Giordano (1634–1705) has been suggested by Prof. Nicola Spinosa, who dates the work to the 1660s, on the basis of digital images. A comparable example dated to this period was sold in these rooms on 9 December 2021, lot 208, and has recently been donated to the Nationalmuseum, Stockholm.¹ 

¹ Inv. no. NM 7641; oil on canvas; 74,7 x 63 cm.; http://collection.nationalmuseum.se/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=collection&objectId=244901&viewType=detailView