Death of Saint Peter Martyr

Death of Saint Peter Martyr

Denys Calvaert, c. 1585–1600

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Artist: Denys Calvaert (Italian, 1540–1619)
Medium: Black chalk, brush and brown wash, white highlights with brush and lead white, on faded blue paper
Size: 15 7/8 x 10 1/2 in. (40.32 x 26.67 cm) (sheet)
Museum: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Rights: Public Domain Mark

This lively composition clearly references Titian’s famous masterpiece Death of Saint Peter Martyr (1526–30; destroyed by fire in 1867), formerly on the high altar of Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Venice. Calvaert may have known the picture firsthand, or perhaps he worked from one of the early prints after it.

While borrowing the general format and some specific poses from Titian’s work, Calvaert created something wholly original. The heavenly apparition that dominates the upper half of the drawing, with the Madonna and Child appearing amid resplendent, swirling clouds, is a signature of Calvaert’s works. He also transformed the heroic violence of Titian’s image into a scene with a dreamy quality, enhanced by the pictorial handling. Calvaert’s figures, with their delicate proportions, abundant drapery, and elegant poses, are more reminiscent of dancers in a ballet than participants in a scene of horrific brutality.

Text: Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), CC BY 4.0.

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