Spanish school of the 18th century. "Saint Peter". Oil on canvas. Measurements: 41,5 x 35 cm; 53 x 47 cm (frame). In this canvas is represented St. Peter in act of penitence, half-length and in the foreground, strongly illuminated on a dark and neutral background, which enhances his corporeity at the same time that helps to focus the attention on the figure. Saint Peter is weeping, looking up at the sky. With regard to the subject depicted, Saint Peter (Bethsaida, c. 1 BC - Rome, 67) was, according to the New Testament, a fisherman, known to be one of Jesus twelve apostles. The Catholic Church identifies him through the apostolic succession as the first Pope, based among other things on Jesus words to him: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the power of Death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven". St. Peter could be said to have been Jesus confessor, his closest disciple, the two being united by a very special bond, as narrated in both the canonical and apocryphal Gospels.