Martyrdom of the Apostles: Martyrdom of Saint Peter

Stefan Lochner painted this Martyrdom of Saint Peter from his apostle cycle. Peter's crucifixion upside down was one of the most iconic martyrdom scenes in Christian art. Lochner's treatment of the first pope's death combines the drama of the inverted crucifixion with his characteristic devotional refinement. The tempera medium required careful preparation on a gessoed panel and a disciplined layering technique that produced precise, durable surfaces suited to the intricate detail expected of devotional painting.

Oil on panel with careful rendering of the inverted crucifixion scene. Lochner's sophisticated composition and refined coloring transform the violent subject into a devotional meditation.