Detail of 'Saints Peter and Paul' by El Greco [Domenico Theotokopulos] (1541-1614)
The subject of Saints Peter and Paul are amongst the earliest examples of Christian art. Traditionally artists strove to distinguish the two apostles. Peter was the apostle to the Jews and the younger Paul was apostle to the Gentiles. In this detail from a painting by El Greco, the artist adopts an unconventional view of the two martyrs. He portrays Peter as a contemplative, whose head tilts slightly to the left while his gaze turns inward. Paul in contrast stares almost directly outward as if he were about to set out on a journey toward one of his distant communities. We sense the decisive commitment of the apostle to bring the word of God to those who have yet to hear it. Whereas Peter’s wistful gaze suggests a vulnerability, Paul’s resolute stare conveys his unquenchable zeal to evangelize. El Greco dispenses with the traditional haloes which symbolised Saints in art. Yet his original sixteenth-century audience would surely have recognised the two founders of the Church. In an unbroken tradition artists had assigned to the two Saints distinguishing facial features. Like previous painters El Greco portrayed Peter with short grey hair and a curly beard, while he depicted Paul as bald with a dark beard. Not only does this contrasting characterization help us to identify the Saints, but it also hints at deeper contrasts in their spiritual gifts. This painting nevertheless shows the two apostles expressing a unity of purpose that transcends difference in their personalities.
Art Guide Resource
The 2014 Art Guide has been compiled by Claire Renkin, well-known art historian and lecturer at Yarra Theological Union and has been recorded by Dr. Rachael Kohn, author and public speaker, most well known for her ABC Radio National program, 'The Spirit of Things'. Music by Chris Zabriskie (chriszabriskie.com). Artworks © Bridgeman Images.
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