SACRED ART IN 100 WORDS

Parting of Saints Peter and Paul Led to Martyrdom
Serodine Giovanni
1625 – 1626
Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, Rome

The artist, a self-taught painter, presents one of the last decorative projects carried out in the Roman naturalistic style. The execution is powerful, its emotions raw and beautiful. Amidst convulsing darkness, the trumpets sound, and torchlights flash. As scourges stream, two souls united in the Spirit meet. Initially, their life stories conflicted. Peter, a simple fisherman, and Paul, a learned Pharisee. But their love for Christ and the Church intertwined, ending in the epilogue of shared martyrdom. In silence, the two pillars of the Church clench hands. As their gazes meet, we witness brotherhood, peace, joy, and love louder than words. As they march towards martyrdom, they were aware that they had fought the good fight, finished the race, and had kept the faith.

– Archdiocesan Heritage Museum