Rembrandt (1660). The Denial of Saint Peter [oil on canvas]. Collection Rijksmuseum Amersterdam.

A captivating and dramatic work with the center of attention and light source on the optical center of the canvas. I must admit I do not know the details of this story; clearly this is an allegorical work. |

This oil painting’s subject is a hushed group of individuals planning something. If Peter is the figure with his face bathed in light, then this might suggest some confusion on his part as to what they’re discussing. All other figures are clothed in shade. Shapes are defined through value and color purity vice line; they are vague yet understandable, subjective yet integrate into the unified whole quite well. The color scheme seems to be monochromatic, with red muddied throughout the entire canvas. A pattern reveals itself from the shining white metal reflections, and those of the faces that are lit up. Last, overall texture is used to pleasing, seamless effect. 

Intuition is all that this painting required to create the required amount of depth. Still the overlapping elements aid in this process. Mass-carrying shapes and directional forces are considered and counter-balanced effectively to create a stable work of asymmetry. This work is dominated by muddy, impure colors with the minimum of clashing color purity to build interest. In addition, midtones and shades lay the foundation and body of this depiction, but the sparse and central use of highlights infuse it with energy. The harsh, metallic armor contrasts well against the soft-textured robes and clothes. 

The optical-center light source is of course the center of attention. Here, things are best-defined and contrasts are at their most extreme. Amazing detail creeps toward vagueness the further away it is from the light source. With so much drama developed on the canvas, the picture frame was not needed to create more tension and is treated with neutrality. The viewer seems slightly removed from the whispered discussion. Near-optical perception is achieved in this work. Rembrandt, as a master Tenebrist, has built a tightly controlled and beautiful composition.