The Bodies of Saints Peter and Paul Hidden in the Catacombs

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione was one of the most original graphic artists of the 17th century, exchanging prints and ideas with his contemporary Rembrandt. This ambitious composition reflects the influence of Rembrandt’s luminous compositions in which Christian tales are transformed into something metaphysical. The subject derives from the Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voraigne, which suggests that the saints’ bodies were cast into a well near the clandestine catacomb vault, seen here in Castiglione’s dramatic rendering. The artist often etched such erudite subjects to advertise his art and prowess as a painter-philosopher to the literati in Rome and those on the grand tour.