"The Denial of St. Peter" by Caravaggio

The elements most abundant in this piece are that of color, light and shadow, and space. These are the primary elements most apparent, though other elements are present in the painting as well. This particular piece is not so concerned with incorporating background into telling the story, as it is blurred and somewhat distorted. The concentration of the piece is directed to the figures presented in the painting and the story being depicted. The use …

…the viewer becomes engulfed by the painting and apart of the story being depicted. Immediately, one is drawn to the woman and St. Peter as the light from the fireplace illuminates their facial expressions. The color of the background and the figures also demand attention as the mood is set and the character of the figures is revealed. Finally, space brings all the elements together and confines the viewer into "The Denial of St. Peter."