Gallery, Section One Caravaggio's painting is in poor condition and needed some "restoration". This is one of his best works, executed as a counterpart to his Conversion of Saul in the Cerisi Chapel in Santa Maria del Popolo. The first Pontiff's Martyrdom is rendered all the more dramatic by the artist's use of the diagonal view and as always, keeping the background black. St. Peter shed tears of repentance for his sins all his life; at the time of his Martyrdom he was supposed to have been crucified upright in the normal manner, but he felt himself unworthy to die as Christ did so he requested that he be executed upside down, his desire was granted.  Note the nail spike in his left hand. Caravaggio spares the Saint nothing even in a painting, and we along with him.  And yet such serenity in this portrayal: O Blessed Peter, with what joy did ye go thy death! All graphic accessories on this page copyrighted by Catholic Tradition. Contact Us- TRADITION-----------------GALLERIES----------------------THE PAPACY www.catholictradition.org/Papacy/papal-gallery54.htm