The artwork “Head of St. Peter” is a distinguished piece by the acclaimed Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci. This religious painting, executed with chalk on paper, is a consummate example of the High Renaissance art movement. The piece resides in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg, located in Strasbourg, France.
The artwork depicts a powerful and emotive study of St. Peter’s head, characterized by its detailed rendering and poignant expression. The brushwork and use of light reflect the technical skill and the attention to human emotion that are hallmarks of Leonardo da Vinci’s work. The saint’s furrowed brow, intense gaze, and the minute detailing of his facial features convey a strong sense of character and introspection, reflecting the gravity of the religious themes often explored during the High Renaissance period. Through this masterful use of chiaroscuro and subtle gradations of tone, Leonardo presents not only a physical likeness but also captures a profound spiritual depth, evoking an intimate depiction of this key figure in Christian iconography.
