The Centurion Cornelius at Saint Peter’s Feet

The May of 1639 represents the moment when Peter arrives in Caesarea to meet Cornelius. The centurion prostrates himself and Peter says to him, “Get up. I'm just a man, too”. It was painted by Aubin Vouet, who specialized in large mythological and religious paintings. During a trip to Rome, he was greatly inspired by Caravaggio: powerful lighting, brightly colored palettes and large drapes punctuating each scene. He draws compositions in which he lends more emphasis to the subject, by raising the figures. He is one of the first painters to receive the May of Notre-Dame commission; honored three times in 1632, 1639 and 1640.