“The Tears of St Peter”, El Greco, 1580-89, Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham.
El Greco was one of the first artists to focus on the sorrow of Peter after he had denied Christ. He painted this subject at least six times. This version is said to be his first and best. He shows Peter on the morning of the resurrection. The sun has risen and in the background you can see Mary Magdalene moving away from the empty tomb. Soon Mary will bring him the news of the empty tomb. But for now his eyes are full of tears as he remembers his denial of Jesus. He looks to heaven and prays for forgiveness. The dark rock face behind Peter puts his pale skin into relief and lays emphasis on his strong arms, broad shoulders and the stout neck. This is Peter the fisherman. In other versions of the subject, El Greco places Peter also against this dark rock. Perhaps we are meant to recall that just as Jesus had foretold Peter’s denial, he had also named him Peter, declaring Peter to be the rock on which he would build his Church. But Peter does not yet know that Christ is risen, nor that the Risen Christ will forgive him and make him the shepherd of the flock. He knows only his own sin and guilt. We know that Peter will soon emerge from that dark place. Soon, Mary Magdalene will reach him and he will turn and run to the empty tomb. The encounter with the Risen Jesus awaits him on the shore of the sea. But for now, he weeps and prays for forgiveness. We know that his prayer for forgiveness will be heard.
The Catholic Chaplaincy serves the students and staff of the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University.
The Catholic Chaplaincy is also a parish of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh (the Parish of St Albert the Great) and all Catholic students and staff are automatically members of this parish.
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