Apparition of the Apostle Peter to Saint Peter Nolasco

Zurbarán painted Apparition of the Apostle Peter to Saint Peter Nolasco around 1629, a companion piece to The Vision of Saint Peter Nolasco in the same Mercedarian monastery series. The work depicts the subsequent vision in which the Apostle Peter appeared to the saint, this time not crucified but standing before him in the specific, physical apparition of a holy vision. Zurbarán's characteristic treatment of the visionary apparition — the unearthly figure rendered in slightly cooler, more luminous light than the earthly saint — creates the pictorial distinction between natural and supernatural presence that is fundamental to his religious imagery. The Mercedarian series represents an important early cycle in which Zurbarán developed the hagiographic narrative painting that would occupy much of his career.

The dramatic encounter between the vision of the inverted crucified apostle and the astonished saint is rendered with Zurbarán's unflinching realism, the white habits and stark lighting creating an image of raw mystical power.