This painting belongs to the artist's most mature production. It is in fact possible to appreciate the Caravaggesque influences, especially in the drapery and in the use of light. The subject has been taken up several times by Guarini and his workshop. In Solofra it is possible to admire three works on this subject, conserved in the church of Sant'Agata Irpina. Guarini describes [...] the emotional climax of the story, not the action of the executioners but the moment in prison after the violence suffered, [...] when at night the woman receives a visit from the angel and St. Peter who heals her wounds (DeLuca, 2022). The Saint widens her eyes distracted by the plausible arrival of St. Peter and the task of bearing witness to the horror of the cutting of breasts is left […] to the light (ibidem).

References

De Luca, V. (2022), Painted femininity. Carnal grace and mystical ecstasy. Paintings and sculptures from the collection of the De Chiara De Maio Foundation. Enzo Albano Editions