Saint Peter

Peter Paul Rubens

Saint Peter was the rock upon which Jesus built his church. A fisherman from humble origins, he gained a spiritual authority beyond any apostle and it was he, as depicted here, who held the keys to heaven. In Ruben’s portrait, the duality of Peter is clear; his upward gaze towards the spiritual realm is countered by his physical heft, the labourers body obvious beneath his thick cloak. Ruben’s painted many apostles, as collections of individual portraits were the vogue of the day, and this work of Peter most likely once had a companion piece of another Saint, possible Phillip, though we cannot know for sure. The work is simple and striking, it deals not with fancy nor flourish but is austere, holy and powerful. Rubens shows his mastery of light and detail, the dark ochre tones of his robe seem impossibly luminescent against the dark background and something of divinity is captured in but an expression, a grasped hand and hopeful eyes.

Sunday 27th September

The Moon deepens into watery Pisces, turning our attention, in biodynamic tradition, towards the leafy life of the garden. As autumn settles in, there is still the pleasure of nurturing something fresh and green for the colder months. Where conditions allow, hardy salads such as winter lettuce and corn salad can be sown under cover, offering small, welcome harvests as growth slows towards winter. Tend kale, cabbage and chard too, clearing encroaching weeds, removing damaged leaves and checking that taller plants are firmly rooted against the wind. Fleece or a cold frame can offer tender leaves some shelter when temperatures fall. A little care now helps keep the garden generous, bringing fresh leaves to our plates even as the days grow shorter.