INTERESTING FACT: The Inverted Cross ('The Crucifixion of Saint Peter')



Many people link the fact of inverting the main symbol of Christianity to a satanic symbol, used in their practices and rites. This is true and false. Paradoxically, the inverted cross has been used as a Christian and, at the same time, anti-Christian icon. Let’s look at this artwork. It was painted by Caravaggio in 1601, and it is held in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome. Saint Peter, the apostle who was designated by Jesus to be the Church’s rock, provides the focus of the composition. The men are trying to put him head down, thus following the tradition that Peter chose to be crucified this way. That decision has been seen as a demonstration of his humbleness (he thought he was unworthy to die as Jesus did), and his acceptance of his martyrdom and death. Because of this, the inverted cross would go down in History as a symbol of the Papacy. But, why does this image appear in many films connected with satanic cults? This is due to a misunderstanding. When the inverted cross has a representation of the body of Christ on it (crucifix), it has offensive and blasphemous (or religious/philosophical, but in a satanic way) purposes. However, the upside down Latin cross itself does not mean that.

Best regards,
Jacobo González

DETAILS:
Title: The Crucifixion of Saint Peter
Artist: Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio
Date: 1601
Dimensions: 230 cm by 175 cm
Artistic technique: Oil on canvas
Style: Baroque
Provenance: Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome

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