"The Denial of St. Peter" by Caravaggio

The elements most abundant in this piece are that of color, light and shadow, and space. These are the primary elements most apparent, though other elements are present in the painting as well. This particular piece is not so concerned with incorporating background into telling the story, as it is blurred and somewhat distorted. The concentration of the piece is directed to the figures presented in the painting and the story being depicted.
The use of light and shadow are what catches the viewer's eye first as the face of St. Peter and the woman are illuminated by what is said to be a fire…