According to the FSSP, they commissioned this work in 2022 for the celebrations of their patronal feast day. Rather than simply opting to utilize antique works for this purpose, they thought it would be fitting and desirable to commission an entirely new and original work done in a classical and traditional style. The end result was this beautiful 18" x 24" canvas depicting Ss. Peter and Paul that Armusik completed in the spring of 2023. The work has since been utilized by the FSSP, not only to ornament their headquarters, but also as part of their own fundraising initiatives and for novena booklets for the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul.
This is part of the value of commissioning original works of course -- including no copyright concerns -- and it is praiseworthy (though certainly not surprising) that the Fraternity of St. Peter exhibited the vision to go this route; all too often in our own day and age, we tend to neglect the creation of new works of art in favour of past one's, often simply for reasons of expediency. Obviously we do not want to neglect these treasured works from our past of course, but in so doing, we should never forget the goal of contributing our own 'voices' to our rich patrimony of ecclesiastical art.
(Above: The artist completing details of the Latin text found on the building in the background)
This particular painting struck me for reason not only that it depicts Ss. Peter and Paul, two of the most important apostles of course, but also because of the particular 'Romanitas' which characterizes the painting generally.
In the first instance, our two saints are shown here holding a symbolic image of the Church, and not just any image of a church, but rather Old St. Peter's itself -- the original Roman basilica erected by the Emperor Constantine over the site of St. Peter's tomb, near the spot where he was martyred.
Secondly, around and behind the apostles we find classical Roman architectural elements -- buildings, columns and so forth -- giving us a sense of the apostles in the heart of the ancient city as it might have appeared to them. This sets both an interesting historical context and is also a potent reminder of just what they and the early Church more generally were up against at that time -- a seemingly indomitable cultural and imperial power.
Roman buildings -- whether in pagan or Christian Rome -- were of course known for their Latin inscriptions, found within the friezes of their buildings, and here we see the inclusion of the Latin text in the frieze located behind the apostles:
"QVI SEMINANT IN LACRIMIS IN EXVTATIONE METENT"
This particular text is taken from Psalm 125:5, a psalm that celebrates God's people being released from captivity and translates as, "Those that sow in tears shall reap in joy." Certainly a fitting sentiment to attach to two of the greatest missionary apostles and martyrs of the Church.
It is a truly beautiful and inspiring work, tying us back to the classical world, to the apostles, and to the foundation of the Church as we know it.
For those interested in Armusik's work, we'd invite you to consider visiting his website or his Facebook page or whatever social media platform you prefer.
