Claude Vignon (Tours 1593-1670 Paris)

Steinberg acquired this drawing in the mid-1960s in the Portobello Road, London where it was in a mount carrying an attribution to Guercino. Steinberg later found an etching with the exact dimensions and nearly exact composition in reverse (there are some variations in the folds of drapery) in the British Museum printroom. The incised contours, squaring in red chalk, and verso blackened for transfer support Steinberg's initial conclusion that this drawing was preparatory for the print. The Penitent Saint Peter is one of the few compositions both drawn and etched by Vignon.
One impression includes an inscription 'C. Vignon Invent. Pinxit et sculpsit F. L'anglois alias Ciartres excud./Cum. Privil. Regis Christianis.' By including the mention of the Royal Priviledge, Vignon was emphasizing the importance of this composition. While the artist did paint and engrave this subject several times (Pacht Bassani, op. cit., pp. 240-41, no. 100; pp. 496-97, no. 536; p. 548, nos. MC 99, MC 102), no painting by Vignon based on this composition is documented.