José Antolínez (1635-1675) was a Spanish painter known for his theatrical religious scenes. Here he shows Saint Peter being crucified on the orders of emperor Nero, referred to by the guard on horseback who holds the imperial banner. Peter asked to be crucified head-down, deeming himself unworthy to suffer in the same manner as Christ. Antolinez sets the scene in a developed landscape, teemed with onlookers.