Release of St. Peter from prison (Acts 12:5-8)

Release of St. Peter from prison (Acts 12:5-8)

Benjamin Gerritsz Cuyp

1642

oil

From the collection of National Museum in Warsaw

About this work

The painting depicts a scene of St. Peter being released from prison by an angel. The angel, dressed in white, is shown leading St. Peter out of the prison, while the guards are asleep. The scene is set in a dark and moody environment, with the only light coming from a small window in the background. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark, creates a sense of drama and tension in the scene. The artist's use of this technique adds depth and emotion to the painting, drawing the viewer's attention to the central figures of St. Peter and the angel. This painting is a great example of the use of chiaroscuro, a technique that was popular during the Baroque period.

More by Benjamin Gerritsz Cuyp

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app