1574
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Apostles Delivered from Prison by an Angel is a 1574 ink by Philip Galle, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a dramatic nighttime scene. In the center, an angel stands between a group of robed men, pointing toward an open prison door. The men look shocked, some covering their faces. Around them, soldiers lie asleep on the ground, weapons scattered. In the background, a building with columns and steps shows more figures, some fleeing. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth and movement. Notice how the angel’s gesture draws the apostles’ eyes toward the open door, making it feel like they’re about to escape. Want to see more like this? Look up engraving to learn how artists use lines to tell stories.
Philip (or Philips) Galle (1537 – March 1612) was a Dutch publisher, best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.
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