St Peter Escapes with the Angel, from 'The Liberation of Saint Peter' in the Stanza d'Eliodoro 1514

Raphael painted 'St Peter Escapes with the Angel' in the early 16th century as part of the Stanza d'Eliodoro frescoes. The composition is structured by a strong contrast between light and shadow. The angel and Saint Peter are bathed in a divine light, creating a sense of ethereal presence. The fallen guards in the foreground add a dimension to the scene. Their poses and armour reflect a very different reality from the state of grace that surrounds the other figures. Raphael uses light not just to illuminate, but to create a visual hierarchy. It directs our attention, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event. The artwork is organized around a play of oppositions: freedom versus imprisonment, divine light versus earthly darkness. These are not merely aesthetic choices but reflect a deeper engagement with theological ideas. By focusing on light and composition, Raphael delivers a meditation on the triumph of faith.