Saint Peter Released from Prison 1600 - 1700

This is an anonymous print of 'Saint Peter Released from Prison', rendered in reddish-brown ink on paper. The scene is dominated by the figure of Saint Peter, who appears startled yet hopeful. The artist uses line and form to create a dramatic contrast between the saint and his surroundings. The composition is structured to draw your eye upward, from the sleeping guards to the angel gesturing towards freedom. The use of a single hue unifies the composition, yet subtle variations in tone create depth and texture. Note how the lines etching the stone walls are sharply defined to highlight the confinement, in opposition to the soft rendering of the angel's body and wings. This contrast emphasizes the divine intervention breaking through the physical constraints, a visual manifestation of the liberation narrative. The dynamic lines and strategic use of light and shadow convey the disruption of the prison's static environment by a higher power. This print is not just an illustration of a biblical event, but a study in how form can embody themes of deliverance and spiritual awakening.