St. Peter Freed by an Angel 1639

Jusepe de Ribera's 1639 painting "St. Peter Freed by an Angel" depicts the biblical story of Saint Peter's miraculous escape from prison. In this dramatic scene, a radiant angel frees Saint Peter from his chains while the saint, startled and astonished, looks on. The painting, created in a dynamic Baroque style with strong chiaroscuro effects, is a powerful testament to Ribera's skill in capturing both the spiritual and the physical. The dramatic lighting, the vibrant colors, and the energetic composition all contribute to the painting's powerful impact, making it one of Ribera's most celebrated works. "St. Peter Freed by an Angel" is a popular work of art that has been praised for its intense realism and emotive portrayal of the biblical story.