The Liberation of Peter 1618

Gerard van Honthorst's "The Liberation of Peter" (1618) depicts the biblical story of Saint Peter's miraculous escape from prison. The painting showcases Honthorst's mastery of chiaroscuro, with dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, a characteristic of the Dutch Baroque. The scene is set in a dimly lit prison cell, with a single ray of light illuminating the angel who is freeing Peter from his chains. The angel's glowing figure, with its feathery wings, contrasts starkly with Peter's bewildered expression, creating a sense of awe and wonder. Honthorst's use of tenebrism, a style popularized by Caravaggio, heightens the drama and emotion of this religious scene.