Artwork

The liberation of saint Peter

The liberation of saint Peter, by Giovanni Do, oil, 1736
The liberation of saint Peter, by Giovanni Do, oil, 1736

The liberation of saint Peter is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Giovanni Do. It dates from 1736 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

The Liberation of Saint Peter is a painting executed in oil on canvas by Giovanni Domenico Ferretti in 1736, now held at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts the miraculous release of Saint Peter from prison, as an angel descends to free him, symbolized by the broken chain and lock at their feet.

Technique & Style

Ferretti employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth and volume, with the angel and Saint Peter illuminated against a darker background.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Giovanni Do

Artist

Giovanni Do

Giovanni Domenico Ferretti (Giandomenico), also called Giandomenico d'Imola (15 June 1692 – 18 August 1768), was an Italian Rococo style painter from Florence.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Gemäldegalerie Berlin open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.