Who painted Saint Peter Finding the Tribute Money?

Saint Peter Finding the Tribute Money was painted by Peter Paul Rubens in 1617.

Where can I see Saint Peter Finding the Tribute Money?

Saint Peter Finding the Tribute Money is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

What movement is Saint Peter Finding the Tribute Money?

Saint Peter Finding the Tribute Money is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Can I buy a print of Saint Peter Finding the Tribute Money?

Museum-quality prints of Saint Peter Finding the Tribute Money are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Saint Peter Finding the Tribute Money

Peter Paul Rubens , 1617

Saint Peter Finding the Tribute Money is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1617 by the Flemish painter and diplomat Peter Paul Rubens, this oil on canvas illustrates a biblical episode in which Saint Peter recovers a coin from a fish’s mouth to satisfy a tax demand. The work exemplifies the dramatic flair and rich coloration typical of the Flemish Baroque period and is part of the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures the moment described in the Acts of the Apostles when Roman authorities demand tribute. Peter, depicted in a vivid red cloak, extracts a small, shining coin from the open mouth of a fish, symbolizing divine provision and the early Church’s relationship to civic obligations.

Technique & Style

Rubens employs a dynamic composition, arranging figures in a semi‑circular cluster along a rocky shoreline under a clear sky. The use of strong chiaroscuro highlights the red garment and the glint of the coin, while the textured brushwork renders the roughness of the fishermen’s bearded faces and the scattered shells.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the painting has remained in the public domain, eventually entering the holdings of the National Gallery of Ireland. Its provenance reflects the artist’s reputation as both a court painter and a diplomat, ensuring the work’s preservation within a major national collection.

Context

Rubens painted this work during a period when religious narratives were frequently employed to convey moral lessons and reinforce the authority of the Catholic Church. The depiction of a humble fisherman performing a miraculous act aligns with Counter‑Reformation themes of faith and divine assistance.