Artwork

The Angel Releasing St. Peter from Prison

The Angel Releasing St. Peter from Prison, by Washington Allston, oil
The Angel Releasing St. Peter from Prison, by Washington Allston, oil

The Angel Releasing St. Peter from Prison is an oil painting by Washington Allston. It is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. The Angel Releasing St.

About this work

Overview

The Angel Releasing St. Peter from Prison is an oil painting by Washington Allston, held at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts the biblical scene of an angel freeing St. Peter from prison, conveying a sense of hope and liberation through the figures' expressions and the contrast between light and dark surroundings.

Technique & Style

The artist uses chiaroscuro to emphasize the angel's presence, with a dark background featuring stone walls and archways, while the figures are rendered in more detail, with the angel's white robe and St. Peter's brown robe creating a visual contrast.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Washington Allston

Artist

Washington Allston

American, Georgetown, South Carolina 1779–1843 Cambridgeport, Massachusetts