The Liberation of Saint Peter
Artist
Benjamin Gerritsz. Cuyp
(Dutch, 1612–1652)
Datefirst half of the 1600s
Mediumoil on panel
Dimensions48.7 x 39.7 cm (19 3/16 x 15 5/8 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineAlexander and Caroline Murdock DeWitt Fund
Object number1956.82
Label TextBenjamin Cuyp, uncle of the important landscape artist Aelbert Cuyp, was a native of Dordrecht, where he entered the guild of St. Luke in 1631. Although mentioned as living in The Hague in 1643, he was chiefly active in his native town. His use of light and shadow shows the influence of Rembrandt. However, quite personal are his plebian types, his broad and lively touches, and his color harmonies of brown, yellow and gray.
Cuyp often depicted St. Peter's liberation from prison by an angel (Acts 12:4-8). In his rather coarse way he closely followed the Biblical text without repeating himself. This picture illustrates the passage where the angel says to St. Peter, "Cast thy garments about thee, and follow me," (Acts 12:8). The two soldiers, between whom the saint had been chained, are seen asleep. It is characteristic of Cuyp that he showed them sleeping, with their mouths open. One can almost hear them snore.ProvenanceKunsthaus Lampertz, Cologne, Germany; then sold to the Worcester Art Museum, July 10, 1956.On View
Not on view
