The Liberation of Saint Peter

The Liberation of Saint Peter shows the apostle's miraculous escape from prison, guided by an angel. Raphael painted this fresco around 1514 in the Stanza di Eliodoro. The composition is notable for its sophisticated treatment of three different light sources.

Moonlight illuminates the scene on the left. The angel's divine radiance glows in the center. Torchlight flickers on the right where guards awaken. Raphael painted this night scene to demonstrate his mastery of chiaroscuro, the dramatic contrast of light and dark. The subject complemented papal politics: Pope Julius II, who commissioned the room, was the successor of Saint Peter. The fresco remains in the Vatican Museums.