Liberation of St Peter

This picture was painted just after Caracciolo came back from Rome and is his definite masterpiece. It is also one of the most fascinating and original interpretations of Caravaggio’s style. Of particular note is the splendidly classical figure of the angel who is about to take the hand of the frightened St Peter. Caracciolo understood Caravaggio’s art probably better than any other Caravaggist painter.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 21 minutes):

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Missa Brevis (Tu es Petrus)