Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606 – 1669

St. Peter Kneeling

oil on canvas (59 × 48 cm) — 1631 Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn biography

This work is linked to Acts 12:5

This depiction of a kneeling Saint Peter is usually interpreted as showing Saint Peter in prison.

When king Herod had St. James killed, he noticed that it pleased the Jewish population. He therefore had his men put Peter in prison.

Peter is easily identified by the keys next to him. They symbolize the keys of the Kingdom in Heaven that Christ had given him.

Rembrandt displays Peter as an old man with a lined face and the rough hands of a fisherman.

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