# Prison Interior with Sleeping Guards [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [STEENWIJK, Hendrick van the Younger]() - Date: 1601-1650 - Technique: Oil on copper, 35 x 41 cm ## Commentary Prison Interior with Sleeping Guards c. 1627 Oil on copper, 35 x 41 cm Private collection Prison scenes such as this were particularly favoured by Hendrick van Steenwijk the Younger, and like church interiors, they offered an opportunity for the artist to flaunt his talent for architectural depiction. To the 17th century viewer, however, the scenes had additional connotations, often signifying the Liberation of Saint Peter. In this painting the viewer is forced to peer into the impenetrable darkness to discern two figures, possibly the apostle and his companion, making their escape beyond. Set at night, within the cavernous depths of a Roman prison, the scene allowed the artist to display his mastery of perspective, with the additional challenge of minimal light. ## Related artworks - [Interior of a Church with a Family in the Foreground]() - [Interior of a Gothic Church]() - [Italian Palace]() - [The Liberation of St Peter]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()