Abschied der Apostel Petrus und Paulus vor ihrem Martertod

Art Historical Context

In the Belvedere Collection in Vienna, Franz Anton Maulbertsch's *Abschied der Apostel Petrus und Paulus vor ihrem Martertod* (Farewell of the Apostles Peter and Paul Before Their Martyrdom), painted in oil on canvas before 1767, captures a poignant biblical moment. This compact work, measuring just 45 x 32 cm, depicts the apostles' emotional parting in Rome shortly before their executions—Peter's upside-down crucifixion and Paul's beheading—drawing from early Christian tradition as described in the apocryphal *Acts of Peter and Paul*. Maulbertsch, a leading Austrian painter of the late Baroque and Rococo periods (1724–1796), infuses the scene with dramatic tension, a hallmark of his style influenced by Venetian masters like Tiepolo. Maulbertsch's virtuoso brushwork shines in this intimate format, likely a preparatory sketch (bozzetto) for a larger altarpiece or fresco, common in his oeuvre of religious commissions across Central Europe. His use of swirling drapery, expressive gestures, and luminous chiaroscuro heightens the pathos, evoking the apostles' brotherhood amid impending sacrifice. The oil medium allows for rich impasto and glowing highlights, emphasizing spiritual fervor over realism. Housed in the prestigious Belvedere, this gem underscores Maulbertsch's role in bridging Baroque grandeur with Rococo elegance, offering visitors a window into 18th-century Catholic devotion and the enduring power of martyrdom narratives in art.

About the Artist

Franz Anton Maulbertsch · 1724–1796

Comment on works: Allegory; Portraits; Religious