Abschied der Apostel Petrus und Paulus vor ihrem Martertod (before 1767)

We are privileged to display Franz Anton Maulbertsch's poignant painting, "Abschied der Apostel Petrus und Paulus vor ihrem Martertod" (The Farewell of the Apostles Peter and Paul before Their Martyrdom), painted before 1767. This masterful work captures a deeply moving scene from Christian history, depicting the moment before the martyrdom of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.In the painting, the two saints are at the center, embracing in a final, tearful goodbye, surrounded by turmoil and the oppressive figures of their captors. The vibrant colors used for their clothing—a rich yellow and a deep red—highlight their central figures against the darker, murkier background, drawing the viewers' eyes directly to their emotional farewell. The ground is littered with symbolic elements, like broken shackles and a book, possibly representing the unstoppable spread of their teachings and the breaking of spiritual bondage.Maulbertsch's use of dramatic lighting intensifies the emotion and highlights the figures' expressive faces, which convey a mix of serenity and sorrow, testament to their faith and steadfastness in the face of death. The background is a chaotic blend of soldiers and spectral images, including an angelic figure, perhaps symbolizing the divine presence and the eventual ascension of their souls.This powerful depiction not only showcases Maulbertsch’s skill with the brush but also serves as a reminder of the spiritual and historical significance of these two pivotal figures in Christian lore.