“St. Peter And St. John Healing The Cripple” is an engraving created by the artist Albrecht Dürer in 1513. This religious work is part of the Northern Renaissance art movement, and it is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork vividly illustrates the biblical account of the apostles Peter and John miraculously healing a cripple at the entrance of the temple, an event described in the Acts of the Apostles. We can see the two saints at the center of the composition, their faces filled with earnest expressions as they attend to the disabled man. The cripple is depicted with remarkable detail, his body contorted, suggesting the severity of his condition as he looks up to the apostles in expectation of a miracle. He is shown on the right-hand side, extending his arms in a pleading gesture.
The scene is set against an architectural backdrop that contributes to the sense of depth and space. Each figure is intricately detailed, showcasing Dürer’s mastery of the engraving medium and his ability to convey texture, form, and emotion. The use of light and shadow further accentuates the drama and intensity of the moment. Characters in the background, dressed in period attire, look on in curiosity, adding to the narrative unfolding within the frame. Dürer’s work demonstrates not only religious devotion but also a deep understanding of human anatomy and expression, typical of the Northern Renaissance’s focus on realism and attention to detail.
