Peter and John Healing the Cripple at the Gate of the Temple

Peter and John Healing the Cripple at the Gate of the Temple is a significant engraving created by Albrecht Dürer in 1512. This powerful print captures the biblical moment detailed in the Acts of the Apostles, where the two apostles perform their first major miracle by healing a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Dürer's mastery of the copper plate is evident in the intricate detail and rich texture achieved through dense, fine line work, showcasing the technical peak of Renaissance printmaking in Germany.

The composition is meticulously structured, drawing the viewer's eye to the central interaction between Peter, who gestures commandingly, and the supplicant, whose body language conveys surprise and immediate relief. Dürer renders the monumental architecture of the temple gate with classical precision, utilizing sophisticated techniques of perspective to contrast the weighty physical reality of the setting with the miraculous action taking place. This emphasis on idealized human form, proportional architecture, and narrative drama illustrates the profound influence of the Italian Renaissance on German artistic production during the early 16th century.

As one of the most prolific and celebrated printmakers in history, Dürer’s religious engravings were widely disseminated across Europe, making them essential references for succeeding generations of artists. This particular impression of Peter and John Healing the Cripple at the Gate of the Temple is held in the distinguished collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Due to its age and cultural importance, high-resolution prints of this historical work are often available through public domain initiatives, ensuring widespread access to the master’s pioneering technique.