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

Peter and John Healing the Cripple at the Gate of the Temple by Rembrandt (Rembrandt van Rijn), dated 1659, is a monumental example of the artist's mastery in printmaking. This particular impression is the fifth of six documented states, showcasing Rembrandt’s intensive and innovative experimentation with intaglio techniques during the Dutch Golden Age. The work combines traditional etching with the nuanced, velvety tones achieved through drypoint, the precise sharpness of the burin, and the rich, subtle shading offered by the early incorporation of mezzotint. The intricate combination of these methods allows for an extraordinary depth of shadow and light, underscoring the spiritual gravity of the subject matter.

The narrative depicts the event recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 3:1-10) where Saint Peter, accompanied by Saint John the Baptist, encounters a man "lame from his mother's womb" begging for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Instead of money, Peter offers healing, declaring the power of Christ. Rembrandt meticulously renders the interaction between the devout apostles and the suffering man, contrasting their humility with the powerful, looming architectural setting. The imposing Temple Gates frame the scene, emphasizing the moment of transition from physical desperation to miraculous cure.

Rembrandt's dedication to varying darknesses through plate manipulation makes this large-scale print one of his most complex late-period works. The careful placement of light directs the viewer’s focus immediately to the hands of the central figures as the miracle begins. This exemplary piece resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and serves as a key reference for studying 17th-century European prints. As a historical masterpiece, high-resolution reproductions of this work are often available through the public domain for scholarly and educational use.