Petrus en Johannes bij de tempelpoort

Petrus en Johannes bij de tempelpoort is an important early work by Rembrandt van Rijn, executed in 1629. This detailed print, rendered on paper, dates from the period when the artist was establishing his mastery of etching techniques while working in Leiden. The work depicts the biblical scene from the Book of Acts 3, where the Apostles Peter and John encounter a man lame since birth begging at the entrance to the Temple, an event that culminates in a miraculous healing.

Rijn’s treatment of this sacred event is dramatic, utilizing strong contrasts of light and shadow that are characteristic of his developing style. The composition centers intensely on the interaction between the two devout apostles and the supplicant figure, highlighting the physical and spiritual transformation taking place through faith. This early exploration in the print medium allowed Rijn to experiment with the expressive potential of line and darkness, creating an atmosphere of intense focus and narrative clarity.

Created when the artist was only 23, the work offers insight into Rijn's formative years as he began to command the technical difficulties inherent in producing complex prints. The meticulous detail and emotional intensity made such paper works highly sought after by collectors of the Dutch Golden Age. As a significant example of religious iconography, the original impression of this piece is held within the esteemed collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Due to its age and historical status, high-quality images of this artwork are frequently accessible through public domain collections, allowing wide study of Petrus en Johannes bij de tempelpoort.