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

Saint Peter and Saint John Healing a Cripple at the Gate of the Temple is a significant engraving on laid paper created by Albrecht Dürer in 1513. This work exemplifies the height of the German Renaissance, showcasing Dürer’s unparalleled technical skill in printmaking during the period spanning 1501 to 1550.

The subject is drawn directly from the Acts of the Apostles (3:1-10), depicting the moment the Apostles Peter and John encounter a man lame since birth who begged for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. Instead of silver or gold, Peter offers healing, proclaiming, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Dürer focuses keenly on the physical and spiritual drama, contrasting the robust standing figures of the apostles with the contorted, pleading figure of the cripple. The architectural setting provides a backdrop of classical stability, emphasizing the transformative power of the miracle taking place.

As a master of the burin, Dürer utilized the technique of engraving to achieve astonishing levels of detail and complex textures. The meticulous cross-hatching and varied line work define the figures’ musculature, the folds of drapery, and the strong contrast between light and shadow. Produced within the vibrant cultural environment of German artistic production, this piece demonstrates the artist’s contribution to elevating prints from mere commercial illustrations into highly sophisticated works of art worthy of serious collection.

Dürer was instrumental in refining the production and distribution of graphic art across Europe. The technical perfection and intellectual depth of this composition make Saint Peter and Saint John Healing a Cripple at the Gate of the Temple a cornerstone of early 16th-century printmaking. This notable impression of the work currently resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Due to its age and historical importance, this masterpiece is often considered part of the public domain, encouraging widespread study of Dürer’s enduring legacy.