St. Peter and St. John Healing the Cripple, from The Engraved Passion is a masterful print created by Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471-1528) in 1513. This complex image, executed as an engraving in black on ivory laid paper, forms a key component of Dürer’s influential series, The Engraved Passion, a devotional cycle designed for wide distribution across Europe.
The work illustrates the biblical account from the Book of Acts, focusing on the moment the apostles encounter a man lame from birth begging at the gate of the Temple. Peter, standing prominently with his hand outstretched, pronounces the healing words, while the cripple, startled, begins to rise. Dürer’s compositional skill is evident in the dynamic tension between the figures and the detailed, classical architecture that frames the miracle. The precise technique of engraving allows the artist to achieve remarkable contrasts and textural depth, demonstrating his dominance within German Renaissance printmaking.
Produced during the pinnacle of Dürer's career, the level of detail and expressive intensity ensured these prints became highly sought after, establishing new standards for graphic arts in Germany and beyond. The technical sophistication of this 1513 work helped cement the artist’s legacy, influencing generations of printmakers. The enduring historical significance of the image means it is preserved within the esteemed collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. High-quality reproductions of this masterwork are often made available through public domain initiatives for academic study and appreciation.
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