Peter and John at the Temple

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Michel Lasne’s “Peter and John at the Temple,” created around 1650, captures a pivotal moment from the of the Apostles. In this biblical scene, the apostles Peter and John approach the gate of the Temple in Jerusalem, where they encounter a man who has been lame since birth. The print invites viewers to reflect on themes of faith, healing, and compassion that resonated deeply with 17th-century audiences. As a French printmaker active during the Baroque period, Lasne worked in an era when prints served as an important medium for sharing religious stories beyond the walls of churches and palaces. Engravings and etchings like this one allowed images to circulate widely, reaching people who might never see the original paintings they often reproduced. The crisp lines and careful shading typical of the medium highlight the dramatic encounter while making the narrative accessible to a broader public. Housed today in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, this work reminds us of printmaking’s enduring role in preserving and disseminating cultural and spiritual heritage across centuries.