Petrus preekt in Jeruzalem 1608

Ugo da Carpi created this chiaroscuro woodcut, Petrus preekt in Jeruzalem, sometime between 1480 and 1532. This print transports us to a pivotal moment in early Christian history, capturing the intensity of Peter's sermon in Jerusalem. In this period the social fabric of Europe was being reshaped by religious reform and political upheaval. Da Carpi, an Italian artist, skillfully uses light and shadow to depict a scene filled with emotion. Notice the expressions of the figures gathered around Peter. What do you see in their faces? Da Carpi invites us to reflect on the power of belief. It's about how faith can unite people across different social strata. Ultimately, Da Carpi's print not only illustrates a biblical narrative but also prompts us to consider how stories shape our identities and our collective memory.