St. Peter and St. John Curing the Lame Man 1510 - 1563

Andrea Schiavone created this print, "St. Peter and St. John Curing the Lame Man," sometime in the mid-16th century. Schiavone, working in Venice, was part of a generation of artists who navigated a complex social hierarchy in the Republic. This print depicts a scene from the Acts of the Apostles, where Peter and John heal a man crippled from birth. The lame man's posture—kneeling, almost begging—highlights the power dynamics inherent in acts of charity and faith. Consider how this narrative might have resonated in a society marked by significant disparities in wealth and health. The act of healing could be seen not just as a divine miracle, but as a commentary on social responsibility, of who is responsible for the well-being of the most vulnerable. Schiavone, through his art, participates in a larger cultural dialogue about the roles of faith, power, and community in addressing human suffering. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to confront and alleviate the physical and social ailments that affect us all.