Heiligen Petrus en Johannes genezen een lamme 1513 - 1540

Parmigianino made this pen and wash drawing depicting Saint Peter and John healing the lame, sometime in the 1520s or 30s. This image demonstrates a moment from the Acts of the Apostles. In the early 16th century, the Catholic Church was still the primary patron for the arts, meaning the imagery was predominantly religious. The Reformation was in full swing, so this drawing is a window into how artists at the time were engaging with traditional religious narratives amidst religious and social upheaval. It’s interesting to consider how Parmigianino used the visual language of the High Renaissance to convey themes of faith and healing. The architecture, the poses, the classical allusions, and the artist's overall style, place the work firmly within the cultural and artistic norms of the time. Yet, the drawing also conveys a sense of emotional intensity and spirituality. Studying Parmigianino’s personal history, along with the broader cultural context, provides deeper insight into the significance of this drawing. His work shows how religious narratives were interpreted and adapted within specific historical moments.