Artwork

Saint Paul Heals the Lame Man at Lystra

Saint Paul Heals the Lame Man at Lystra, by Philip Galle, ink, 1574
Saint Paul Heals the Lame Man at Lystra, by Philip Galle, ink, 1574

Saint Paul Heals the Lame Man at Lystra is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Philip Galle. It dates from 1574 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Philip Galle’s 1574 engraving portrays the biblical episode from Acts in which the apostle Paul restores the ability to walk of a crippled man in the ancient city of Lystra. Executed as a print, the image presents a central figure with an outstretched arm, surrounded by onlookers reacting to the miraculous event.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures the moment of healing, emphasizing the transformative power attributed to Paul’s ministry. The raised arm and upward gesture suggest divine intervention, while the gathered crowd reflects the astonishment and reverence of witnesses to a biblical miracle.

Technique & Style

Galle employs fine engraving and dense cross‑hatching to model forms and suggest depth. Intricate line work defines the figures, architecture, and a prominent stone column, creating texture and a sense of three‑dimensional space typical of Northern Renaissance printmaking.

History & Provenance

Philip Galle, a Dutch publisher and engraver active in the late sixteenth century, was known for both reproducing works of earlier masters and producing original designs. This print belongs to his output of religious subjects, a genre that circulated widely among collectors and devotional audiences of the period.

Context

The work fits within the broader tradition of Northern Renaissance religious engravings, which sought to disseminate biblical narratives through affordable, reproducible media. Such prints served both didactic and devotional purposes, reinforcing scriptural stories for a growing literate public.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Philip Galle

Artist

Philip Galle

Philip (or Philips) Galle (1537 – March 1612) was a Dutch publisher, best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.