St Peter and St John healing the lame man at the gate of the temple

Engraving, 1550-60, inscribed lower left 'rafael invenctor' in centre 'dominicus v'. After Raphael. First state, of two, before Giacomo Lauro’s publisher address.

Good impression, printed on contemporary laid paper, with "anchor in a circle" watermark, just worn on the left, otherwise in very good condition.

This print, published by Domenico Vitus, is a copy in reverse of an etching by Giovanni Battista Franco, based on the composition of Raphael's for one of the cartoons commissioned by Pope Leo X for tapestries in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Palace.

The composition was also etched by Parmigianino.

The Healing of the Lame Man refers to Peters first miracle among the Jews. Raphael's composition shows Peter, centre-stage, grasping the arm of a lame man who he orders to rise and walk. The man is instantly cured and is able to walk again. Next to Peter is the figure of John the Evangelist who looks on and is witness to this miracle. The columns of a Temple dissect the scene and on each side women, who have given birth to male children, come to purify themselves.

A very rare work, non listed in the repertories.