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St Paul Healing the Cripple at Lystra by Karel Dujardin

Karel Dujardin · 1663-01-01

Karel Dujardin's St Paul Healing the Cripple at Lystra (1663) is a striking oil painting from the Rijksmuseum. This work illustrates the dramatic biblical moment when Saint Paul miraculously restores a lame man's ability to walk.

Observe how Saint Paul extends his hand, commanding the crippled man to rise. Notice the discarded crutches, symbols of his former affliction, and the intense expressions on the faces of the witnesses.

Though Dujardin is often known for Italianate landscapes, this piece showcases his skill in religious genre. The dramatic chiaroscuro and classical architectural elements lend solemnity to the narrative, drawing viewers into the scene's emotional core.

The painting captures not just the miracle, but the profound human reactions to the divine.

Details

Saint Paul commands a lame man to rise.
Saint Paul commands a lame man to rise.
The man's crutches lie abandoned.
The man's crutches lie abandoned.
Light falls on this praying woman's face.
Light falls on this praying woman's face.
Look at the man with the red headband.
Look at the man with the red headband.
Transcript

This painting shows a powerful biblical moment. Saint Paul commands a lame man to rise. The man's crutches lie abandoned. Light falls on this praying woman's face. Look at the man with the red headband. His open mouth shows pure astonishment. This woman reaches out her hand. She seems to offer a coin.