Peter and John Heal a Cripple at the Gate of the Temple 

Editor: Here we have "Peter and John Heal a Cripple at the Gate of the Temple," a Renaissance drawing by Bartholomeus Spranger. It's rendered in pencil and ink on paper, showcasing a scene teeming with dynamic figures. The initial impression I get is one of intense action and maybe even some violence. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It’s more important now than ever to recognize how images like this participated in the construction of power. Look closely: what kind of power do you think Spranger is trying to represent here? I'm seeing figures in positions of authority and others appearing vulnerable. These contrasts are not accidental. Editor: I guess the able-bodied figures over the fallen one shows that imbalance of power? Curator: Precisely. Think about the narrative itself: a miracle of healing. Who has the power to heal? The scene depicts a display of divine or perhaps "holy" authority but it does more than that. This authority is exerted over those deemed less powerful. We should think about how the themes of religion and class are intertwined here. How might that historical power dynamic relate to contemporary discussions about access, privilege, and representation in both religious contexts and larger society? Editor: I hadn't considered how that plays out in our current situation. So looking at historical artwork critically makes you think of current themes of power? Curator: Yes, because we can trace the line between then and now and think critically about who benefits, even in a seemingly religious artwork, and what it means for how we perceive power today. Editor: I will definitely think more deeply about social contexts. Curator: Great, this will enhance your learning experiences.