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Secondary sourcePainting1628

Two Old Men Disputing

Rembrandt · 1628

Rembrandt's 1628 painting likely shows Peter and Paul in theological debate, recalling their disagreement described in Galatians.

Likely shows Paul disputing with Peter, recalling their recorded disagreement at Antioch.

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Painting of two elderly bearded men in a dim study. The man on the left, in a brown-gold robe, leans forward holding an open book. The man on the right, in white and dark clothing, gestures toward him. A globe, open books, and a draped table are visible in the shadowy room.
Rembrandt, Two Old Men Disputing, 1628. National Gallery of Victoria.

About this source

What it is

This 1628 painting by Rembrandt depicts two elderly bearded men in a study, one leaning forward with an open book and the other gesturing in response. It is held by the National Gallery of Victoria.

Why it matters

The painting is understood to recall the dispute between Peter and Paul at Antioch described in the Bible (Galatians 2), where the two apostles disagreed over practice within the early church. It shows how artists used biblical scenes to explore themes of debate, conviction, and wisdom.

Look closer

  • What gestures and objects suggest these men are arguing or discussing ideas?
  • Why might Rembrandt have chosen to show two old men rather than young ones?
  • What does the setting, with its books and globe, tell you about the subject of their discussion?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Saint Paul on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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