Petrus verschijnt aan Ignatius 1610

This engraving, made by Theodoor Galle, shows Saint Peter appearing to Ignatius. Peter, bathed in divine light, floats on clouds, holding a key—a potent symbol of papal authority and spiritual power, derived from Christ’s words to Peter: ‘I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.’ The key as a symbol of authority stretches back through history; consider Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, often depicted with keys, symbolizing his ability to open pathways. The motif resurfaces time and again. We see the key, not just as a tool to unlock physical spaces, but as a metaphor for unlocking knowledge, secrets, and spiritual truths. The ethereal glow enveloping Saint Peter invokes a powerful emotional response, stirring deep-seated beliefs in divine intervention. This reflects a collective yearning for guidance. Such imagery taps into our subconscious, reminding us of the timeless quest for meaning and salvation. The key, therefore, is more than a symbol; it is a cultural touchstone.