Saint Peter c. 17th century

Curator: This is "Saint Peter" by Nicolas Ryckemans, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Look at the detail Ryckemans achieved! Editor: He looks so somber, almost burdened, doesn't he? Like he's carrying the weight of those keys, and maybe all our sins too. Curator: Absolutely. The keys are a potent symbol, representing Peter's role as the gatekeeper of Heaven, entrusted with divine authority. The text above seems to confirm the apostolic faith. Editor: It's interesting how the halo is so faint. Almost questioning the man himself. Maybe it's about the human struggle, the earthly side of even the holiest figures. Curator: Precisely. Ryckemans captures that tension beautifully. Editor: Yes, it's a reminder that faith, like art, is about exploration and interpretation, not just blind acceptance.