H. Petrus c. 1596 - 1652

Zacharias Dolendo created this engraving of Saint Peter, sometime around the turn of the 17th century, a period marked by significant religious and political tension in Europe. Dolendo, working in the Netherlands, a region then deeply divided by the Reformation, presents Peter, holding the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, as a figure of authority. This image emphasizes Peter's role as the first Pope and a symbol of the Catholic Church's power. But consider the context: the Netherlands was fighting for independence from Catholic Spain. The choice to depict Peter in such a traditional, idealized manner could be seen as either a statement of faith, or perhaps a reflection of the artist’s positioning within a society grappling with religious identity. How does this image of Saint Peter, laden with historical and religious weight, resonate in a world constantly redefining its spiritual and political landscapes?