Christus geeft Petrus de sleutels c. 1759 - 1782

Antoine Alexandre Joseph Cardon created this print, "Christus geeft Petrus de sleutels," sometime before his death in 1822. The image depicts Christ handing the keys to Heaven to Saint Peter, a symbolic gesture of power and succession. Consider the historical context: Cardon worked during a time of significant social upheaval, including the French Revolution. Religious institutions were powerful, yet increasingly questioned. In terms of identity, this print reinforces the Catholic Church's authority, portraying Peter as the divinely appointed leader. Yet, it also invites reflection on the nature of power itself. Who gets to decide who holds the keys? What does it mean to be granted such authority? This image may evoke feelings of reverence, but I encourage you to also consider the political implications of such a depiction. Does it challenge or uphold existing power structures? How might it have been viewed by those who felt excluded or marginalized by the Church?