Portret van Leo X 1701

This engraving by Romeyn de Hooghe portrays Leo X, and immediately, our eyes are drawn to the keys he holds – a potent symbol of papal authority, derived from Christ's words to Peter, promising him the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. We find this symbol in countless depictions of popes throughout the ages. Consider how the early church fathers adopted Roman symbols of power, subtly transforming them to assert spiritual dominance. The keys, therefore, are not merely objects; they are charged with centuries of accumulated meaning. But let us venture further back. The key as a symbol of power predates Christianity, appearing in ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian art as an attribute of gods and rulers. This transference of power speaks to a deep human desire for order, control, and access to the divine. This visual language is ingrained in our collective psyche. These enduring symbols resonate, stirring emotions tied to our shared cultural memory.