Saint Peter 

Ambrogio Bergognone painted this representation of Saint Peter in Italy, sometime in the late 15th or early 16th century. It reflects the religious and institutional importance of the Catholic Church at that time. Here, Peter is shown holding the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, a direct reference to Christ’s declaration that Peter would be the “rock” upon which the church would be built. It visually emphasizes the Pope's authority as Peter's successor. This symbolism would have been particularly potent as the papacy was trying to reassert its spiritual and political dominance after challenges from within, and amidst rising criticism that would soon lead to the Protestant Reformation. To fully understand a work like this, the art historian needs to consider not just the artistic techniques and styles, but also the religious, political, and social environment in which it was produced. We need to look at theological texts, political histories, and even the biographies of the artists and patrons involved. It’s in this broader context that the true meaning of a work of art emerges.