Christ presents Peter for the keyes 1603 - 1656

This engraving by Cornelis Danckerts, captures the pivotal moment of Christ entrusting Peter with the keys. These keys, prominently displayed, are not mere objects; they are potent symbols of authority and divine sanction, echoing back to ancient Roman traditions where keys signified power over households and cities. Notice how the open book displays the passage “Petre amas me… pasce oves meas”, referencing Jesus asking Peter three times if he loves him, then commanding him to feed his sheep. This connects to the recurring motif of the shepherd, a leader caring for his flock, seen across cultures from ancient Egypt to the classical world. Christ’s gesture, bestowing the keys, resonates with the 'adlocutio' gesture, the address of power, seen in Roman imperial imagery. It’s as if these ancient symbols re-emerge, adapted, imbued with new theological weight. The emotional weight of this scene, the gravity of Peter’s acceptance, touches something primal within us, a deeply rooted understanding of duty. It’s this cyclical return of symbols that reveals the complex tapestry of human history, echoing through time.