Saint Peter holding keys and an open book, facing left 1745 - 1755

Curator: So, what do you make of this image? It is an engraving of Saint Peter holding keys and an open book, dating back to 1745-1755 and created by Joachim Leonardo da Rocha. Editor: He looks a bit lost, doesn't he? Kind of… uncertain about the whole 'keys to heaven' gig. The light isn't exactly uplifting either, all scratchy and nervous. But there's a real presence here. A quiet authority simmering under that beard. Curator: Precisely! Observe the composition—the Saint's figure dominates, grounded, yet consider the contrast inherent within. The hatching creates a strong tonal range and evokes a sense of monumentality while it maintains the relatively small dimensions specific to printed materials. We have the symbolic weight of Peter, the literal weight of the keys. Editor: It's like he's carrying the weight of the world in those hands – keys and book both. You know, he looks as though he's trying to remember what door they open. Almost a "Where did I put my glasses?" vibe...for Saint Peter! But perhaps this captures the essence of humanity, its flaws even in the face of sainthood? Curator: Indeed. Rocha captures this psychological complexity with technical virtuosity. The varying depths of the incised lines lend significant volume to Peter, as his slightly stooped posture emphasizes his mortality. This element transforms his keys—metonymic signifiers of papal power—into symbols of the earthly responsibilities bestowed on him by Christ. Note the details and consider what function they fulfil structurally in establishing perspective, and in defining meaning via the conventions of history-painting? Editor: Well, those enormous keys certainly draw the eye. They are really big aren't they? The etching emphasises the tactile aspect of the print—you can almost feel the texture. Even though it’s an old master style, there’s a certain boldness, a directness about it that keeps it feeling… human. It is so different from, say, the polished drama of a Bernini. It's like, even saints get the blues. Curator: An astute reading. And indeed, reflecting on Rocha's work and what has been highlighted through your viewpoint, one gains a renewed understanding of artistic expression. Editor: It is like a snapshot of divinity. Perhaps, now, someone ought to pen a musical on Saint Peter: "Keys to the Kingdom... and where to find them".