Saint Peter c. 1450 - 1460

This engraving of Saint Peter by Master ES, made around the mid-15th century, presents us with a figure laden with symbols. Peter holds the keys to Heaven, a visual metaphor for his divine authority to permit entry into paradise. He also carries a book, signifying wisdom, and a scroll with the words "Credo in deum patrem omnipotentem creatorem celi et terre," a declaration of faith. The keys, a potent emblem of power, are not unique to Peter. We see similar symbols in ancient Near Eastern art, where gods and rulers are depicted with keys, representing dominion over earthly and spiritual realms. The scepter and key of Osiris from ancient Egypt echo through time, resurfacing in Christian iconography, subtly altered but still resonating with that primal sense of authority. Consider how the image affects us subconsciously. The keys evoke a sense of yearning for salvation. This symbol of access and exclusion creates a powerful tension, tapping into deep-seated fears and desires. It’s a cultural memory passed down through generations, evolving yet retaining its core meaning. The echoes of these symbols remind us that art is not created in a vacuum. It is a continuous dialogue across time, forever transforming yet forever connected.