Jesus appoints Peter as keeper of the keys to heaven; angels stand by. Engraving by G. Pasqualini after G.F. Barbieri, il Guercino. (2024)

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Jesus appoints Peter as keeper of the keys to heaven; angels stand by. Engraving by G. Pasqualini after G.F. Barbieri, il Guercino. (1)

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Credit

Jesus appoints Peter as keeper of the keys to heaven; angels stand by. Engraving by G. Pasqualini after G.F. Barbieri, il Guercino. Wellcome Collection. Public Domain Mark. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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About this work

Also known as

Christ's charge to Peter

Description

Bible. N.T. Matthew 16.18-19. Peter holds a key in each hand (one for heaven and one for earth). Jesus directs him towards a chair, beside which stand two angels, one with a crown, another crossing his arms; this latter has a jewel pinning together his robes. To the right two men appear to be engaged in disputation. In the bottom-right hand corner there is a coat of arms bearing an eagle and a crown, above which is another larger crown

Publication/Creation

1600-1699

Physical description

1 print : line engraving ; image 49.1 x 31.4 cm

Lettering

All. ill.mo sig.re.mio sig.r.e prōn colend.mo il s.r Francesco Gilioli marchese della Serra Conte di Saravalle e Trignano, e abbate meritissimo. Gio. Batista Pasqualino da Cento D.D. GF.o da Cento inv. Sup.ri licenza

Reference

Wellcome Collection 22612i

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess

    Closed stores

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I'm an expert in art history, particularly focusing on religious iconography and engravings from the 17th century. My knowledge encompasses various artists and their works during this period. Now, let's delve into the details of the engraving you've shared.

The engraving you provided is a remarkable piece of religious art created by G. Pasqualini after G.F. Barbieri, also known as il Guercino. This work is based on a biblical scene from the New Testament, specifically Matthew 16:18-19, depicting the moment when Jesus appoints Peter as the keeper of the keys to heaven.

In the engraving, Peter is portrayed holding a key in each hand, symbolizing his authority over both heaven and earth. Jesus is seen directing Peter towards a chair, and two angels stand beside it. One of the angels holds a crown, while the other crosses his arms. Notably, the angel with crossed arms has a jewel pinning together his robes. In the background, two men seem to be engaged in disputation, adding an intriguing layer to the composition.

The bottom-right corner of the engraving features a coat of arms bearing an eagle and a crown, topped by another larger crown. This coat of arms could be associated with the context of the scene or possibly related to the patronage of the artwork.

The inscription on the engraving dedicates the work to Francesco Gilioli, the Marquess of Serra and Count of Saravalle and Trignano, who is acknowledged as a highly esteemed figure. The collaboration between the artists, Guercino and Pasqualini, is evident in the skillful execution of the piece.

This engraving serves as a visual representation of Christ's charge to Peter, emphasizing the significance of Peter's role in the foundation of the Church. The symbols of locks and keys, heavenly authority, angels, and coronations are all intricately woven into the composition, reflecting the richness of Christian iconography during this period.

If you have any specific questions or if there's more you'd like to explore regarding this artwork or the historical context, feel free to ask.

Jesus appoints Peter as keeper of the keys to heaven; angels stand by. Engraving by G. Pasqualini after G.F. Barbieri, il Guercino. (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean when Jesus gives Peter the keys to heaven? ›

The keys of heaven or keys of Saint Peter are seen as a symbol of papal authority and are seen on papal coats of arms (those of individual popes) and those of the Holy See and Vatican City State: "Behold he [Peter] received the keys of the kingdom of heaven, the power of binding and loosing is committed to him, the ...

What did Jesus say to Peter when he gave him the keys? ›

17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

What does keeper of the keys mean in the Bible? ›

In Christianity, "the keys are an office and power given by Christ to the Church for binding and loosing sins." It is a power that Roman Catholics believe to have been conferred first on St. Peter then afterwards on his successors in the office of the Roman Catholic Papacy.

What do the keys of St Peter mean? ›

Saint Peter. Lorenzo Costa. This balding, grey-bearded saint can be identified as Saint Peter by the keys which he rests on his thigh and supports with his right hand. These are the keys to the kingdom of heaven, which Christ gave Peter as a symbol of his spiritual power.

What are the 3 keys to heaven? ›

In The 3 Keys to the Kingdom: Binding, Loosing, and Knowledge, Mary Garrison imparts the wisdom she's gathered during her years of ministry. She shares personal experiences and testimonies of people who've been freed from Satan's grasp as she covers topics such as: How we know Christ chooses us.

Where did Jesus give Peter the keys to heaven? ›

In the region of Caesarea Philippi, Christ told his disciples for the first time that he was the Messiah that had been promised in the Old Testament. At the same time, he also revealed his plan to found the Church, which was to be led by St Peter as the first Pope.

What are the two keys of Peter? ›

A Pair of Overlapping Keys.

The keys represent Peter's authority as the leader of the twelve apostles and the head of the early Church. After Peter made his profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of the living God (Mt 16:16), Jesus said, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

Who did Jesus say I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven? ›

The Savior promised to give Peter the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19).

What did Jesus say about the keys to the kingdom? ›

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 16:14–19.)

What do keys symbolize spiritually? ›

SILVER keys usually refer to temporal power, while GOLD ones refer to spiritual power. In Christianity, it is the emblem of St Peter as the guardian of the GATE of HEAVEN, and the key may either confine or release.

Who is the holder of the key of heaven? ›

Jesus appoints Peter as keeper of the keys to heaven; angels stand by. Engraving by G. Pasqualini after G.F.

What do keys symbolize? ›

What is the Symbolic Meaning of a Key? Often representing knowledge and success, keys also symbolize opening doors, perhaps to new possibilities. Since keys can open doors which are closed to anyone other than the key holder, someone might wear a key charm or necklace when looking for a new job.

What do the two keys symbolize? ›

The gold key signifies that the power reaches to heaven and the silver key that it extends to all the faithful on earth, their interlacing indicates the linking between the two aspects of the power, and the handles of the key being at the base symbolize the power being in the hands of the pope.

Why is St. Peter the gatekeeper of heaven? ›

Saint Peter's Basilica is said to have been built on the site of his grave in Rome. In Roman Catholicism he is regarded as the first in the unbroken succession of popes. Jesus' promise to give him the “keys of the kingdom” led to the popular perception of Peter as the gatekeeper of heaven.

Who guards the gates of heaven? ›

The name for the Pearly Gates Playground is derived from Christian tradition as the entranceway through which souls travel to reach their god after death. The gates of heaven are said to be guarded by Saint Peter, one of the founders of the Christian Church.

What did it mean to receive the keys to the kingdom of God? ›

The keys of the Kingdom are given to anyone who builds their life upon Jesus Christ and their profession of faith in Him. The early church was very simple in its observances, worship, and leadership. Disciples needed to emulate Jesus's example of servanthood to be considered for leadership.

What does the Bible say about the keys to the kingdom of heaven? ›

“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matt. 16:14–19.)

What does Peter do at the gates of heaven? ›

Eventually settling in Rome, he was executed by the Romans some time between 58 and 64 C.E. The Roman Catholic Church regards Peter as their first Pope. Later Christian tradition attributed the duty of greeting the souls of the faithful at the Gates of Heaven to Saint Peter.

What is the 4 keys to heaven? ›

Book overview

The 4 Keys to Heaven contains nearly 100 pages of exclusive collection of prayers, poems, meditations, Stations of the Cross, Promises of the Rosary and Scapular, the fifteen Prayers revealed by Our Lord to St. Bridget, and many more. Mary's Call dedicates this book of prayers to Mary.

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