Artwork

Copy of Cornelis Cort: Christ Giving the Key of the Church to Saint Peter

Copy of Cornelis Cort: Christ Giving the Key of the Church to Saint Peter is a print by the Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1567 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Cornelis Cort’s black‑and‑white print, titled *Christ Giving the Key of the Church to Saint Peter*, depicts a small outdoor gathering of robed figures. A kneeling man presents an object—interpreted as a key—to a standing companion, while several onlookers observe. The scene is set against a lightly rendered landscape with trees and a distant house.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates the biblical moment in which Christ entrusts Peter with the keys of the Church, a foundational episode for Catholic doctrine of papal authority. The act of handing over the key is central, emphasizing the transfer of spiritual leadership.

Technique & Style

Cort employs a stark chiaroscuro, using deep shadows and bold line work to separate the figures from a comparatively luminous background. The contrast accentuates the gestures and facial expressions, while the limited tonal range underscores the solemnity of the encounter.

History & Provenance

The print is a copy after an original design by Cornelis Cort, a prominent 16th‑century Dutch engraver known for disseminating works of Italian masters. Details of its ownership and exhibition history are not recorded in the supplied information.