Artwork
Christ Giving the Keys to Peter
Christ Giving the Keys to Peter is a print by the Baroque artist Pieter I de Jode. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Pieter I de Jode, a Flemish printmaker active in early‑17th‑century Antwerp, produced the engraving *Christ Giving the Keys to Peter* in 1617. Executed in black‑and‑white, the work portrays the biblical moment when Christ entrusts the keys of the kingdom to Saint Peter, a scene traditionally linked to papal authority. The print belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a bearded Christ, robed in a flowing garment, extending a heavy‑looking key to a similarly bearded figure identified as Peter.
The composition centers on a bearded Christ, robed in a flowing garment, extending a heavy‑looking key to a similarly bearded figure identified as Peter. Flanking them are four older onlookers whose tense expressions underscore the gravity of the transfer of power. The accompanying Latin inscription reinforces the theological significance of the moment as a foundation for ecclesiastical leadership.
Technique & Style
De Jode employs a stark chiaroscuro, contrasting deep shadows with illuminated forms to give the figures a three‑dimensional presence. The engraving’s fine line work captures the texture of robes and the weight of the key, while the overall composition reflects the dramatic intensity characteristic of early Baroque printmaking.
History & Provenance
Known primarily for reproducing the designs of leading painters, de Jode often supplied illustrations for Antwerp publishers. This particular print, dated 1617, entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through a 20th‑century acquisition, though earlier ownership records remain limited.
Context
Created during a period when religious imagery served both devotional and didactic purposes, the engraving aligns with Counter‑Reformation efforts to emphasize papal authority. Its visual language mirrors contemporary paintings that highlighted pivotal biblical episodes, translating them into a format accessible to a broader, print‑consuming audience.
Artist & collection
Artist
Petrus, or Pieter de Jode I or Pieter de Jode the Elder (1570 – 9 August 1634), was a Flemish printmaker, draughtsman, publisher and painter principally active in Antwerp.
