PETER'S CONFESSION.
Reading edition
The event recorded in Matt. 16:13-20, and that recorded in John 21:15-23, have often been closely related in the minds of artists employed by the church during the middle ages.
Reni, Plate 87, gives a literal interpretation to Matt. 16:19. "I give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven."
Plate 87. Christ Giving Keys to St. Peter. Guido Reni. 1575-1642.
Raphael, Plate 88, represents the later event, when Christ says, "Feed my sheep," but Peter has evidently just received the keys. The sheep are actually present, as symbols, to make clear the moment selected by the artist. (John 21:17.)
Plate 88. Christ's Charge to St. Peter. Raphael. 1483-1520.
