Reading
An object held low
In El Greco’s half-length Peter, the hand across the chest catches the eye before the other hand and its keys. Scan both hands and the lower edge of the portrait. The teeth and bow make the little metal object legible even when its shaft blends into the drapery.
From words to metal
Matthew 16 records Christ’s promise of the keys of the kingdom. Perugino makes the spoken promise visible by painting an exchange. Compare the large keys between Christ and Peter with the more discreet ones that identify Peter in a single-figure portrait.
Perspective and gesture
Trace two routes through the fresco. The edges of the paving stones lead into the distance towards the central building. The hands of the standing and kneeling figures make a much shorter route, in the foreground. At the end of the first you find a place. At the end of the second you find the event.
Key takeaway
A key can identify Peter whether he receives it or already holds it.
Visual study
Where does Perugino show what the kneeling man receives?
Choose one of the three areas of the artwork.
View the complete works and their labels
One hand rests on the chest. The keys lie lower down at the opposite side of the portrait.
El GrecoChrist stands to the left of the kneeling Peter. The large keys connect their hands above the patterned pavement.
Pietro Perugino · Sistine Chapel, VaticanOther depictions of these apostles
Study gallery
Saint Peter
Study notesLook for the keys. In scenes of the denial, a rooster or Peter’s hands drawn to his chest can identify the same apostle.
Key attributes
Keys
Saint Peter
Study notesLook for the keys. In scenes of the denial, a rooster or Peter’s hands drawn to his chest can identify the same apostle.
Key attributes
Keys
Saint Peter
Study notesLook for the keys. In scenes of the denial, a rooster or Peter’s hands drawn to his chest can identify the same apostle.
Key attributes
Keys
Apostle study cards
Apostle profile
Saint Peter
Fisherman and spokesman of the Twelve.
Memory hook: Keys held or received
Visual examples
Saint Peter
Study notesFisherman and spokesman of the Twelve.
Key attributes
Keys
Saint Peter
Study notesFisherman and spokesman of the Twelve.
Key attributes
Keys
Core apostolic attributes
Practice
Answer notebook
0 / 1 answeredMore practice
Who is this apostle?
Scan attributes first — then choose a name.
Quick check
Attribute checklist
Tap each attribute once you can picture it in art for this lesson.