The delivery of the Keys to Peter

Christ's charge to Peter (Matt. 16:18–19). 'You are Peter, the Rock; and on this rock I will build my church... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven.' This metaphorical saying of Christ's was rendered many times by Renaissance artists. It was regarded as the prototype of the sacrament of Holy Orders. Peter kneels before Christ, receiving the keys from him, while other disciples stand about. Occasionally he receives them from the infant Christ in the lap of the Virgin. When sheep are present they allude to the theme, sometimes combined with the delivery of the keys, of Christ's appearance to the disciples after his death when he charged Peter: 'Feed my sheep.' (John 21:15–17). As a symbol of the Church's authority crossed keys often occur in ecclesiastical heraldry. They are a charge in the papal arms and in the arms of several English dioceses.