Christ Presenting The Keys to Saint Peter and The Law to
Paul (1150–1200), Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) ■ The theme of Christ handing the keys of
heaven to St. Peter and the law to St. Paul, which originated in fourth-century
Rome, refers to the establishment of the Church as stated in Matthew 16:18:
"I also tell you that you are Peter and on this rock I will build my
church." The parable highlights the importance of SS. Peter and Paul and,
by extension, that of St. Peter's successors, the bishops of Rome. In this
powerful interpretation, a domed structure replaces the rock on which Christ is
more frequently depicted. The dramatic expressions, the fluid, clinging
drapery, and the openwork carving are characteristic of German Romanesque ivory
carving. The inscription, including the date 1200, is later ■