Ivory Plaque with Christ Presenting the Keys to Saint Peter and the Law to Paul in the Cloisters, October 2010

Christ Presenting The Keys to Saint Peter and The Law to Paul

Date: 1150–1200

Geography: Made in Westphalia, Germany

Culture: German

Medium: Ivory

Dimensions: Overall: 5 15/16 x 3 3/8 x 3/8 in. (15.1 x 8.5 x 0.9 cm)

Classification: Ivories

Credit Line: The Cloisters Collection, 1979

Accession Number: 1979.399

Description: 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.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/469843