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."
[Illustration: Christ Giving Keys to St. Peter.]
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.)
[Illustration: Christ's Charge to St. Peter.]
Plate 88. _Christ's Charge to St. Peter._ Raphael. 1483-1520.