This painting is part of the group: The Dal Pozzo Sacraments
On loan from the Duke of Rutland's Trustees, Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Lincolnshire, © The Duke of Rutland's Trustees, Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Lincs.
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Christ is shown giving the keys to the kingdom of heaven to his apostle Peter. New Testament (Matthew 16:19). The other apostles stand or kneel in various attitudes of reverence. Poussin further differentiates them by the colour of their costumes. At the extreme right is Judas, the apostle who will betray Christ. Unlike his companions, his face is in darkness; above him is a symbolically withered tree.
This is one of a series of paintings illustrating the sacraments painted for Poussin's Roman patron, Cassiano dal Pozzo.
Other paintings in this group: The Dal Pozzo Sacraments
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