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Christ's Charge to Peter (Matthew 16: 18-19, John 21: 15-17)
Raphael, born 1483 - died 1520 - Enlarge image
Christ's Charge to Peter (Matthew 16: 18-19, John 21: 15-17)
- Object:
Cartoon for a tapestry
- Place of origin:
Italy (made)
- Date:
about 1515-1516 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Raphael, born 1483 - died 1520 (artist)
- Materials and Techniques:
Bodycolour on paper mounted onto canvas
- Credit Line:
Lent by Her Majesty The Queen
- Museum number:
ROYAL LOANS.3
- Gallery location:
Raphael, Room 48a, The Raphael Cartoons
Christ's Charge to Peter (Matthew 16: 18-19, John 21: 15-17)
The Raphael cartoons are designs for tapestries and were commissioned from Raphael by Pope Leo X (1513-21) in 1515. The tapestries were intended to hang in the Sistine Chapel in Rome, built by one of Leo's predecessors Pope Sixtus IV (1471-84). The Chapel was primarily intended for the use of the Pope and the Papal chapel, the body of clergy and Laity immediately surrounding him. The decoration of the chapel under Sixtus dealt largely with the theme of the Pope's authority. The tapestries continued this theme, illustrating scenes from the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul who were seen as the founders of the Christian Church, and the sources of the Pope's authority and power. They had in addition woven borders showing scenes from Leo's life, also designed by Raphael: the cartoons for these have not survived.
This cartoon is a scene from after the Resurrection, when Christ charges Peter with the care of the faithful, symbolised by the sheep, and gives him the keys to the Gates of Heaven. Because of his superior faith, Peter is made the foundation stone of the Church, and Christ's successor on earth.
For further information on the Raphael Tapestry Cartoons please see the V&A website under : Collections, Paintings & Drawings, Paintings & Drawings Features, Raphael Cartoons.
