School of ANTON RAPHAEL MENGS (Aussig, 1728-Rome, 1779); late 18th century. "Christ Handing the Keys to St. Peter". Oil on canvas. Re-coloured. It has a period frame with repainting. Measurements: 82 x 66 cm; 97 x 80 cm (frame). Normally the scenes in which St. Peter is represented, show us the saint in solitude, with his attributes like the keys that can also be seen in this painting. However, this work stands out for its use of a narrative scene that recreates the moment when Jesus handed the keys to St. Peter. In the centre of the scene, an upright Jesus in a purple tunic and red cloak, indicating the passion and suffering of Calvary that Christ experienced in the last moments of his life, holds the keys aloft while pointing with his other hand to a pavilion and looking towards Saint Peter. The latter is kneeling in an attitude of devotion, holding out his hand to pick up the keys. Behind these two figures we can see the presence of several apostles and the Virgin Mary, who adopts a posture of surprise. The scene takes place in an exterior of golden tones, recreating the architecture of the period, except for the fountain in the foreground, which has a classical design, where an inscription can be seen. The work recreates the words of the Gospel according to Saint Matthew (16:13-20): At that time, on arriving in the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They answered, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He asked them, "And who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter spoke up and said, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for this has not been revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. Now I say to you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the power of hell shall not overthrow it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." And he commanded the disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah.