A refined circular engraving of Saint Peter holding the keys of heaven, executed by the Dutch artist Zacharias Dolendo in the late sixteenth century.

This circular engraving by the Dutch artist Zacharias Dolendo depicts Saint Peter, the apostle, identified by the traditional attribute of the keys. Dolendo, active in the late sixteenth century, was a skilled engraver who often worked in collaboration with other artists of the period, such as Jacques de Gheyn II, whose name appears on the plate. The composition is contained within a circular frame, a format common for devotional prints of the era.

Saint Peter is shown in a half-length pose, his gaze directed slightly away from the viewer with an expression of contemplation. He holds a large, ornate key across his chest, a reference to the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Below him, a partially visible book suggests his role as a teacher and evangelist. The engraving technique demonstrates the precision characteristic of the Dutch school, with fine hatching and cross-hatching used to model the folds of his robes and the texture of his beard and hair. The light source is handled with care, creating a sense of volume in the figure against the background.

Dolendo’s work reflects the stylistic tendencies of Northern Mannerism, where figures are rendered with a degree of psychological weight and technical refinement. The print is a clear example of the high level of craftsmanship found in late sixteenth-century printmaking, where the engraver’s ability to translate complex tonal values into a system of lines was highly valued. This piece offers a view into the religious iconography that circulated through Europe during the period, providing a clear, focused image suitable for study or display. The inclusion of the Latin inscription 'S. PETRVS APOST.' at the top confirms the subject, while the signature at the base provides attribution to both the designer and the engraver.