Clement XII (Lorenzo Corsini, 1652–1740, Pope 1730–60) 1733

Ottone Hamerani created this metal medal of Clement XII, Pope from 1730 to 1740, sometime during his papacy. The medal presents us with a portrait of power, but also perhaps, inadvertently, reveals the vulnerabilities inherent in positions of authority. Clement XII, despite his vestments and papal tiara, appears as a man marked by age. What does it mean to portray a leader with such stark realism? The artist invites us to consider the human behind the office, prompting questions about the relationship between the individual and the institution they represent. This medal was made at a time when the Catholic Church was a major political and cultural power. The papacy's influence extended far beyond religious matters, shaping the social, economic, and political landscapes of Europe and beyond. The use of portraiture, especially in a medium like this, allowed for the dissemination of the Pope's image, reinforcing his authority. Ultimately, this medal is a reflection on power, identity, and the complex interplay between the personal and the political.