Pope Innocent XI 1679

This 1679 silver medal by Giovanni Martino Hamerani depicts Pope Innocent XI in profile. The medal, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, is a striking example of Renaissance portraiture. It captures the Pope's stern countenance and ornate papal attire, a testament to his authority and the splendor of the Catholic Church. The inscription around the edge, "INNOCEN XII PONT MAX", identifies the subject and his title, solidifying the medal's commemorative purpose. Hamerani's skillful use of detail and light in this small-scale work showcases the high artistic standards of the late 17th century.