Christ Crucified [reverse] c. 1675

This is a small, golden pendant of Christ Crucified, made by Giovanni Martino Hamerani, an Italian medallist active in the late 17th century. In this period, the Catholic Church played a central role in shaping cultural and political life. Hamerani’s pendant reflects this reality, as religious imagery was deeply embedded in the daily existence of people. The choice of gold, a precious material, underscores the importance of the subject depicted, in line with the Catholic Church’s desire to inspire awe. But we should also note that the glorification of Christ on the cross has been a source of pain for many. For some, the image serves as a reminder of historical traumas, particularly in contexts marked by colonialism and religious persecution. The pendant then stands as a testament to the complex ways in which faith, identity, and power intersect.