Pius IX 1846 - 1851

This silver medal of Pius IX was created by Bonfiglio Zaccagnini; we’re not sure exactly when. The artistry here lies in the incredible detail achieved on such a small scale. Note how the artist uses the reflective properties of silver to bring light to the figures, particularly in the scene of Christ washing Peter’s feet. The inscriptions, too, are finely rendered, requiring great skill with engraving tools. While this may seem like a world apart from industrial production, it’s worth remembering that even in the 19th century, medals like this were often made in multiples, using sophisticated casting and stamping techniques. The artistry resides in the original design, and in the meticulous execution of each piece, rather than its uniqueness. The medal invites us to think about the relationship between faith, labor, and value, challenging our notions of both artistic skill and devotional practice.