Innocent XII (Pope, 1691–1700) 17th century

This lead medal of Innocent XII was created by Giovanni Martino Hamerani in Italy, around the turn of the 18th century. Papal medals like this one were produced and distributed to commemorate important events or milestones during a pope's reign. Consider the politics of imagery at this time. The medal presents Innocent XII in profile, a visual code echoing ancient Roman emperors, thereby linking the papacy to a lineage of power and authority. The inscription "Innocen XII Pont Max A. I" further reinforces his status. These medals also operated within the complex social and economic structures of the Vatican. They served as propaganda tools, disseminating a carefully crafted image of the papacy to both elite and popular audiences. Understanding this artwork requires a deep dive into the social, cultural, and institutional history of the papacy. Examining documents from the Vatican archives, along with contemporary accounts, allows us to better understand the role of art in shaping perceptions of power and authority. The meaning of this medal, like all art, is contingent on its social and institutional context.