Conversion of Queen Christina of Sweden, 1654 17th century

This bronze medal was made in 1654 by Alberto Hamerani, and commemorates the conversion of Queen Christina of Sweden. Hamerani was one of the foremost specialists in die-struck medals, a process involving not only artistry but also engineering. First, the design would have been carefully engraved into steel dies, which were then used to impress the image onto heated metal blanks. Here, the bronze seems to glow with light, particularly on the Queen's elegantly coiffed hair and draped gown. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, consider what this medal represents. It’s an early example of propaganda – a physical object meant to disseminate a particular message. In this case, the medal celebrates a powerful ruler's embrace of Catholicism, a politically charged act that had significant implications for the balance of power in Europe. Appreciating the labor, the artistic skill, and the historical context allows us to see this small object as a potent symbol of its time.