View of Saint Peter's [reverse] 1506

Caradosso Foppa, an artist active in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, created this bronze medal, “View of Saint Peter’s”, a piece that captures not just architecture but also the profound shifts in Renaissance Rome. This medal provides a glimpse into the ambitions of the papacy during a period of immense social and religious change. The image of Saint Peter's Basilica is not merely a depiction of a building. It embodies power, faith, and artistic innovation. During this time, art became a tool for expressing and reinforcing religious authority. Consider how the architecture looms large, a testament to human ingenuity and devotion, yet also a symbol of the Church’s dominance. It invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between spiritual yearning and institutional power. It prompts questions about whose stories are told through art and architecture, and whose are left out.