Gaspare Morone
1650
The medals of holy or jubilee years are struck to commemorate the solemn festival of the jubilee, when plenary indulgence is granted to pilgrims, and they become a souvenir of having taken part in this event. On this medal, of Innocent X (1644-1655), we find the iconography of the 'Porta Sancta' (Holy Door) depicted, very habitual in these engravings, as crossing its threshold is the symbol of the forgiveness obtained. In this case the Holy Father appears, surrounded by prelates, demolishing the wall that blocks the Holy Door with energetic pickaxe blows. In the background we can see lances, possibly of the Swiss Guard, present during the ceremony to protect the pontiff. The iconography of the Door, two columns crowned by a tympanum, is rooted in classical antiquity, although this model continued to evolve during the Baroque and Neoclassicism.
Room19 ,Floor2
18 Leather
19 Gold, Silver and Metalworking Arts
20 Forge Work
21 Ceramics
22 Study Galleries
Rome
1650
Struck bronze
Ø3.8 cm
Provenance unknown
MEV 23281