Cup with the coat of arms of cardinal Giovanni Francesco Stoppani c. 1752 - 1753

This is a porcelain cup adorned with the coat of arms of Cardinal Giovanni Francesco Stoppani, made by Ginori. Heraldry, like we see here, developed in the Middle Ages and served as a visual language of power and identity for the aristocracy and clergy. This cup would have served as a symbol of Cardinal Stoppani's status within the Catholic Church and his lineage. The imagery—the cross, the tassels, and the shield—speak to the intertwined nature of religious and secular power, particularly in a historical context where the Church exerted significant influence over political affairs. Consider, if you will, how objects like these were integral to constructing and maintaining social hierarchies. They offer us a glimpse into the emotional landscape of status, belonging, and the visual markers of identity that shaped people's lives. This cup invites us to reflect on the ways in which symbols continue to shape our understanding of power, belonging, and identity, even today.