Pius VII (Barnaba Chiaramonti, 1742-1823), Pope 1800 [obverse] 1822 - 1823

Giuseppe Cerbara created this bronze medal of Pius VII, who reigned as Pope from 1800 to 1823. Observe the profile of Pius VII, adorned with the papal tiara and cope. These symbols of authority and spiritual power are rooted in ancient traditions, echoing the headdresses of rulers from antiquity. The tiara, with its triple crown, signifies the Pope’s threefold power: as father of kings, governor of the world, and vicar of Christ. Consider the repeated appearance of triple symbols throughout history, from the three Fates of ancient Greece to the Christian Trinity. These symbols resonate deeply within the human psyche, representing completion and divine order. The cope, a long, decorative cape, envelops the Pope, symbolizing protection and divine grace. We find similar cloaks and mantles in countless religious artworks, from depictions of Roman emperors to Byzantine royalty, each imbued with the power of protection, which speaks to our subconscious longing for shelter. These symbols engage us on an emotional level. Their reappearance across cultures and eras reveals the cyclical nature of human expression.