Saint Peter and Saint Paul [reverse] 1678

This is Giovanni Martino Hamerani's bronze medal "Saint Peter and Saint Paul," created in 1698. This was a time when the Catholic Church was a major patron of the arts, and the representation of saints served to reinforce religious doctrine and power. Hamerani's medal depicts Saint Peter and Saint Paul, key figures in the foundation of the Christian Church. Note how they are portrayed: Saint Peter holds the keys, symbolizing his role as the gatekeeper of Heaven, while Saint Paul carries a sword, representing his martyrdom and his role in spreading the Gospel. The inscription around the edge, "AVDI VOCES O CESAR VPRITVM," translates to "Hear, O Caesar, the voices of those who pray," a direct appeal to secular authority to heed the Church’s message. The medal highlights the complex relationship between religious and secular power during the late 17th century, reflecting the Church's ongoing efforts to assert its influence in political affairs.