Paus Adrianus VI 1522 - 1523

This gold coin depicts Pope Adrian VI and was made anonymously sometime during his brief papacy, from 1522 to 1523. As a portrait, the coin presents Adrian in profile, a visual language echoing ancient Roman coinage and evoking the power and authority of the papacy. Consider that Adrian, originally from Utrecht, was the last non-Italian pope before John Paul II in the late 20th century. His papacy occurred during a tumultuous time, marked by the Protestant Reformation and political tensions in Europe. Coins such as this served not only as currency but also as propaganda, spreading the image and authority of the Pope. What can a historian learn from this artifact? We might consider the economic conditions of the Papal States during Adrian's reign and compare this portrait to others of the time to understand how Adrian wished to be seen. The study of such objects contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection of art, power, and history.