Constantine and the Church [reverse] c. 1468

This bronze medal, crafted by Cristoforo di Geremia in the 15th century, depicts Constantine facing the Church. Constantine extends a staff topped with a 'Chi-Rho' symbol, a potent emblem representing Christ. The 'Chi-Rho' is not merely a religious identifier; it’s a visual condensation of power, faith, and imperial sanction. Think back to Constantine's vision before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, where he saw this symbol and was instructed to use it as protection. The motif echoes through time. Consider ancient Roman depictions of emperors receiving laurel wreaths, symbols of victory and divine favor. The gesture of offering and receiving embodies a profound psychological transaction: the emperor bestowing power onto the church. Such imagery taps into our collective memory, evoking a sense of continuity, of historical weight. It speaks to how symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, a testament to the enduring power of images to shape our understanding of history.