Saint Romuald, Founder of the Camaldolese Order [reverse] 1831

This bronze medal of Saint Romuald was created by Giuseppe Cerbara sometime between the late 18th and mid 19th century. It depicts Saint Romuald, the founder of the Camaldolese Order, surrounded by his followers in a landscape that evokes the monastic life. Cerbara’s work gives us insight into the Roman Catholic Church during a period of significant social and political change. Saint Romuald, who lived around the turn of the first millennium, sought to reform monasticism by emphasizing a return to the ascetic ideals of solitude and contemplation. In this moment, we see him sharing his vision with his monks. The remote setting underscores the order’s commitment to withdrawing from the secular world. The medal’s function as a portable object suggests a personal connection to faith. It invites the viewer to reflect on themes of spiritual devotion. It is as if one can feel the weight of history and belief that the object carries.