Medal, Signing of the Lateran Pacts 'Firmatis animis' - 1929
Quo nihil sanctius
Nothing more sacred than this.
This medallion was designed in 1929 by Ludovico Pogliaghi and Enrico
Farè at the Milanese workshop of Stefano Johnson to commemorate the signing of
the Lateran Pacts between the Fascist regime and the Catholic Church. It was
produced in bronze with a diameter of 100.4 mm, weighing 615 g.
On the obverse, St. Peter sits opposite the goddess Italia, each
reaching out one hand toward the other. The saint, signified by a halo and the
Keys of the Kingdom, is depicted sitting on a cliff supported by angels.
Personified Italy is represented as Italia turrita (turreted
Italy), holding a bundle of fasces. In the background,
the top of St. Peter’s Cathedral, flanked by two minor domes, dominates the
skies. On the very top, two angels are presenting an olive branch.
The medal’s reverse features two angels holding a scroll displaying the
Latin legend, representing the official papers on which the treaty was signed.
Above them are the Pope’s coat of arms with the two keys, a cherub, and the
papal tiara; the coat of arms of the Italian Kingdom, featuring a heraldic
shield decorated with an eagle; and the coat of arms of the House of Savoy,
topped by a crowned and flanked by fasces. Between the two coats of
arms is a cross symbolising their shared Christian bond.
The Lateran Pacts, named after the Lateran Basilica in Rome, where they
were signed, constitute an important moment in the history of the Fascist
regime and Italy. The Papacy was given sovereignty of the Vatican while the
Fascist regime received the support of the Church, strengthening its position
among religious Italians. Whereas many Italian Catholics had been torn between
the political regime and the Church, which often coexisted in tension, the
Lateran Pacts ensured at least a superficial peace between the two
institutions.
The Latin text on the medal is exceptional not only for its length but
also because it is signed by the composer. Usually, it is unclear who authored
the Latin on medals and similar items.
Because of its heavy reliance on Christian symbolism, the medal’s
allegiance appears more Catholic than Fascist. This can also be seen in the way
in which Italia is presented as standing in front of a seated St. Peter.
Bibliography
Casolari, Gianfranco.
1996. 25 anni di storia: medaglie e decorazioni mussoliniane, 1922 - 1945.
Tipolito Giusti. [VII.10]
Stabilimento S.
Johnson. 1983. 150 anni di medaglie Johnson, 1836-1983. Milan: Cartonato. [187]
Erlend Myklebust
© Aste Bolaffi