FLT Work: Medal, Fasci Giovanili da Combattimento 'Magnum Dei opus'

This bronze medal, measuring 27 mm in diameter, was designed by Mario Moschi and, according to Casolari 1997, Giorgio Rossi in 1931. It was commissioned by the youth organisation Fasci Giovanili da Combattimento (FGC; Youth Combat Groups) in Naples.

The Latin legend on the is accompanied by an image of Benito Mussolini. The reverse shows the banner of the Naples branch of the FGC behind a naked man solemnly planting the fasces into the ground. On his right are given the Fascist date and location, 12 April, IX, Naples.

The image of Mussolini as a divine figure became well-established following the Lateran Treaties in 1929, which resulted in greater co-operation between the Fascist regime and the Catholic Church. Directly after the signing of the treaties, Pope Pius XI described Mussolini a ‘Man of Providence’, thus contributing to the view that Mussolini was a literal godsend.

Bibliography

Casolari, Gianfranco. 1996. 25 anni di storia: medaglie e decorazioni mussoliniane, 1922 - 1945. Tipolito Giusti. [IX.50]

Erlend Myklebust