1966.114.23.a
Pius IX (1792–1878), Pope 1846–1878, Ruins of St. Basilica of St. Paul
Artist
Giuseppe Girometti
(1780 - 1851)
Title
Pius IX (1792–1878), Pope 1846–1878, Ruins of St. Basilica of St. Paul
Creation Date
1823
Century
19th century
Dimensions
2 in. (5.1 cm.)
Classification
Medals/Plaquettes
Creation Place
Europe, Italy
Medium and Support
bronze, black patina
Credit Line
Gift of Amanda Marchesa Molinari
Copyright
Public Domain
Accession Number
1966.114.23.a
On the night of July 15–16, 1823, an accident caused the catastrophic fire documented by this medal to destroy much of the Basilica of St. Paul. In response, Pope Leo XII initiated a great campaign to restore the building. His plea for assistance was met by generous donations from people all over the world, including contributions from Tsar Nicholas I of Russia and King Fouad I of Egypt. The rebuilding of the Church took decades and the Basilica was re-consecrated in 1854 with great fanfare. Please also see medal 13.05 celebrating the re-consecration of the Basilica.
Object Description
211 PIUS IX Mastai Ferretti, Pope 1846-78
Obv. Bust to right, wearing skullcap, mozzetta and stole. Around, PIVS . IX . PONTIFEX . MAXIMVS .
Rev. Ruins of Saint Paul's. In exergue, BASILIC . S . PAVLI EX INCENDIO | XV . IVL . MDCCCXXIII | GIROMETTI FEC .
Bronze, struck, black patina, 51 mm.
Ruins of Saint Paul's Outside the Walls, which burned in 1823. For restored church, see no. 216.
Bibl.: Brescia 2, p. 43, no. 537.