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Innocent XI (1679) - Treaties of Peace of Nijmegen

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in Papal Medals (currently in collection)

Bronze. Diameter 47mm, 39.9 grams. Obverse: Bust of Innocent XI facing right, wearing papal tiara and decorative cope. Reverse: Allegorical figure kneeling facing left, offering a smoking vase to an angel seated above on a cloud holding an olive branch. At the foot of the figure rests a lamb, and in the background an obelisk and temple can be seen at the right.

Medal issued to commemorate the peace treaties signed at Nijmegen, engraved by Giovanni Hamerani. The kneeling figure on the reverse is meant to represent Innocent XI, praying for peace. The vase with billowing smoke represents the prayers of the pontiff, while the angel holding an olive brance represents peace. The lamb at the figure's foot also represents peace. The reverse inscription translates as "He Made Peace in the Land".

From 1672 to 1678, several European countries were at war during the Franco-Dutch War. Innocent XI, of anti-French sentiment, was an important impetus in the peace negotiations from 1676 to 1679. In 1678 and 1679, several peace treaties were signed at the Dutch city of Nijmegen between France, Holland, Spain, Sweden, and the Holy Roman Empire. Although Holland was a Protestant country, Innocent XI found himself supporting them against the invasions by Catholic France.

Item record created Feb. 20, 2009.
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item record in VRA Core 4.0