Owner Comments:
GERMANY, FRANCE, SCOTLAND & ITALY. Pope Benedict XV's Support cast iron Medal. Dated 1914. "Anbiederung im Vatikan"—on the occasion of the Entente powers soliciting the support of the Pope
Diameter: 57mm
Weight: 65.16 g
By K. Goetz in München.
MEIN REICH IST NIT VON DIESER WELT (my realm is not of this world), Pope Benedict XV seated right on throne, looking toward Europa (represented by Death) riding a bull into the Gates of Hell / ANBIEDERUNG (adjustment), Pope Benedict in fishing boat right, hauling in net filled with Marianne (personification of France) and receiving satchel of money from Scottish sailor to right. Edge: Some filing marks as made.
Kienast 157; Klose –; Art of Devastation –. Gem Mint State. Deep charcoal gray surfaces, with good relief and some alluring brilliance.
Ex Leigh Park Collection.
Calling World War I "the suicide of civilized Europe,' Pope Benedict XV came to the papacy a little over a month after the outbreak of hostilities. Though he had been created a cardinal only earlier in the year, his experience in diplomacy was a key aspect in garnering him the support and votes needed to be elected to lead the Holy See. He embarked upon a great balancing act, attempting to obtain peace in Europe while also attempting not to alienate any countries, especially those that had already moved further away from Catholicism and Rome. Here, Goetz alludes to the bribing of the Pope by the Entente, but this remains a fanciful creation by the author.