Century -old splendor: the mysterious ceremonial hammer of the Pope!

Century -old splendor: the mysterious ceremonial hammer of the Pope!

Dillingen an der Donau, Deutschland - The Bavarian National Museum in Munich presents an extraordinary ceremonial hammer made of gold -plated silver, which was used exclusively by the Pontifex. This artistic piece dates from the 16th century and was originally by Pope Julius III. used to open the holy gate for the Holy Year 1550, such as katholisch.de reported.

The hammer is richly decorated and shows winged putto pots on both sides and two ancient figuries on top. The representation of Moses is particularly impressive, which punches water from a rock on the back. Annette Schommer, the speaker for noble metals in the National Museum, describes the play as a Roman "masterpiece". The metal cast is perfectly executed with fine ornaments and figurative representations. The hammer's wood handle was probably supplemented in the 19th century, with the original handle possibly made of ivory.

historical meaning

The artistic object may have been at the suggestion of Pope Paul III. commissioned, which died before the opening of the Holy gate. Pope Julius III. carried out the associated ritual on February 24th. The hammer, also known as the "Dillinger Hammer", was of Julius III. Gifted to the Augsburg bishop and Cardinal Otto Truchsess of Waldburg-Truchburg, who later left him the university he founded in Dillingen on the Danube. The Bavarian National Museum acquired the remarkable work of art in 1865.