Secret Sanctuary
Symbolic Relationship between Coin and Medal: The follis of Constantine II celebrates the glory and strength of the Roman army, a symbol of earthly protection and discipline. The compartmental medal represents spiritual protection, grace, and personal devotion. The contrast between the military power of the coin and the sacredness held within the medal creates a dialogue between temporal authority and faith, transforming the earring into a piece that combines history, spirituality, and interactive artistic creativity.
The Medal
Double Heart Medal with Miraculous Madonna
This creation pairs a bronze follis of Constantine II (337–340 A.D.), with the legend GLORIA EXERCITVS and two helmeted soldiers facing each other, with a pendant medal by Maggi, produced around the mid-1940s. The medal consists of two joined hearts creating a compartmental opening, made of gold-anodized aluminum, with red and blue enamel. Inside the compartment is the Miraculous Madonna, hidden until opened, creating a sense of surprise and personal devotion.
The Coin
Follis of Costantino II (337.340 A.D.)
GLORIA EXERCITUS
The Roman Emperor Constantine II issued numerous bronze follis coins with the reverse legend GLORIA EXERCITVS. This coin celebrates the glory of the Roman army, a common propaganda theme in the 4th century. The reverse depicts two helmeted soldiers facing each other. Minted circa 330–348 A.D. in mints such as Antioch, Rome, Trier, Aquileia, and Constantinople.