Pelican in Her Piety [reverse]

Pisanello

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture on this medallion-like form depicts an eagle tending to its nest, with outspread wings and a protective stance over the nestlings. The sculpture is crafted from a material that gives it a metallic appearance, likely bronze, which features a reddish-brown hue with hints of oxidation or patination in certain areas. The embossed eagle and text encircle on the outer edge of the medallion, creating a clear relief against the flat background. The sculpture exhibits intricate detailing on the eagle's feathers and the texture of the nest. Surrounding the eagle are engraved words, likely in Latin.