Ercole I d'Este, 1431-1505, Duke of Ferrara, Modena, and Reggio 1471

Ferrarese 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a circular relief depicting the profile of a man facing left. He is wearing a distinctive hat with a flat, wide crown and a pointed front, and his hair is carved in a textured manner peeking out from beneath it. The material of the sculpture appears to be bronze, exhibiting an aged, golden-brown color with various spots and imperfections suggesting a patina that has developed over time. The circular form includes multiple small holes around the edges. The depiction is carved in such a way that the man's facial features stand out in relief against the flat background.