Federigo II Gonzaga, 1500-1540, 5th Marquess of Mantua 1519 and 1st Duke of Mantua 1530 [obverse]

Mantuan 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicted is a circular medallion featuring the profile of a male figure. The figure has curly hair and a beard, and is dressed in a draped garment. The medallion appears to be made from a copper or bronze-like material with a greenish patina and visible corrosion marks. There is a hole near the top edge of the medallion, and inscriptions can be seen around the edge. The design suggests that the sculpture is meant to be viewed up close for detailed examination.