Leo X (Giovanni de' Medici, 1475-1521), Pope 1513 [obverse]

Roman 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The relief portrait medallion depicts a man in profile facing left. He is wearing a cap and a robe akin to historical clergy attire. The medallion is made of brownish bronze metal with a slightly reddish tone. The smooth patina highlights the contours of the man's face and garments. Inscriptions on the rim partially read "LEO X P MAX." The craftsmanship skillfully captures the subject's features and attire in a circular format typical of portrait medallions.