Ippolita as Urania Looking at a Crown of Stars [reverse]

Leone Leoni

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a relief on a round medallion featuring a female figure dressed in flowing garments that suggest movement, as she reaches out with her right arm in a gesture. The medallion is crafted from a bronze or copper material, with a warm, brownish hue typical of aged metal. Around the figure are items associated with learning and science, including an armillary sphere on a pedestal, various written materials, and instruments like a compass or divider. The edge of the medallion is bordered with a pattern of small dots, and there is a hole at the top. The scene has a classical aesthetic, reminiscent of Renaissance or antique styles, and includes inscriptions along the border of the medallion.