Girolamo Cardano, 1501-1576, Physician and Philosopher of Pavia [obverse]

Milanese 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a round medallion with the embossed side profile of a bearded man. The subject is an older male with a textured short beard and wavy hair. The medallion has an inscription around the edge, including the name "HIER CARDANVS" and other characters. Made of a bronze or gold-colored material, the sculpture has a metallic luster and displays patina with shades of brown and hints of green. The medallion appears flat and circular, resembling a detailed portrait minted onto a coin.