Andrea Della Valle, 1463-1534, Patron and Collector, Cardinal 1517 [obverse]

Italian 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a relief portrait of a man. It is a side profile of a man's head and shoulders with short, curled hair and a notable garment that suggests a cloak or robe. The material of the sculpture appears to be bronze or a similar metal, giving it a rich, brownish-gold color with variations due to light and aging texture. The man's features are intricately sculpted, emphasizing his profile with a prominent nose and a fixed gaze. There is text etched into the surface surrounding the image, and the edge of the medallion is adorned with a series of small, round dot-like decorations. The overall look of the sculpture is that of a historical piece, suggesting a commemorative or honoring purpose.