Nicola Vicentino, 1511-c. 1576, Composer and Musical Theorist [obverse]

Italian 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a circular medallion featuring a relief portrait of a man's bust, viewed in profile. The man appears to be facing left, with only his neck and head visible. His facial features include a prominent, long beard and mustache, and he has a deeply expressive face with a high forehead. The man’s hair is wavy and recedes slightly at the temples. He seems to be gazing intently outward. The clothing he is depicted wearing appears to be draped, likely representing a robe or similar traditional garment, with intricate folds suggestive of textured fabric. The medallion has a prominent edge, with text partially visible reading "VINCENTINVS NICOLAS." The background of the medallion is smooth, with a natural metallic color, and there is a small hole near the edge, perhaps for suspension. The entire piece is set against a black backdrop.