Catherine de' Medici, 1519-1559, Wife of Henri II of France 1533

French 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a woman in a high-relief fashion, with her head and shoulders prominently featured. The subject's hair is styled intricately and she wears a garment adorned with textures and possibly jewels. The sculpture is a circular plaque or medallion format, evident from the curved edges and circular shape. It is made from a grayish-brown material, likely bronze or a similar metal, showing wear and patina. Around the edge of the medallion, there is an inscription that reads "CATERINA .EGINA FRANCIA." The relief gives the piece a dimensional quality, allowing the figure to stand out slightly from the flat background. The piece is small, fitting comfortably in the palm of a hand.