Anne de Montmorency, 1493-1567, Constable of France 1538 [obverse]

French 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a circular medal depicting the profile of a man with a beard, facing left. The subject is styled in classical attire with detailed features such as wavy hair and a thick beard lightly etched into the medal. The material appears to be metal, possibly bronze or a similar alloy, with a patina displaying an aged gold color with hints of reddish oxidation. The medal includes inscriptions along the outer edge encircling the man's profile. The relief work gives the medal texture and dimension against the flat background, contributing to its antique and historical appearance.