Claudius, Attended by Minerva and Liberalitas, Distributing Largesse [obverse]

Varrone Belferdino

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a relief engraving on a circular medal or coin depicting several human figures. The figures are involved in a ceremonial or formal gathering, with some standing and others seated on a raised platform with steps leading up to it. The design includes accompanying inscriptions, with the most prominent reading "LIBERTAS" and "AVGVSTA." The material of the sculpture is a dark metallic bronze, giving it a rich, earthy color with some lighter highlights reflecting off the polished surfaces. The sculpture is divided into two sections, one with figures engaging in a scene and another featuring a smaller, bust-like profile of a face below with the letters “S C” flanking it. The details of the sculpture, although worn, are still discernible, providing an insight into intricate craftsmanship typical of coinage or medal art.