Marcellus II (Marcello Corvino, 1501-1555), Pope 1555

Giovanni Antonio de' Rossi

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicted is a medallion with a profile portrait of a man believed to be Marcellus II, as inscribed "MARCELLUS" on the edge. The man is depicted in a thoughtful pose, wearing ornate clothing with detailed textures. The medallion, made of a metallic substance, likely silver, has a polished appearance with intricate engravings and raised relief defining facial features, a beard, and robes. The circular medallion has a small hole at the top, potentially for hanging, and the outer rim is decorated with fine dots.