Paul IV (Gian Pietro Carafa, 1476-1559), Pope 1555 [obverse]

Giovanni Antonio de' Rossi

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is an embossed depiction of a man with a long beard, shown in profile facing right. The figure wears a robe with intricate patterns and smaller figures. Surrounding the border are the words "PAVLVS TIVS PONT MAX." The circular sculpture is made of bronze, giving it a reddish-brown color. The surface is textured, and the details are finely crafted. There is a small hole near the top of the medallion.