Caracalla [obverse] 1466

giovanniboldu

sculpture

medal

3d sculpting

stone

sculpture

sculptural image

unrealistic statue

portrait head and shoulder

sculpting

sculpture

mid-section and head portrait

carved

statue

This bronze medal, created by Giovanni Boldù in 1466, depicts a profile portrait of Caracalla, a Roman emperor. The medal is a circular, 3 5/8 inch piece with a detailed, classical-inspired rendering of the emperor's features. The inscription surrounding the portrait, "ANTONINVS PIVS AVGVS", identifies the subject. This piece is a prime example of 15th-century Italian Renaissance medallic art, a genre that saw renewed interest in classical themes and forms.