Prospero Publicola Santacroce, 1514-1589, Cardinal, 1565 [obverse] 1579

This bronze medal, created by Federico Cocciola in 1579, depicts Prospero Publicola Santacroce, a cardinal who lived from 1514-1589. The piece features a detailed, three-dimensional profile portrait of Santacroce, facing right, with his head turned slightly upward. He wears a cardinal's robes, and a short inscription surrounds his image. This work is a fine example of Renaissance portraiture, and would have been used to honor and commemorate the influential cardinal.