Magdalena Gonzaga 15th century

Bartolommeo Melioli's 15th-century bronze medal, "Magdalena Gonzaga," depicts the Italian noblewoman in a profile portrait. The medal is a fine example of the Renaissance interest in portraiture and the use of the medal as a form of commemoration. Melioli was a noted Italian medalist who worked in the late 15th century. The inscription around the edge identifies the subject and her title, "Marchioness," a detail common in Renaissance portraiture. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this small but historically significant work, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the period.