Philip Melanchthon 1543

This 1543 silver medal by German Renaissance artist Friedrich Hagenauer depicts Philip Melanchthon, a prominent theologian and scholar. The medal features a detailed profile portrait of Melanchthon, wearing a cap and a fur-lined coat, capturing his likeness with remarkable precision. The inscription surrounding the portrait identifies the subject and date, adding historical context to this small-scale work. This commemorative medal, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the artistic style and cultural significance of Renaissance portraiture.