Pius IV (Giovanni Angelo de' Medici, 1499-1565), Pope 1559 [obverse] 1561

This bronze medal, created by Giovan Federico Bonzagni in 1561, depicts Pope Pius IV, whose reign as Pope was from 1559 to 1565. The medal features a profile portrait of Pius IV wearing papal attire, and an inscription circling the edge reads “PIVS.IIII. PON.MAX.OP.” This medal is a fine example of Renaissance portraiture, with its emphasis on realistic detail and the use of a circular format.