Giovanni Carlo de' Medici, 1611-1663, Cardinal 1644 [obverse] 1740

This 1740 bronze medal, created by Italian artist Antonio Francesco Selvi, is a portrait of Giovanni Carlo de' Medici, a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. The medal features a profile view of the Cardinal, with his face and the inscription “IO. CAROLVS. DE. AETRVRIA. S.R.E. CARD. MEDICIS” (John Charles of Etruria, Sacred Roman Empire, Cardinal, Medici) forming a circular relief. This type of medal was common during the Baroque era as a way of honoring important figures, and it demonstrates Selvi's skill in creating a realistic and detailed portrait.