Leo XI (Alessandro Ottaviano de' Medici, 1535-1605), Pope 1605 [obverse] by Giorgio Rancetti

Leo XI (Alessandro Ottaviano de' Medici, 1535-1605), Pope 1605 [obverse] 1605

giorgiorancetti

sculpture

medal

dark theme

dark object

stone

detailed texture

unrealistic statue

close-up

carved into stone

sculpture

carved

golden font

statue

This 1605 bronze medal by Giorgio Rancetti depicts Pope Leo XI, who reigned for just 26 days. The medal's obverse shows a detailed profile portrait of the Pope, his face and beard meticulously rendered. Inscribed around the rim is "LEO XI PONT. MAX. ANNO I" (Leo XI, Supreme Pontiff, Year I), marking his brief papacy. This small, yet finely crafted, commemorative piece testifies to the art of Renaissance medal making and offers a glimpse into the history of the papacy.