Galeazzo Maria Sforza, 1444-1476, Count of Pavia [obverse] 1457

This 1457 bronze medal by Antonio Marescotti depicts Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Count of Pavia, in profile. The medal is a prime example of Renaissance portraiture, capturing the sitter's likeness with a level of realism uncommon in the time. Sforza's features are rendered with subtle detail, and his clothing is elaborately depicted, reflecting the fashion of the period. The inscription surrounding the portrait, in Latin, identifies the subject and includes his title. This circular bronze medal is an excellent example of the artistic development in Italy during the early Renaissance.