Johanna, infanta van Portugal, weduwe van Joao infant van Portugal 1564

This small silver medal, created in 1564 by Italian Renaissance artist Gianpaolo Poggini, depicts Johanna, the Infanta of Portugal and widow of the Infante João. The medal is a portrait of Johanna on one side, while the reverse features an allegorical representation of a female figure, possibly representing Portugal, riding on a lion and holding a shield with an eagle. The medal's inscription in Latin reads "Johanna, Infanta of Portugal, Widow of João, Infante of Portugal." This work of art is a beautiful example of Renaissance medal-making, a form of art that was popular in the 16th century as a way of commemorating important people and events.