Alva 1569

This bronze medal, created in 1569 by an anonymous artist, is a striking example of Renaissance portraiture and commemorative art. The obverse features a detailed profile portrait of Alva, a prominent figure in the Spanish Netherlands, while the reverse depicts a dynamic scene of soldiers on horseback. The medal's small size, measuring only 3.7 centimeters in diameter, speaks to its intended purpose as a personal memento or token of recognition. This piece is currently part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam.