Giovanni Gonzaga, 1474-1525, Condottiere [obverse] c. 1510

This bronze medal, created by the artist Mea around 1510, is a portrait of Giovanni Gonzaga, Condottiere, a military leader of the Renaissance. The medal features a detailed profile of Gonzaga, with his hair and beard meticulously rendered, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing likeness. The inscription around the edge identifies the subject and the year of his birth (1474). Renaissance medals, like this one, were often commissioned as commemorative pieces, serving as tangible records of important individuals.