Ercole II d'Este, 1508-1559, 4th Duke of Ferrara 1534 [obverse] 1554

This silver medal, created by Italian Renaissance artist Pompeo Leoni in 1554, depicts Ercole II d'Este, the 4th Duke of Ferrara. The medal features a profile portrait of Ercole, his face detailed with a beard and moustache. Leoni's work is well-known for its realistic detail and the use of medallic art to honor important historical figures. The inscription surrounding Ercole's head reads "HERCVLES II ESTENSIS FERR DVX III," which translates to "Hercules II, Duke of Ferrara." The medal is an example of Renaissance art and is a powerful depiction of the ruling class.