Francesco II Gonzaga, 1466-1519, 4th Marquess of Mantua 1484 [obverse] c. 1480

This bronze medal by Italian artist Bartolommeo Melioli, created around 1480, depicts Francesco II Gonzaga, the 4th Marquess of Mantua, in profile. The medal's inscription reads "FRANCISCVS GOND[IRA]E REX. MARCHIO MANTVAE ET FES[T]A[E] DV[C]IS" which translates to "Francis Gonzaga, King of Gondra, Marquis of Mantua and Duke of Fesa." The intricate detail of the medal's design, showcasing Gonzaga's armor and facial features, exemplifies the high artistry of Melioli's work during the Renaissance. This Renaissance-era medal is a testament to the historical importance of Francesco II Gonzaga as a powerful figure in Italian history.