Michelangelo Buonarroti 1561 - 1564

This is a commemorative medal of Michelangelo created by the Italian sculptor Leone Leoni, dating to 1561-1564. The obverse of the medal displays a profile portrait of Michelangelo with his characteristic beard and prominent nose. The inscription reads "MICHA[EL] ANGELVS BONAROTVS FLORENTINVS SCVL[PTOR]" ("Michelangelo Buonarroti, Florentine Sculptor"). The reverse of the medal depicts the story of the Greek mythological hero, "The Judgement of Paris", where Paris is seen to be the judge of a beauty contest between the goddesses Hera, Athena and Aphrodite. This medal commemorates the great artist, Michelangelo, and the inscription on the medal indicates his status as a prominent Florentine sculptor.