Antonio Calmone, Secretary to Philip II [obverse] c. 1570

This bronze medal, created by Italian Renaissance artist Pier Paolo Galeotti in the 1570s, depicts Antonio Calmone, Secretary to Philip II. The medal features a detailed profile portrait of Calmone, with his beard and clothing rendered in a realistic style. It is a fine example of the detailed, naturalistic portraiture characteristic of the Renaissance period. The inscription surrounding the portrait identifies the subject and may be considered a form of early modern branding or signature.