Gregory XIII (Ugo Buoncompagni, 1502-1585), Pope 1572 [obverse] 1575

This 1575 bronze medal by Giovan Federico Bonzagni depicts Pope Gregory XIII in profile, a common commemorative practice for popes during this period. The inscription surrounding the pope's bust is in Latin and reads “GREGORIUS XIII PONT. MAX. ANNO IV. IUBILEI,” which translates to “Gregory XIII, Pope Maximum, In the Year of the Fourth Jubilee.” This medal likely commemorates the Jubilee Year of 1575, when Pope Gregory XIII proclaimed a holy year of indulgences. This type of commemorative art was popular in the Renaissance, and it served to celebrate the accomplishments of important figures.