Medal: Francesco II Gonzaga
Bartolommeo Melioli Italian
Not on view
The obverse bears a portrait of Francesco II Gonzaga (1466–1519), fourth marquess of Mantua. On the reverse is a standing female holding a basket with a scroll and staff, and flanked by water and fire, who may represent the personification of Health, possibly a reference to Francesco’s recovery from a life-threatening illness in 1484. She has also been identified as Prudence or Good Government. The aftercast may date from the sixteenth or seventeenth century.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.