Francisco de Moncada, Duke of Montalto 1585

This is Pompeo Leoni’s bronze portrait medal of Francisco de Moncada, Duke of Montalto. Its circular form and the subject's profile immediately suggest a classical Roman coin, evoking power and authority. The Duke's stern profile, framed by elaborate armor and an inscription, presents a study in controlled textures. Notice how Leoni uses the medium to create a play of light across the surfaces, contrasting the smooth skin with the intricate detailing of the armor. The ruffled collar and lion head on the shoulder add to the sense of depth and complexity. But it is the interplay between the three-dimensional relief of the figure and the flat, inscribed plane of the medal that really draws our attention. The raised portrait pushes against the limits of its circular boundary, creating a tension between representation and abstraction. This tension challenges the viewer to consider the medal not just as a portrait, but as an object of artistic construction.