Consalvo Fernandez de Cordoba, 1453-1515, called the Great Gaptain [obverse]

Art Historical Context

This bronze medal, attributed to the Milanese sculptor Annale Fontana and dated around 1550, immortalizes Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba1453–1515), the renowned Spanish general known as " Great Captain." A pivotal figure in the Italian Wars, Córdoba revolutionized infantry tactics with his innovative use of pikemen and arquebusiers, leading Spain to key victories like the conquest of Naples in 3–1504. Created over three decades after his death, the obverse likely features his portrait, celebrating his legacy as a military innovator during the Renaissance era of heroism and conquest. Fontana, ac...