Inscription [reverse]
![Inscription [reverse] by Attributed to Francesco Francia](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/inscription-reverse-nga-44651.webp)
Medium
bronze//Struck
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 2.88 cm (1 1/8 in.) gross weight: 12.96 gr (0.029 lb.) axis: 3:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.777.b
Art Historical Context
This delicate bronze medal, titled *Inscription [reverse]* and attributed to the Bolognese artist Francesco Francia, dates to 1494. Francia, a prominent goldsmith and painter of the Italian Renaissance, was for his mastery of small-scale portrait medals that echoed the grandeur of ancient Roman coins.uck in bronze—a technique involving engraved dies to produce finely detailed reliefs—this piece measures just 2.88 cm in diameter and weighs a mere 12.96 grams, making it an exquisite example of portable Renaissance artistry. In the late 15th century, medals like this one surged in popularity acr...