Leo XI (Alessandro Ottaviano de' Medici, 1535-1605), Pope 1605 [obverse]
1605
![Leo XI (Alessandro Ottaviano de' Medici, 1535-1605), Pope 1605 [obverse] by Giorgio Rancetti](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/leo-xi-alessandro-ottaviano-de-medici-1535-1605-nga-108149.webp)
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 3.7 cm (1 7/16 in.) gross weight: 19.9 gr (0.044 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Lisa and Leonard Baskin
Accession Number
1998.108.17.a
Art Historical Context
This bronze medal by Giorgio Rancetti Pope Leo XI, born Alessandro Ottaviano de Medici (1535–1605), on its obverse side. Created in 1605, the year of his brief papacy, it exemplifies the Renaissance tradition of portrait medals—small, sculptural commemorations that blended artistry with historical record-keeping. Measuring just 3.7 cm in diameter and weighing 19.9 grams, its intimate scale made it ideal for personal devotion or collection among Europe's elite. Leo XI's election marked a Medici return to the papacy, following family members like Leo X, but his reign lasted only 27 days, from A...