Maximillian II, Holy Roman Emperor (1527–1576)

A silver medal shows a bearded man in profile facing right, wearing a pleated ruff, a collar of chain-like links, and armor with a draped cloak over his shoulder. Curly hair frames his ear, and Latin lettering runs around the rim. The relief is crisp and the surface is evenly toned.

Look closer: A small chain-and-pendant ornament hangs from the armor near the lower right of the figure's chest.

Artist

Antonio Abondio

Date

1575

Medium

Silver

Source

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Size

4000 × 3999 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Purchase, J. Pierpont Morgan, by exchange, 1989