Portrait medal of Cardinals Giuliano della Rovere and Clemente della Rovere

This bronze medal, one of three bequeathed to the British Museum, depicts Giuliano della Rovere and Clemente della Rovere, both elevated to high ranks in the church. The former became Pope Julius II and fled to France following a dispute he had with Pope Alexender VI. Della Rovere - later the Bishop of Mende - safeguarded Giuliano's affairs while he was away which may be why della Rovere was included on the reverse of this piece. As one writer observed 'the only time that Clemente had done something worth of praise in the form of a medal.'