Francesco II Gonzaga's bust

This terracotta bust of the Marquis Francesco II Gonzaga is of unquestionable value and superb craftsmanship. The rich parade armour, illustrating his role as a prince and warlord, is adorned with lightly protruding or engraved patterns, showing a highly refined iconographic scheme. The crucible work is particularly noticeable on the chest, showing a band of molten rods immersed in the fire of a brazier. Below, an eagle with its wings outstretched holds a ring in its beak, perching on weapons and the spoils of war. The right shoulder strap shows a caduceus, the symbol of reason and peace, while on the left there is a warrior showing the temple of Janus, whose open doors allude to the historical context at the time - the war being waged against Charles VIII. This work is regarded as a cornerstone of Mantuan sculpture from the late 15th century. In fact, the quality is so outstanding that some scholars have suggested that Mantegna himself may have worked on it.