71

Personage:

Leonello D’Este

Leonello D’Este, Marquess of Ferrara, born in 1407; became “Signore” of Ferrara in 1441 until 1450. He was natural son of Nicolo’ III.

Artist:
Antonio Pisano (known as Pisanello) — Painter and Sculptor, 1395-1455.

He was born in Pisa, worked in Rimini, Venice, Naples, Ferrara and Mantova. Pisanello is considered ‘The Creator’ of the Renaissance medals.


Description:

Obverse: · LEONELLVS · MARCHIO · ESTENSIS · The words are separated by olive branches. Bust faces left, wearing surcoat with floral ornament over mail.

Reverse: · OPVS · PISANI · PICTORIS · A mast with inflated sail and at its base, at left, a nude elderly man is seated opposite a nude young man who is seen from behind.

Background:

Cast circa 1440-42, when Pisanello lived in Ferrara.

Diameter:
68 mm. Bronze cast.
Evaluation:
Good quality cast; light wear.
Reference:
Hill Corpus 26.