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Personage:

Antonio Pisano

Antonio Pisano, called Pisanello; born in Pisa (1395-1455). The greatest medallist of the 15th century. Worked in Rimini, Venice, Naples, Ferrara and Mantova.

Artist:
Attributed to Antonio Marescotti — of Ferrara, or to another ferrarese pupil of Pisanello.

Marescotti produced medals from 1444 to 1462 and was a sculptor following the Pisanello style.


Description:

Obverse: · PISANVS · PICTOR · Bust facing left, wearing brocaded dress and high, soft crumpled “berretta”.

Reverse: In two lines across the field: · F · S · K · I · P · F · T · Surrounded by laurel wreath with spray rising from bottom. The initials: Fides-Spes-Karitas-Iustitia-Prudentia-Fortitudo-Temperantia.

Background:

This medal was certainly made before 1443 when it was copied by Giov. Badile in the fresco of Santa Maria della Scala in Verona.

Diameter:
58.9 mm. Bronze cast.
Evaluation:
Very good patina. No wear; likely original cast.
Reference:
Hill 87; Armand I, 9, 25; Kress 32.