156

Personage:

Costanzo Sforza

Costanzo Sforza, “Signore” of Pesaro, son of Alessandro, 1448-1483, became “Signore” of Pesaro in 1468.

Artist:
Gianfrancesco Enzola of Parma — Medallist, Goldsmith, Die Engraver, Parma (1455-1478).

The most prolific medallist of the 15th Century (48 medals), lived mostly in Ferrara; 5 years in Venice and 10 years in Bologna. Also worked in Milano, Faenza and Padova.


Description:

Obverse: · COSTANTIVS · SFORTIA · DE · ARAGONIA · DE · ALEXAN · SFOR · FIL · PISAVRENS · PRINCEPS · AETATIS · AN · XXVII ·  Bust facing left with “zazzera” wearing plate armour over mail. Inscription on raised band. Plain raised margin.

Reverse: · INEXPVGNABILE · CASTELLVM · CONSTANTIVM · PISAVRENSE · SALVTI · PVBLICIAE · MCCCCLXXV ·  Scene: The castle of Pesaro with four towers and a keep and draw-bridge; soldiers on top of the towers; in background, sea with boats. Inscription on raised band; plain border. Below engraved: IO · FR · PARMEN ·

Background:

One of several cast for Costanzo Sforza. in 1475.

Diameter:
80 mm. Brassy bronze cast.
Evaluation:
Likely original cast.
Reference:
Hill 294.