- Personage:
-
Covella (Camilla) Sforza
Camilla Sforza, “Signora” of Pesaro; wife of Costanzo Sforza who married her in 1475; she became widow in 1483 and died in 1499.
- Artist:
-
Sperandio of Mantova
—
Sculptor, Painter, Architect, Goldsmith (1435-1520).
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: · CAMILLA · SFOR · DE · ARAGONIA · MATRONAR · PVDICISSIMA · PISNRI.DOMINA · Bust three-quarter facing left with widow’s veil covering forehead, falling on shoulders; bodice with triangular opening over undergarment. Plain border.
Reverse: · SIC · ITVR · ADASTRA ·, and below OPVS SPERANDEI. Scene: female figure with girdled tunic, seated in front between the head of a unicorn and a hound; long arrow in right hand; a serpent with dragon head in left hand that threatens her.
- Background:
-
Cast between 1483 (when Costanzo died) and 1489 when she retired to Torricella. The unicorn and the hound on the reverse stand for chastity and fidelity.
- Diameter:
- 81.8 mm. Bronze cast.
- Evaluation:
- Rough patina; some wear, lacks details, filled hole.
- Reference:
- Hill 399; Armand I, 74, 43; Pollard 90 = Kress 130; Bargello 114.