150

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.