- Personage:
-
Francesco Sforza IV, Duca of Milano
Francesco Sforza, IV, “Duca” of Milano, born in 1401, became “Duca” in 1450 until his death in 1466.
- Artist:
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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: · FRANCISVS · SFORTIA · VICECOMES · DVX · MEDIOLANI · QVARTVS · Bust three-quarter faces right; hair curling above ears; top of head bald; wearing plate-armour.
Reverse: · OPVS · SPERANDEI · Scene: Front view of a Renaissance building, one central and three secondary cupolas, three doors in front and two lateral porches, galleries opening on to front on upper floor.
- Background:
-
Cast in 1466 as a memorial to the “Duca” who just died. The building on the obverse is intended as a memorial to be built in his honour.
- Diameter:
- 86.6 mm. Bronze cast.
- Evaluation:
- Good patina, some wear, original cast.
- Reference:
- Hill 361; Pollard NGA 94; Börner 122; Toderi-Vannel Bargello 132; Johnson-Martini Milano 524-525; Kress 115.