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Personage:

Galeazzo Marescotti

Galeazzo Marescotti of Bologna, 1407-1503, Nobleman, member of the Senate, Poet and Historian.

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: · GALEATIVS · MARESCOTVS · DE · CALVIS · BONONIEN · EQVES · ACSENATOR · OPTIMVS · Bust facing right, with short hair, wearing flat-topped cap (mortier), collar of mail, pleated surcoat over breastplate. Linear border.

Reverse: · OPVS · SPERANDEI · Scene: a Marescotti bare-headed wearing long-loose robe, seated three quarter facing left. Right hand resting on a book; left hand also holding a book which rests on a cuirass. On the ground other pieces of armour.

Background:

Belonged to the beginning of the Bolognese Period (1478-1480). Marescotti, who died at 96 years of age, was about 70 at the time this medal was created.

Diameter:
101.3 mm. Bronze cast.
Evaluation:
Good patina, slight wear on the reverse (face), Likely original cast.
Reference:
Hill 382; Armand, I, 28, p. 70; Brescia, 103-104, p. 15; Pollard, I, 106.