- Personage:
-
Leonello D’Este
Leonello D’Este, Marquess of Ferrara, born in 1407, became “Signore” of Ferrara in 1441 until 1450. He was the natural son of Pope Niccolo’ III.
- Artist:
-
Antonio Pisano (known as Pisanello)
—
Painter and Sculptor, 1395-1455.
He was born in Pisa, worked in Rimini, Venice, Naples, Ferrara and Mantova. Pisanello is considered ‘The Creator’ of the Renaissance medals.
- Description:
-
Obverse: LEONELLVS MARCHIO ESTENSIS; the words are separated by olive branches. Bust facing right, with short curly hair, wearing surcoat with scale decoration over mail.
Reverse: OPVS PISANI PICTORIS, depiction of head comprised of three infantile faces. A knee piece hanging from olive branches adorn either side.
- Background:
-
Since a fresco by Giovanni Basile, showing the same portrait of Leonello was painted in 1443, this medal was cast prior to 1443.
- Diameter:
- 66.0 mm. (Max. Diameter reported: 69 mm.); Bronze cast.
- Evaluation:
- Good patina; Slight wear; Filled hole at top; Likely an original cast.
- Reference:
- Hill 24; Armand I, 3, 4; Pollard 6 = Kress 6; Bargello 7.