- Personage:
-
Leonello D’Este
Leonello D’Este, Marquess of Ferrara, born in 1407; became “Signore” of Ferrara in 1441 until 1450. He was natural son of Nicolo’ 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 · in two lines across field; above · GE · R · AR ·; below · D · FERRARIE · REGII · ET · MVTINE · Bust facing left with short curly hair, wearing rich brocaded dress.
Reverse: · OPVS · PISANI · PICTORIS · above on the right on rocky ground a lion standing facing right, singing from scroll of music held by a nude Cupid; in background, tall square pillar on which a mast with inflated sail and · M · CCCC · XLIIII; to the left background on rocky hill, eagle seen from behind.
- Background:
-
Cast in Ferrara in 1444 to commemorate his marriage to Maria D’Aragona.
- Diameter:
- 99 mm. (Max. Diameter reported: 101 mm.). Bronze cast.
- Evaluation:
- Good condition; Fine patina; Likely original.
- Reference:
- Hill, Corpus 32; Kress 10, 11.