47

Personage:

Pier Candido Decembrio

Pier Candido Decembrio, Humanist and Statesman. Born in Vigevano in 1399. Died in 1447.

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: P · CANDIDVS · STVDIORVM · HVM, and on inner arcs: ANITATIS · DECVS. Bust facing right, wearing mortier and robe.

Reverse: OPVS · PISANI · PICTORIS. An open book with ties and markers sitting atop a rocky edge.

Background:

Likely cast in 1447 when Decembrio went to Ferrara — shortly before his death. In the same year he was elected Head of the Milanese Republic.

Diameter:
77.0 mm. (Max. Diameter reported: 80 mm.); Bronze cast.
Evaluation:
Good patina, original cast. In this version, the inscription on book is not visible. Filled hole at top.
Reference:
Hill 40, Heiss, Pis. p.15 ss., n.4, tav. II, 2; Armand, I, p.3, n.3