79

Personage:

Vittorino Da Feltre

Vittorino Da Feltre, 1379-1447; V. Rambaldoni, born in Feltre. Humanist and Mathematician.

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: VICTORINVS · FELT  |  RENSIS · SVMMVS. Bust facing left, wearing tall cap with edge turned up and close-fitting gown.

Reverse: Outer circle: MATHEMATICVS · ET · OMNIS · HVMANITATIS · PATER. Inner circle: PISANI · PICTO · RIS · OPVS. Depicted in the center, a pelican in a nest nourishing its chicks with
its own blood.

Background:

Likely cast in February of 1446, shortly before his death. The pelican scene on the reverse symbolizes his devotion for his pupils.

Diameter:
65 mm. (Max. Diameter reported: 67 mm.); Bronze cast.
Evaluation:
Good patina; Original cast with little wear; Filled hole at top.
Reference:
Hill 38; Armand, I, 8, 24; Pollard 18-19 = Kress 18-19; Börner 21; Gulbenkian 6; Bargello 15-15a; Morgenroth 10; Johnson/Martini 435-436; Syson/Gordon 48, fig. 3.34; Cordellier 279.