Pisanello (Pisa or Verona, by 1395 - about 1455)
Medal of Filippo Maria Visconti (reigned 1413-1447), about 1440
Lead, 10.1 cm (4 in.)
This is a lead, circular medal of Filipo Maria Visconti. The front of the medal shows his head and shoulders in profile. He is wearing a fez-like hat and etched scrollwork on his jacket. He has short hair and a double chin. There is Latin text along the outer edge. The reverse side shows three figures on horseback. On our left is an armed rider in profile. The rider is holding a long spear and has a long plume extending out of his helmet. On our right is another rider who faces to the right-rear and wears a gathered tunic. Between these figures another armed rider faces front. The rider has a long spear in his right hand, a shield in his left hand, and helmet with a large plume. There are buildings and spires in the background. Latin text is along the bottom of this side.
Early Italian Room
Commentary
Duke Filippo Maria Visconti was among the most politically dominant figures of his times. His aggressive expansionist policies from the 1420s to the 1440s enlarged the Milanese state to incorporate such territories as Genoa, Parma, and Brescia, before expansion into the Romagna ultimately brought it into extended conflict with Venice, Florence, and other Italian city states.
Antonio di Puccio Pisani, known as Pisanello, was an acclaimed painter and lauded as the founder of the modern medal in the Renaissance.
Antonio di Puccio Pisani, known as Pisanello, was an acclaimed painter and lauded as the founder of the modern medal in the Renaissance.