Isotta degli Atti, 1432/1433-1474, Mistress 1446, then Wife after 1453, of Sigismondo Malatesta [obverse] c. 1453 - 1455

This bronze portrait medal of Isotta degli Atti was made by Matteo de' Pasti in the mid-15th century. It’s a striking example of Renaissance portraiture in miniature, giving us insight into both the individual and the society that valued her image. The medal-making process began with the creation of a wax model, meticulously carved in intricate detail. This model would then be used to create a mold, into which molten bronze was poured. Once cooled, the bronze would be chased and finished, resulting in the final product. Notice the exquisite detail achieved in Isotta's hair and dress. These details weren’t just aesthetic choices; they reflected the power and status of the woman, and the man who commissioned the work. The production of such a medal would have involved the work of many hands, from the mining and smelting of the metal, to the skilled artisans who carved and cast the bronze. It’s a reminder that even the smallest objects can be seen as the product of vast networks of labor and exchange, and also, the expression of a particular social context.