Leonello d'Este, 1407-1450, Marquess of Ferrara 1441 [obverse] c. 1441 - 1444

This is a bronze portrait medal of Leonello d’Este, Marquess of Ferrara, created by the artist Pisanello. The circular form and the profile view evoke classical coins and medallions, aligning Leonello with the tradition of ancient rulers and their veneration. The deliberate use of bronze lends a sense of permanence, echoing the aspirations of the Renaissance elite. Pisanello's intricate detailing is evident in Leonello's hair, meticulously rendered to capture its volume and texture, contrasting with the smoother surfaces of his face and neck. The inscription encircling the portrait creates a semiotic ring, framing and defining Leonello’s identity as a leader. The axis and weight of the medal emphasize its function not just as a piece of art but as a symbolic object that was designed to convey power and status. Ultimately, the medal operates as a Renaissance signifier, reflecting a fascination with antiquity and an ambition to forge new paradigms of power and representation.