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

This is a portrait medal of Leonello d’Este, Marquess of Ferrara, made by Pisanello around 1441, likely cast in bronze and then chased with fine tools. Medals like this one are fascinating objects, as they sit right at the intersection of art, craft, and politics. Consider the labor involved: not just the artist's design and modeling, but the work of the foundry in casting the metal, and the expert hand needed for the delicate finishing. The material itself speaks volumes. Bronze, a relatively precious metal, immediately conveys status and permanence. The very act of casting – transforming molten metal into a solid form – lends the object a sense of authority. The inscriptions around the portrait further reinforce the message of power and legitimacy. This medal isn't just a likeness; it's a carefully constructed statement about leadership. Appreciating the artistry behind it allows us to see how the materials and the making contributed to this effect.