Leonello d'Este, Marquis of Ferrara 15th century

Here we have a bronze medal of Leonello d'Este, Marquis of Ferrara, made by Pisanello. At first glance, the medal presents a stoic profile set against the circular frame, an embodiment of Renaissance ideals. The composition is structured around a careful balance of form and text, the inscription acting as both a border and a semantic layer, framing Leonello’s likeness. The use of bronze provides a tactile quality, while the precise lines and smooth surfaces render a classical aesthetic. Pisanello's skill lies in how he uses the material to suggest character. Consider how the medal as a form destabilizes traditional portraiture by compressing three-dimensional form into a relief. This flattening serves to abstract the individual, inviting us to decode the symbol of power. The circular format further emphasizes a sense of completeness, yet the edges invite us to see this portrait as part of a broader historical narrative. Ultimately, the medal isn't just a representation but a commentary on the nature of identity and representation in art.