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

This bronze medal portraying Leonello d’Este, Marquess of Ferrara, was crafted by Pisanello around 1441. The circular form and the facing profile immediately suggest a classical influence. The artist uses line and texture to define Leonello's features and curly hair. Pisanello’s artistry lies in his ability to synthesize classical forms with a contemporary aesthetic. The profile portrait, reminiscent of ancient Roman coins, speaks to a revival of classical ideals during the Renaissance. Yet, the artist's attention to the minute details of Leonello’s physiognomy and hairstyle reflects a distinctly Renaissance interest in individualization and naturalism. The inscription encircling the portrait functions as a semiotic marker, bestowing status upon the subject, while also framing him within a discourse of power and authority. The medal’s structure—its material, form, and inscription—converges to produce a powerful statement about Leonello d’Este's identity and his place within the socio-political landscape of Renaissance Italy.