Archaeological Museum of Bologna

Antonio Pisano, called Pisanello, is considered the inventor of the Renaissance medal. Already known as a painter, he began his medalist work probably with the sample created for John VIII Palaeologus in 1438-39. He worked at many Italian courts, in Ferrara, Florence, Milan, Rimini, Naples, Rome and Mantua, where he executed also this medal for Cecilia, daughter of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga, first Marquis of Mantua, and Paola Malatesta. Despite being a nun for two years, Pisanello represented the girl in lay clothes. On the reverse, in a rocky landscape background, illuminated by the moon, a half-naked virgin, sitting, touching the head of a crouched unicorn; on the right, is engraved the legend indicating that the medal was made in 1447 by Pisanus Pictor. The virgin symbolizes purity and chastity of Cecilia: according to the medieval tradition, only a virgin could subdue the unicorn, ferocious and wild animal.

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Sperandio, among the most prolific medalists of the fifteenth century, lent his art at the courts of Ferrara, Mantua and Milan; arrived in Bologna in 1478 where he remained for more than ten years in the service of Giovanni II, leaving us evidence not only in the field of medals but also sculpture.

Provenance: University Collection
Datation: 1447
Material: bronze
Dimensions: diam mm 87
Inventory #: 22727