Archaeological Museum of Bologna

The medal depicts on the obverse the portrait of Giovanni II Bentivoglio and was probably done to celebrate his proclamation as Princeps of bolognese Senate. Other scholars, however, argue that the medal was made to commemorate the marriage of Giovanni II and Ginevra Sforza. On the reverse are carved two winged cherubs, with a long scarf that wraps their bodies, holding up a shield with the Bentivoglio emblem: the saw.

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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: 1462
Material: bronze
Dimensions: diam mm 105
Inventory #: 13202