Sigismondo Malatesta as Captain of the Roman Church 1446

This 1446 bronze medal by Matteo de' Pasti depicts Sigismondo Malatesta, the Lord of Rimini, in profile. The inscription around the edge identifies him as "Captain of the Roman Church," a position he held from 1443 to 1447. This Renaissance medal is an early example of the portrait medal, which was a popular art form during the 15th and 16th centuries. The medal's small size and intricate detail highlight the skill of the artist. This work, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, allows viewers to glimpse the intricate craftsmanship of Renaissance art.