Isotta degli Atti, 1432/1433-1474, Mistress 1446, then Wife after 1453, of Sigismondo Malatesta [obverse] c. 1453 - 1455

Matteo de' Pasti created this bronze portrait medal of Isotta degli Atti around 1446. The circular form and the profile view give it a classical feel, reminiscent of ancient Roman coins, yet the textured details and the inscription add a contemporary Renaissance flair. The carefully crafted profile captures Isotta’s features with remarkable clarity, emphasizing her refined bone structure and elegant hairstyle. The texture of her hair, achieved through intricate detailing, contrasts with the smooth, polished surface of her face, drawing our attention to the artist’s mastery of form and technique. The inscription that frames the portrait is meticulously rendered, acting both as a border and a semantic element that identifies the sitter. This medal is not merely a portrait but also a statement about identity, status, and the power of representation. It invites us to reflect on how individuals are immortalized through art.