Leone Battista Alberti, 1404-1472, Architect and Writer on Art and Science [obverse] 1446 - 1450

This bronze medal, created by Matteo de' Pasti between 1446 and 1450, depicts the Italian architect and writer on art and science, Leon Battista Alberti. The medal is a round portrait in profile, with Alberti's name inscribed around the edge. It is a fine example of the Renaissance-era medal, which served as a form of commemorative art honoring individuals who contributed to culture and learning. De' Pasti's meticulous detail in the rendering of Alberti's features and attire showcases the artist's skill in capturing likeness and conveying the subject's intellectual gravitas.