Domenico Novello Malatesta in Armor, Kneeling before a Crucifix [reverse] c. 1445

This bronze medal was created by the Italian artist Pisanello in the mid-15th century. It depicts Domenico Novello Malatesta, an Italian condottiero, kneeling in prayer before a crucifix. His horse stands patiently behind him. Malatesta was Lord of Cesena, and Pisanello’s portrait speaks volumes about the social conditions and cultural values of Renaissance Italy. The medal itself served as a portable object that solidified Malatesta’s public image. The imagery blends the earthly power of a military leader – note the armor and horse – with the piety expected of a Christian ruler. Italian elites were expected to be versed in the arts and humanities, and the medal subtly promotes Malatesta’s status as a man of culture. Art historians can study such artworks in relation to the political and religious history of Renaissance Italy, and how those contexts shaped the production and reception of art. Understanding the relationship between art and its historical context allows us to gain a richer understanding of the culture.