Antonio Pisano, called Pisanello, the Painter and Medallist [obverse] c. 1440 - 1443

This is a bronze medal depicting Antonio Pisano, or Pisanello, made in the 15th century. The medal's circular form immediately draws your eye to the profile portrait, a deliberate structure emphasizing the subject's identity. The crisp lines of Pisanello's features and the intricate folds of his cap highlight a study in contrasts. The smooth, polished surfaces of the face are set against the textured background. The inscription, carefully placed around the perimeter, acts as a frame, reinforcing the medal's function as both an art object and a form of historical documentation. Pisanello’s mastery lies in his ability to use form to convey status and intellect. The medal is not just a portrait, but a carefully constructed statement about the artist's place in Renaissance society, capturing a moment of individual recognition within a broader cultural and intellectual movement.