Cecilia Gonzaga, 1426-1451, daughter of Gianfrancesco I [obverse] 1447

This bronze medal portraying Cecilia Gonzaga was created by the Italian artist Pisanello in the mid-15th century. Cecilia Gonzaga, daughter of the Marquis of Mantua, was known for her intellect and virtue, later becoming a nun. This image reflects humanist values and the rising status of women in Renaissance society, particularly within aristocratic circles. Note the Latin inscription, which identifies Cecilia as a virgin and daughter of Gianfrancesco, emphasizing both her purity and familial connection. The medal served as a symbol of status and a form of personal branding. Artists like Pisanello were commissioned by wealthy patrons, and this medal reflects the Gonzaga family's desire to promote themselves as cultured and sophisticated rulers. By studying letters, diaries, and account books, historians can explore the artistic patronage and social functions of objects like these medals. Through them we can gain insights into the power dynamics and cultural values of the time.