Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, 1417-1468, Lord of Rimini and Fano [obverse] c. 1446 - 1450

This bronze medal, created by the Italian Renaissance artist Matteo de' Pasti around 1446-1450, is a portrait of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, Lord of Rimini and Fano. The medal depicts Malatesta in profile, with his name inscribed around the perimeter. De' Pasti's use of realistic detail and a sophisticated understanding of perspective was innovative for the time, contributing to the growing popularity of the medal as an artistic medium during the Italian Renaissance. This particular example is considered a fine example of de' Pasti's skill in capturing the likeness of his subjects.