Gianfrancesco Riding in a Rocky Landscape, with a Companion [reverse] c. 1445 - 1447

This 15th-century lead medal by Pisanello, an Italian painter and medalist, portrays Gianfrancesco Gonzaga, a nobleman and military leader, riding on horseback. This cast medal, dating back to the mid-1440s, showcases Pisanello’s mastery in capturing detail and realism in a small format. The inscription on the medal identifies the artist as "Opus Pisani Pictoris" ("Work of the painter from Pisa"). This exquisite example of Renaissance art embodies the era's focus on individualism and the celebration of human achievements. The intricate depiction of the rider, his horse, and the surrounding rocky landscape reveals Pisanello’s keen eye for detail.