Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, Lord of Rimini (1417–1468) 1446

This bronze medal of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta was created by Matteo de' Pasti in the mid-15th century. The circular form establishes a self-contained world, isolating the profile of Malatesta in stark relief. The incised lettering forms another concentric circle, framing the portrait and adding a layer of classical formality. The profile, with its sharp, unwavering lines, conveys a sense of unyielding will and power. De' Pasti masterfully uses the medium to create a play of light and shadow, accentuating the contours of Malatesta's face and hair. This emphasis on line and form serves not just as a record but as an idealization, transforming the subject into a figure of almost mythical stature. The medal's composition thus operates within a visual language of Renaissance humanism, reviving classical forms to celebrate the individual. The very act of isolating and elevating Malatesta in this way challenges traditional notions of power, subtly questioning where true authority resides.