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Antonio Pisano, known as Pisanello (c. 1395-1455)
Italy, c. 1441
Bronze
Diam. 8.8 cm
Inv. no. 2404
Italian Renaissance medals, an invention of the painter Pisanello in 1438, are essentially commemorative in character. They normally have a portrait in profile on the obverse and an allegory or symbol related to the person honoured on the reverse. The medals also have identifying inscriptions.
The personality represented on this medal is Niccolò Piccinino, head of the famous mercenary troops in the service of Filippo Maria Visconti, Duke of Milan and of Alphonse of Aragon, King of Naples. Niccolò is wearing armour and a high hat, and is being compared to Mars the god of War, in the explanatory legend.
On the reverse side, a female griffin, the symbol of the city of Perugia, is suckling two children, identified with Niccolò Piccinino and Braccio de Montone, his master, who were both born in the city.
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