Portrait of Leonello D'Este, Marquess of Ferrara (obverse and reverse), Pisanello, 1435

Renaissance medals usually show a person on the front and a symbolic element on the back, creating an overall statement about the individual. Lionello d'este was one of the most sophisticated patrons in renaissance italy, and he was one of the first figures to sponsor the tradition of medals in the 1400s. Date: 1435. Place of creation: Italy, 15th century. Dimensions: Diameter: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.). Medium: bronze. Collection: Cleveland Museum of Art. Clevelandart 1971.4