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Auction: 390 - Renaissance Plaquettes and Commemorative Medals featuring the Neil A. Goodman Collection - e-Auction
Lot: 81

MATTEO DE' PASTI (active 1441-1467)
Isotta degli Atti (1432/3-1474). Medal, dated 1446. Bronze, 84mm. D.ISOTTTAE.ARIMINENSI, Bust right, her hair over a high frame, held by a crossed band fastened at the front with a jewel and falling in two long tresses behind, rev. The Malatesta elephant walking right in a flowery meadow, date M.CCCC.XLVI. Hill 187; Armand I, 21, 19; Pollard 33 = Kress 63; Scher Currency of Fame 13. Isotta degli Atti was the mistress (1446), then wife (1456) of Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta. Although dated 1446, the medal was produced some years later as Isotta was not publicly honored until after the death of Sigismondo's second wife in 1449 (the date on the reverse refers to the year she became the Lord of Rimini's mistress). The medal most likely dates to 1453 or shortly thereafter when Isotta was accepted as a member of the Malatesta family.
These unsigned medals have been found under foundation stones (and seem to have been very popular at the time) although this example shows no signs of having been excavated. Pierced. An Extremely Fine contemporary cast with rich dark patina. Ex Morton & Eden, Sale 93, June 27, 2018, lot 108.
From the Neil A. Goodman Collection

Estimate
$40,000 to $45,000

Starting price
$38000