Matteo de'Pasti, bronze portrait medal of Isotta degli Atti of Rimini, dated 1446, D ISOTTAE ARIMINENSI, bust right, hair dressed high over frame, held by bands and a jewel at the top, falling in two strands behind, rev. an elephant walking to right, date below MCCCCXLVI, 81mm. (Arm.I,21,19; CF.13; Hill 187; Kress 63), an old cast, pierced, brown colour, very fine

Details

Matteo de'Pasti, bronze portrait medal of Isotta degli Atti of Rimini, dated 1446, D ISOTTAE ARIMINENSI, bust right, hair dressed high over frame, held by bands and a jewel at the top, falling in two strands behind, rev. an elephant walking to right, date below MCCCCXLVI, 81mm. (Arm.I,21,19; CF.13; Hill 187; Kress 63), an old cast, pierced, brown colour, very fine

Lot Essay

Isotto degli Atti was the mistress, and, some years after the death of his second wife Polissena Sforza, the third wife of Sigismondo Malatesta. Numerous medals of her survive. The reverse shows an Indian elephant, a device much used by the Malatesta family to symbolise strength. In this case the elephant also signifies chastity and piety.