Summary

Copy in two halves of a medal of Isotta degli Atti, wife of Sigismondo Pandolfo di Malatesta. The original medal was made in 1446 by Matteo de' Pasti. This Electrotype copy made circa 1881 by Robert Ready. The original medal was exhibited in the King's Library at the British Museum, London, in 1881 and is No. 24 in the catalogue of that exhibition. It is thought that this electrotype was produced in association with that exhibition and publication and acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria where it was displayed in the late 1880s.

Isotta degi Atti (1432/3 - 1474) was daughter of Francesco degli Atti, a wool trader and banker in Rimini. Married Sigismondo Pandolfo in 1456 and from 1468 acted a regent for her son Sallustio until he was assassinated by Roberto, his half-brother in 1469. She was about 14 when this portrait was made. The elephant on the reverse was a part Sigismondo's family symbolism.

Obverse Description

Bust of Isotta facing right in close-fitting robe; the hair drawn up high behind the head and falling down like a veil; around, . D . ISCOTTAE . . ARIMINENSI .

Reverse Description

An Elephant walking right; in exergue, M . CCCC . XLVI

Edge Description

Plain

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