Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, (1422-1482)

Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, (1422-1482)
Plaster cast painted to resemble bronze after a bronze medal (circa 1474–82) by Sperandio di Bartolommeo de' Savelli (1431-1504)
19th Century
8.9 cm (diameter)

Portrait from the original obverse of the medal showing the Duke of Urbino bust length facing to the left, with "tòcco" [cap with a square flat top] and armor. Inscription "DIV FE VRB DCIS MOTE AC DR COM REG CAP GE AC S RO ECCL CON INVICTI"

The image of Federico, Count of Montefeltro and Duke of Urbino (1422-1482) is probably most famous from his painted profile portrait by Piero della Francesca. The Duchy of Urbino was particularly prosperous during the reign of Federico who became known as "The Light of Italy". An illustrious figure in humanist and Italian Renaissance culture, he was made a Knight of the Garter by Edward IV in 1474.

The Mantuan-born artist Sperandio was active throughout northern Italy. The original medal was probably modeled immediately after Federico's death.

This is a fine 19th Century cast modelled from a particularly good original example.

Literature

Armand I, 71,29; Hill 389; Pollard 108