This medal—a masterpiece of the art form—commemorates Leonello d’Este’s marriage in 1444 to Maria of Aragon, the illegitimate daughter of Alfonso the Magnificent of Naples (Leonello was himself illegitimate). The medal is large—Leonello is magnificently dressed and celebrated as the ruler of Ferrara, Reggio, and Modena. On the reverse, conceived like an exquisite painting, a lion (a stand-in for Leonello) is tamed by Cupid, who teaches the beast the music of love. The Este eagle roosts on a barren branch. On the upright stele is another favorite device of Leonello’s: the wind-filled sail held in place by a mast, perhaps signifying action tempered by Prudence.
