Lux Italiae – The Light of Italy

309, Lot: 494. Estimate $300. Sold for $340. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Urbino (ducato). Federico III da Montefeltro. 1474-1482. Bronzed Cast Lead Medal (88mm, 377.60 g, 12h). Commemorating the Death of the Duke. Original by Sperandio da Mantova. A much later aftercast. (rose) DıVı · FE · VRB · DvCıS · MOTE · AC · DvR · CoM · REG · CaP · GE · AC · S · RO · ECCE · CoN · INVICTI, draped bust left, wearing mortier / · OPVS · SPERANDEI ·, Federico on horseback trotting left, holding baton and reins. Cf. Pollard (1985) 108 (for prototype); Pollard (2007) –; cf. Hill 389 (same); cf. Armand 29 (same). Good VF, rich brown surfaces, some scattered spotting.

One of the most intriguing and important personalities of the Italian Renaissance, Federico da Montefeltro was not only a successful condottiero, but also an avid patron of the arts. A defining moment in his early life was a tournament accident in which he lost his right eye and suffered a severe scar to that side of his face. Subsequently, all portraits of the duke depicted him from his “good” side, hiding these wounds. In order to remain a strong military leader, he had surgeons remove the upper bridge of his nose, thereby giving his remaining eye a greater field of vision. These facial characteristics can be seen in the medal above, depicting him from the left and missing the nasal bridge.

Often referred to as lux Italiae (the Light of Italy), Federico imposed justice and stability into his region through humanist education, employed copyists and editors to create an outstanding library, and cared for the families of fallen soldiers. Consequently, his troops were fiercely loyal, and because of this loyalty he never lost a war. Furthering his accolades, he was even honored by Edward IV of England, who made him a Knight of the Garter.