Alfonso V of Aragon, 1394-1458, King of Naples and Sicily 1443 [obverse]
1449
![Alfonso V of Aragon, 1394-1458, King of Naples and Sicily 1443 [obverse] by Pisanello](https://images.artheonmuseum.org/nga/thumb/alfonso-v-of-aragon-1394-1458-king-of-naples-and-nga-44350.webp)
Medium
lead
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 11.12 cm (4 3/8 in.) gross weight: 549.85 gr (1.212 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.611.a
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the National Gallery of Art, where we showcase this remarkable Renaissance medal by the master artist Pisanello (c. 1395–1455). Titled *Alfonso V of Aragon,1394-1458, King of Naples and Sicily1443 [obverse]*, this 1449 lead portrait captures the powerful ruler in profile, his regal features framed by intricate armor and a laurel wreath. At an impressive diameter of 1112 cm and weighing nearly 1.2 pounds, it's one of Pisanello's grandest medals, part of the Samuel H. Kress Collection. Pisanello, a pioneer of the Renaissance medal genre, revived the ancient Roman tradition of portrai...
About the Artist
Pisanello
Antonio di Puccio Pisano, known as Pisanello (c. 1395–1455), was a pioneering Italian painter, draftsman, and medalist born in Pisa, though he spent his early years near Verona. His early training occurred in Verona under local painters, possibly Stefano da Verona or Altichiero, fostering a style rooted in Veronese traditions. Between 1415 and 1420, he served as assistant to Gentile da Fabriano, a...