Medal of John VIII Palaeologus, by Antonio Pisanello, Italy, 1438-1442

Obverse

A larger image of the obverse of the Medal of John VIII Palaeologus, by Antonio Pisanello

Reverse

A larger image of the reverse of the Medal of John VIII Palaeologus, by Antonio Pisanello

Museum number: G3,NapM.9
Description
Cast bronze medal. Pierced. (obverse) Bust of John VIII Palaeologus, right, with trim beard and moustache, wearing hat with tall crown and large upturned brim, pointed in front, vest and cloak with falling collar; hair in long curls.
(reverse) The Emperor on an ambling horse, right, wears hat, has bow at left hand, quiver at right side; raises folded hands as he passes wayside cross; behind him, a page on horseback seen from behind; in background, rocks; upper half of design bordered by plain line ending in hooks.
Designed by: Pisanello
Modelled by: Pisanello
Date: 1438-1442
Minted in: Italy
Materials: bronze
Technique: pierced, cast
Diameter: 103 millimetres
Inscriptions:
     Inscription Type: signature
     Inscription Position: reverse
     Inscription Content: · OPVS · PISANI · PICTORIS
     Inscription Translation: produced by Pisanello
British Museum

---

Referenced on p.36, Byzantine Armies AD 1118-1461 by Ian Heath & Angus McBride
Obverse and reverse of a medallion by Pisanello (1439) portraying Emperor John VIII. His dress and equipment betray unmistakable Turkish influence. (British museum)