# Medal of Leonello d'Este \(obverse and reverse\) [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [PISANELLO]() - Date: 1401-1450 - Technique: Bronze, 10,2 cm ## Commentary Leonello d'Este popularised Pisanello's medals, using them as diplomatic gifts to cement relationships with dignitaries throughout Europe. In one example, announcing Leonello's marriage to Mary of Aragon, natural daughter of King Alfonso of Naples, Pisanello anchors his patron's bust with a Latin inscription across his shoulders that translates as Leonello d'Este Marquis. The qualifying descriptor "of Ferrara and Modena" appears in the curve beneath. the obverse provides a charming commentary on the event. at the right Cupid patiently points out musical notes on a scroll to a very meek lion, tail between his legs, who is learning to sing. In the background an eagle keeps watch. The work is inscribed with Pisanello's name above Cupid's head. <p> <table align=left cellpadding=5 border=1 width=320 bgcolor="\#99cccc"> <tr valign=middle><td><img src="/support/gif/listen.gif" border=0 valign=middle> Suggested listening \(streaming mp3, 4 minutes\):<br><a href="\#" onClick="w=window.open \('/music1/17\_cent/gasparini\_cupid.html', 'newWin', 'scrollbars=yes,status=no,screenX=0,screenY=0,width=350,height=350'\);w.opener=this;w.focus\(\);return true"><b>Francesco Gasparini: The Meddlesome Cupid, aria</b></a> </td></tr></table> ## Related artworks - [Alfonso of Aragon]() - [Alfonso of Aragon]() - [Annunciation]() - [Apes \(from the artist's sketchbook\)]() - [Apparition of the Virgin to Sts Anthony Abbot and George]() - [Borso d'Este]() - [Borso d'Este]() - [Bust of an Old Man]() - [Cecilia Gonzaga]() - [Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg]() - [Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg]() - [Filippo Maria Visconti]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()