The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of May 31, 2023

Portrait of John VIII Palaoelogus, Emperor of Constantinople, 1424-1428 (obverse) and (reverse)

c. 1438–1439

Part of a set. See all set records

Pisanello

(Italian, Ferrara, c. 1395–1455)

Italy, 15th century

Lead

Diameter: 10.4 cm (4 1/8 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1974.13

Location

not on view

Description

The art of the medal was introduced into Italy by Pisanello, His work as a medalist began with the portrait medal of this emperor, who, in 1438, visited the Council of Ferrara.

Inscriptions

Inscription

obverse: IWANNHC BACI EVC KAI AVTOKPATWP PWMAIWN O A AIOA O OC [John King and Emperor of the Romans, Palaeologus]

Provenance
Private collection, sold Sotheby & Co., Zurich, May 27, 1974, lot 131, to Blumka Gallery.
Blumka Gallery (New York, New York), sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art, 1974.
Exhibition history

Year in Review: 1974. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (March 11-April 6, 1975).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1974.13