Medal of Antonia del Balzo
by ANTICO, Bronze, diameter 4 cm
Antonia del Balzo (1441-1538) was the wife of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga di Rodigo (1445-1496).
The obverse of the medal represents the portrait of Antonia del Balzo, while the reverse shows Hope on the Prow of a Broken-Masted Vessel.
Inscription around circumference on the obverse: DIVA ANTONIA BAVTIA DE GONZ[aga] MAR[chionissa]. Inscription on the reverse lower right on side of vessel: MAI PIV; around top circumference: SVPEREST M[ihi] SPES; across bottom in exergue: ANTI.
Antico’s first recorded commission (1479) was for a pair of medals to celebrate the wedding of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga, Conte di Rodigo and Lord of Bozzolo, with Antonia del Balzo. These are signed with the abbreviated form of Antico, ANTI, implying that by this time his pseudonym was widely recognized.