Medal of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga di Rodigo

Gianfrancesco Gonzaga (1446-1496) was the third son of Ludovico III Gonzaga, Marquess of Mantua and Barbara of Brandenburg. He was the first Count of Sabbioneta from 1479 until his death. When his father Ludovico died in 1478, the Gonzaga lands between the Po and Oglio rivers were inherited by his sons cardinal Francesco and Gianfrancesco. When Francesco died, the latter became the only lord, adding to them the county of Rodigo.

The obverse of the medal represents the portrait of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga di Rodigo, while the reverse shows Fortune, Mars, and Minerva.

Inscription around circumference on the obverse: IOHANNES FRANCISCVS GONZ[aga]. Inscription on the reverse around top circumference: FORVICTRICI; 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.