Marble bust 15th century style Italian woman’s garb with gilded accents. Depicts Latin writing around collar consisting of Antonius Carella and the date 1799 in Roman numerals MDCCIC. The second tier of carved words reads: CICILIA VIRGO FILIA IOHANNIS FRANCISCI PRIMI MARCHIONIS MANTVE. Base is adorned with stars and winged angels holding a wreath with a crested shield.
After a medal work by Pisanello Veronese, c. 1395 - 1455.
Has a custom made wood base.

Weight (lbs): 150?
Height (In.): 24
Width (In.): 20
Depth (In.): 14
Size: 24 x 20 x 14
Maker: Antonius Carella
Material: Marble
Date: 1799
Provenance:
Condition: Very good condition.
History: Cecilia Gonzaga, 1426-1451, daughter of Gianfrancesco I
Cecilia Gonzaga A gifted pupil, with her brothers, of Vittorino da Feltre, Cecilia Gonzaga refused the marriage arranged by her parents in order to take up the religious life. Receiving permission from her father in his will, she entered the Clarissan convent at Mantua in 1445 and died there in the odor of sanctity. This medal, although dated 1447, shows her in secular attire, wearing a wide-sleeved dress and with her hair in a bun. The allegorical scene on the reverse alludes to the qualities possessed by the young woman, since only a virtuous virgin may tame a unicorn; thus Innoncence and Chastity are represented by the two figures. The unicorn has the body of a long-haired goat, this animal being the symbol of knowledge, a reference to the learning of the princess. After her death she was given the title Beata Chiara.