John VIII Palaeologus Emperor of Constantinople thumbnail 1
John VIII Palaeologus Emperor of Constantinople thumbnail 2
+1
images
Not currently on display at the V&A

John VIII Palaeologus Emperor of Constantinople

Medal
1438 - 1439 (made), 19th century (copied)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is a badly misunderstood modern copy of Pisanello's medal of 1438/39. the Greek inscription of the original has been so misread and distorted as to be meaningless. The reverse, which should show the Emperor and a page on horseback, has also been misinterpreted and three more horses substituted for what should have been a background of rocks.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleJohn VIII Palaeologus Emperor of Constantinople (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze
Brief description
Medal, bronze, John VIII Palaeologus Emperor of Constantinople, a modern reproduction of the medal by Pisanello made 1438/39, France, probably Paris, 19th century
Physical description
Bronze medal, modern reproduction of the medal by Pisanello of John VIII Palaeologus Emperor of Constantinople of 1438/1439. The Greek inscription of the original has been so misread and distorted as to be meaningless. The reverse, which should show the Emperor and a page on horseback, has also been misinterpreted and three more horses substituted for what should have been a background of rocks.
Obverse: profile bust of John Palaeologus facing right, bearded, wearing hat with tall crown and wide brim. Inscribed.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 10.1cm
Object history
Given by A F Radcliffe, Reading, in 1981.
Production
A badly misunderstood copy of Pisanello's medal of 1438 / 1439.
Subject depicted
Summary
This is a badly misunderstood modern copy of Pisanello's medal of 1438/39. the Greek inscription of the original has been so misread and distorted as to be meaningless. The reverse, which should show the Emperor and a page on horseback, has also been misinterpreted and three more horses substituted for what should have been a background of rocks.
Collection
Accession number
A.8-1981

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMay 25, 2000
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest