Italy. VISIT OF JOHN VIII PALAEOLOGUS, EMPEROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE. By Antonio Pisano, called Pisanello. Uniface electrotype of the obverse. National Gallery 1, Armand I: 7/20, Hill 1931 1. $150. Sorry, SOLD (September, 2023) ———- Antonio di Puccio Pisano, called Pisanello was born in Pisa around 1395. He died in Rome around 1455. An artist of great talent, he is credited with the introduction of the Renaissance medal. He regarded himself foremost as a painter, signing his medals as such (e.g. Opus Pisani Pictoris [The work of Pisanello the painter]). Although many artists began creating medals soon after Pisanello introduced this new medium, his medals are generally regarded as the finest of the period.