Nomos AG
Auction 11 9 October 2015
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ITALY, Ferrara. Ercole I d'Este. 1471-1505. Testone (Silver, 33mm, 9.57 g 4), struck from dies engraved by Giannantonio da Foligno, 1502-1504. HERCVLES DVX FERRARIAE II Bare head of Ercole I to left. Rev. Horseman, nude but for cloak billowing over his shoulders, riding to right, his right arm outstretched and pointing to his right. CNI 24-29. RM 6. Rare. Toned, well struck and most attractive. Extremely fine.
From a Swiss private collection.
The depiction of the horse on the reverse is probably taken from the full-sized clay model of an equestrian statue of Francesco Sforza of Milan, which was made by Leonardo da Vinci. After Milan was captured by the French the model was given to Ercole I and taken to Ferrara where it ultimately fell to pieces and was discarded.
From a Swiss private collection.
The depiction of the horse on the reverse is probably taken from the full-sized clay model of an equestrian statue of Francesco Sforza of Milan, which was made by Leonardo da Vinci. After Milan was captured by the French the model was given to Ercole I and taken to Ferrara where it ultimately fell to pieces and was discarded.