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Primary sourceSculpture1438-1439

Medal of John VIII Palaiologos

Pisanello · 1438-1439

A bronze portrait medal by the Italian artist Pisanello showing Constantine XI's brother and predecessor, Emperor John VIII Palaiologos.

Depicts Constantine XI's brother and predecessor, from the period when Constantine ruled as regent in Constantinople.

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Round bronze medal on a red textured background. In profile, facing right, a bearded man wears a tall pointed cap and a high-collared garment, with curled hair over his ear. Greek lettering runs around the rim.
Pisanello, Medal of John VIII Palaiologos, c. 1438-1439.

About this source

What it is

This bronze medal was made by the Italian Renaissance artist Pisanello around 1438-1439, during the Byzantine emperor John VIII Palaiologos's visit to Italy for the Council of Ferrara/Florence. One side shows John's portrait in profile wearing an elaborate hat; the other shows him on horseback pausing at a wayside cross during a hunt. Examples survive in museums such as the British Museum.

Why it matters

John VIII was Constantine XI's brother and the emperor who ruled before him. While John travelled in Italy seeking Western help against the Ottoman threat, Constantine governed Constantinople as regent. The medal is considered the first portrait medal of the Renaissance and shows how Byzantine rulers appeared to, and influenced, Italian artists.

Look closer

  • What does the emperor's clothing and hat tell you about Byzantine court fashion?
  • Why might an Italian artist have been asked to make a portrait of a Byzantine emperor?
  • What does the scene on the back of the medal suggest about John's daily life while abroad?

This sculpture is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Constantine XI Palaiologos on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Constantine XI Palaiologos

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