Francesco II da Carrara (19 May 1359 – 16 January 1406), known as Francesco il Novello (‘Francesco the Younger’), was a prominent member of the Carrara family in Northern Italy. He became the Lord of Padua after his father, Francesco I il Vecchio, renounced his title in 1388. Following his father’s abdication, Francesco embarked on extensive travels throughout Northern Italy and Germany, forging alliances that enabled him to reclaim Padua in June 1390. After two years of conflict, he restored his family’s power in Northern Italy.

Though the reverse of the medallion, bears the Roman numerals ‘MCCCL/XXXVII’ (1388), it is part of a group of so-called ‘Carrara Medals’ which were produced throughout the 16th century by the Papafava family of Venice, a branch of the Carrara family. This fascinating medallion thus served as both a commemoration and a memorialisation of their heritage.

Related Literature: