Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta

1451 - Fresco - Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta kneeling in prayer to Saint Sigismondo - Tempio Malatestiano, Rimini

This work is halfway between characterisation and abstraction and contains all of Piero's typical features of the second half of the XV century. Sir Malatesta's profile reminds of the art of portrays on medals, which was revived in those years by Pisanello. We can also note some humanistic symbols, such as the presence of the two dogs: the black dog, symbolising vigilance, and the white one, symbolising loyalty.