Isotta degli Atti, whose profile bust is on the obverse of this medal, was the third wife of Sigismondo Malatesta, lord of Rimini. Symbols alluding to Sigismondo and the House of Malatesta feature on both sides. The rosettes refer to the four-petalled rose that formed part of this family’s heraldry. The elephant on the reverse is an emblem that Sigismondo used in many of his undertakings as a symbol of strength, power and fame.

Although it bears an inscription with the year 1446 – the beginning of the couple’s relationship and the consolidation of Sigismondo’s power – this medal was probably produced after the death of his second wife, in 1449. Eleonora Luciano (2011) dates its conception to around 1450, placing it within a programme to celebrate Isotta. This included poetry by humanists such as Basinio of Parma (the probable author of the medal'’s motto) who, as well as Matteo de’ Pasti, the creator of this piece, is documented in Rimini from 1449.