Cassone (one of a pair)
second quarter 15th century
Medium
Tempera on lindenwood, molded and gilt ornament
Dimensions
29 1/2 × 62 1/4 × 23 3/4 in. (74.9 × 158.1 × 60.3 cm)
Classification
Woodwork-Furniture|Paintings
Culture
Italian, probably Florence
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George Blumenthal, 1941
Accession Number
41.190.129
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *cassone*, or marriage chest, hails from the second quarter of the15th century, likely, Italy—a hub of early Renaissance innovation. Cassoni like this one were prized wedding gifts, to store a bride's linens andseau while serving as status symbols in wealthy households. Adorned with a narrative scene featuring the goddess Diana alongside men, women, and, it evokes classical mythology, possibly her famous hunt, blending antiquity with contemporary Florentine life to celebrate themes of love, virtue, and adventure. Crafted from lightweight lindenwood, the chest is painted in temp...
About the Artist
Italian (Florentine?) Painter (Italian) · –