Cassone (one of a pair)

Italian (Florentine?) Painter

second quarter 15th century

Cassone (one of a pair) by Italian (Florentine?) Painter

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

MenWomenDianaDogs

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) ·

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