The Cassollette: Women Supporting an Urn
Marco Dente (Italian, c. 1486–1527)
c. 1520–27
Medium
engraving
Classification
Department
Prints
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland
Accession Number
1925.1231
Tags
male
About this artwork
Prints helped disseminate design ideas and establish a taste for decorative objects and styles, especially when endorsed with royal insignia. Adapted from Greek architecture, two caryatids—draped female figures used as pillars—hold aloft an ornamental incense burner designed by Raphael about 1515–20 for King François I (reigned 1515–1547). The lily-shaped fleurs-de-lis on its lid allude to the French monarchy. The salamanders adorning the side of the vessel specifically refer to François I, who ...