Sketches for the Design of a Casket (recto); Battle of the Centaurs and Lapiths(?) (verso) 1545 - 1555

Girolamo da Carpi made these sketches for the design of a casket in pen and brown ink, sometime in the early 16th century. At first glance, this may seem like a simple drawing on paper, but it offers insight into the world of Renaissance craft and design. The detailed sketches reveal da Carpi's deep understanding of classical forms and ornament, probably intended to be realized in wood, and perhaps inlaid with precious materials. The artist paid careful attention to every detail, from the overall structure of the casket to the intricate carvings and figurative elements. These included friezes, columns, and stylized acanthus leaves; all hallmarks of the Renaissance aesthetic. The drawing shows just how much labor and skill went into even the initial stages of design. Da Carpi wasn't just an artist, but a skilled craftsman, intimately familiar with the materials and processes required to bring his vision to life. By emphasizing the artistry and technical expertise involved in the making of functional objects, we can better appreciate their cultural and social value, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.