Front of a marriage chest (cassone) c. 1450 - 1460
anonymous
natural stone pattern
wood texture
rippled sketch texture
naturalistic pattern
woman
animal
wave pattern
possibly oil pastel
11_renaissance
organic pattern
12_15th-century
wooden texture
natural texture
organic texture
This anonymous, Italian, 15th-century relief sculpture depicting a scene from a marriage chest (cassone) is a rare example of Early Renaissance art. Made in the style of the Florentine sculptor Donatello, the work showcases the intricate details and expressive figures that were characteristic of this period. Created between 1450 and 1460, this intricate relief sculpture, carved from wood and adorned with gilding, is a testament to the artistry of its time. It is currently on display in the Städel Museum, providing a glimpse into the rich visual culture of the Italian Renaissance.
Comments
What at first sight looks like an independent painting was originally the front of a ‘cassone’. Made to hold the trousseaus of wealthy young ladies of bourgeois or aristocratic origins, these chests were often decorated with depictions of virtues from antiquity or classical mythology. In this case, we find scenes from the tale of the chaste Lucretia, who took her own life after being raped by Sextus Tarquinius. The personifications of Prudence and (probably) Strength to either side allude to Lucretia – and indirectly to the cassone’s owner as well.
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