Sarcofaag van Niccolo de' Medici in de Sint-Laurensbasiliek te Florence c. 1875 - 1900

This is a photograph of the sarcophagus of Niccolo de' Medici in the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence. Executed in marble, the sarcophagus is a fascinating example of how material and process can imbue an object with meaning. The stone itself, quarried and transported, speaks to the vast resources at the disposal of the Medici family. But it's the carving that really grabs your attention. The entire coffin is textured to resemble a woven basket. The reference to basketry elevates the stone through skilled traditions that belong to creative practices, blurring the lines between craft and fine art. The amount of labour involved in such a detailed carving is considerable, reflecting the high value placed on skilled craftsmanship during the Renaissance. This challenges our traditional understanding of sculpture as purely a high art form, reminding us of the artistry inherent in so-called "lower" crafts.