Design for a frame (recto); Design for a cassone (verso) 1500 - 1550

This drawing, made with pen and brown ink, is a design for a frame on one side, and for a cassone, or a marriage chest, on the other. Though we don't know who created this drawing, it offers a glimpse into the visual culture of its time. The design suggests a world steeped in tradition, where even everyday objects were adorned with classical motifs, reflecting a deep connection to the past. At the same time, the drawing speaks to the aspirations and values of the elite, for whom objects like marriage chests were potent symbols of wealth, status, and familial continuity. The identity of the artist remains a mystery, lost to time, but their skill and vision are evident in every line, inviting us to imagine the world they inhabited and the stories they sought to tell through their art. While this drawing preserves the conventions of its time, it also hints at the possibility of alternative narratives. In its delicate lines and careful details, we find a quiet assertion of creativity.