Cassone
Category
Furniture
Date
1550 - 1599
Materials
Walnut
Measurements
51 x 185.5 x 63.5 cm
Place of origin
Italy
Order this imageCollection
Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset
NT 1254473
Summary
A carved walnut cassone, Italian, probably Roman, 2nd half of the 16th century. The hinged lid carved with ribbons and swaths of flowers within a nulled border above a rectangular body with a central cartouche held by putti and with further figural carving depicting religious scenes. Raised on a later carved plinth base with lion's paw feet.
Full description
This is one of two cassone in the collection at Kingston Lacy, see (NT1254472) for an example of similar date. Also V&A collection no. 7709-1861. See also Claudio Paolini, 'Il mobile del rinascimento, la collezione Herbert Percy Horne, Firenze' 2002 for further discussion and Pedrini, 'Italian Furniture, interiors and decorations of the XV-XVI centuries' London, 1949, p. 127, fig. 112, for a related Florentine cassone of similar form, dating to the middle of the 16th century, (Bardini Collection, Florence).This type of Renaissance cassone derives from the ancient marble sarcophagi and contemporary Renaissance tombs, the latter often stood on elaborately carved supports and plinths. Supporting figures were often employed on these types of cassone, although they often had portrait medallions and wreaths. Corner figures, as on this example, were also common. (NT1254472) James Weedon (June 2018)
Provenance
Acquired by William Bankes in Italy. Bequest of the estates of Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy made to the National Trust by Henry John Ralph Bankes (1902-1981). NT ownership commenced from 19th August 1982
References
Dubon, David 'The Frick Collection, Vol V, Italian and French Furniture' Vermont, 1992, pg3 - Pedrini, A. 'Italian Furniture, interiors and decorations of the XV-XVI centuries' London, 1949