This is a rectangular cassone, or low chest, made of dark wood. The top has a beveled edge on three sides. The back edge is flat. The front of the chest is adorned with two richly carved panels. Each panel shows a figure in motion surrounded by curlicue designs. The figure to our left is seated and partially nude, their chest and stomach visible, while their waist is wrapped in cloth. In their left hand, to our right, they hold a swan. Their face is turned to our left. The figure to our right is standing in a wide stance, their arms extended. They are also partially nude, with their chest and stomach visible, but their waist wrapped in cloth. In their right hand, to our left, they hold a large ball. Their head is turned to our right. To the left, right, and between the panels, are carved nude figures with their arms raised, seemingly holding up the top of the chest. A handle hangs on the flat surface of each end of the chest. Elaborate molding forms the bottom of the chest on the front and sides. The chest rests on low rounded legs with the curlicue design. The back of the chest is unadorned and shows signs of wear.
Italian, Central Italy
Cassone,
1580-1589
Walnut
,
65 x 171.5 x 61 cm (25 9/16 x 67 1/2 x 24 in.)
Object details
Accession number
F15s7
Primary Creator
Italian, Central Italy
Full title
Cassone
Creation Date
1580-1589
Provenance
Entered Isabella Stewart Gardner's collection by 1899.
Dimensions
65 x 171.5 x 61 cm (25 9/16 x 67 1/2 x 24 in.)
Display Media
Walnut
Web Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.
Permanent Gallery Location
Early Italian Room
Bibliography
Gilbert Wendel Longstreet and Morris Carter. General Catalogue (Boston, 1935), p 89. (modern imitation in the style of the 16th century)Fausto Calderai and Alan Chong. Furnishing a Museum: Isabella Stewart Gardner’s Collection of Italian Furniture (Boston, 2011), pp. 96-97, no. 28. (as authentic, almost entirely of the late 16th century)
Rights and reproductions
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Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.