Antique Venetian Renaissance Cedar Wood Cassone, 1500s

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Description

A large 16th century Venetian cedar. wood Cassone is an exquisite example of the craftsmanship characteristic of the Italian Renaissance … Read more A large 16th century Venetian cedar. wood Cassone is an exquisite example of the craftsmanship characteristic of the Italian Renaissance period, featuring beautifully detailed scenes dating to circa 1550-1580.

Made from cedar wood, the chest has a deep, rich patina. Cedar wood was prized during the Renaissance for its durability and resistance to decay, making it an ideal choice for fine furniture intended to last for generations.

In Renaissance Venice, cassoni were a standard part of a bride's dowry among the nobility and wealthy merchant classes. Venice was a thriving trade hub with a population of about 150,000 in the mid-16th century, and the upper classes

commissioned these chests .

The decoration of the chest is particularly breathtaking. Its surface features intricate figural panels that depict various scenes, which include historical, mythological, and symbolic representations. Among these are 16th century knights, chariots, mythical beasts, and lions. The designs are expertly silhouetted against a recessed ground, giving a three-dimensional quality that enhances their visual impact.

The use of punch-work, a decorative technique involving the stamping of the wood with a mesh-like pattern, adds texture and depth to the surfaces. This technique is indicative of the meticulous attention to detail for which artisans in Italy were known during this period.

Overall, this Venetian Cassone is not only a functional piece of furniture but also a work of art that encapsulates the times in which it was made.

This chest''s provenance ties it to Broom Hall, a Grade II listed mansion in Gwynedd, built for Rowland Jones in the 18th century , a wealthy London attorney with cosmopolitan tastes.

Dimensions 187cm width x 65cm high x 60cm depth See less