Lot 36
  • 36

The Embriachi workshop Italian, Venice, second quarter 15th century

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • bride's casket with reliefs of the story of Susanna
  • wood, ivory and horn
  • Italian, Venice, second quarter 15th century

Condition

There are minor restorations to the intarsia work, particularly at the corners. A few single sections have been lost, some have minor splitting consistent with material. Some of the bone reliefs have been reattached. Two sections on the left and reverse of the casket do not join properly. The reliefs have some minor chips to the tops and undersides. The corners of the relief with the scroll-bearing angels in the front and centre of the lid are reattached. The inside is lined with red silk which has areas of wear and staining.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Betrothal caskets were exchanged at important Renaissance weddings. The present type would have been a bride's box: a small chest in which a woman could collect her marriage jewellery, letters from her lover and other precious tokens of their sacred bond. The reliefs illustrating the story of Susanna were meant to remind the couple of marital virtuousness.

Susannah was a married woman who was spied upon by two male Elders whilst bathing. The pair threatened to accuse her of adultery with a young lover unless she agreed to have relations with them. Susanna remained steadfast and would not compromise herself. She was arrested and about to be put to death when a young man named Daniel intervened on her behalf. He separated the Elders and questioned them about the details of Susanna's so-called tryst. However, when the old men's stories proved inconsistent, Susanna was set free with her virtue intact and the two men were put to death.

RELATED LITERATURE
L. Syson and D. Thornton, Objects of Virtue. Art in Renaissance Italy, London, 2001, pp. 58-61, figs. 41-2