Italian, Ferrara, circa 1530

Overall the condition of the casket is good, with minor wear and dirt to the surface throughout consistent with age. The front corners of the base have been mildly refreshed. The edges of the lid are worn with a chip on the left corner resting between the ship and the triumph scenes. On the front of the casket with the triumph scene, there are minor chips around the lock. The top of the right corner column has minor restorations and there is a minor loss at the top of the left column. On the side of the casket with the scene of the ships there is a minor loss of the gilding ground. On the side with the procession of the Palladio, there are very minor losses to two of the hands of the figures. The finial sphere may have been added at a later date.
"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."

Pastiglia caskets were used to contain small semi-precious and 'studiolo' objects, such as seals and coins. The depiction of many scenes from famous classical romantic myths suggests that they were used as engagement gifts. Above all they express the Renaissance fascination with all things Antique.

The pastiglia decoration on these caskets is moulded into forms which are then glued to the surface. The applied forms are made of 87% white lead mixed with sulphate and a binder. It is believed that the small moulds used to make the individual parts were made of metal rather than wood or clay.  The exterior wood surface, usually alder, is prepared with a thin layer of gesso which is then punched to varying degrees of elaboration before the addition of red bole and gold leaf. This was followed by the application of the figures and decoration.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. M. de Winter, 'A little-known creation of Renaissance Decorative Arts: The white lead Pastiglia Box', Saggi e Memorie di storia dell'arte, 14, 1984, pp. 9-131