Italian, Ferrara, 16th century

Overall the condition of the casket is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few minor losses to the pastiglia decoration, including to some of the feet of the figures and legs of the horses, some of the arms and hands, and to a small section of the border on the lid. There is some minor stable splitting to the pastiglia decoration in areas, consistent with the material. There is some rubbing to the pastiglia modelling at the high points throughout. There is wear to the gilding, revealing the red ground in areas. The section covering the top part of the lid slides out, giving access to an additional compartment. There is minor evidence of past worming to the wood, including to the right panel at the back and to the panels on the short sides, and to the interior at the top. There are also some very minor losses to the wood around the joints in the interior. The lid is slightly warped. There is minor corrosion to the lock and some oxidation to the key. The lock functions. The casket rocks very slightly on an even surface. There is wear, including some fraying, to the later velvet lining.
"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. The present casket is a particularly fine example, and compares with another published by Martini and Foi (op. cit.).

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; Pastiglia Boxes: Hidden Treasures of the Italian Renaissance, exh. cat. Lowe Art Museum, Miami, 2002; L. Martini and L. Foi, Cofanetti in pastiglia del Rinascimento Italiano, Brescia 2005, no. 142, no. 29