Italian, Venice, late 16th century

carved with a coat of arms, probably those of the Navaroli Family of Milan, and the interior lid inset with mirrored glass

Sotheby's London, 8 July 1998, lot 271

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 due to past worming, including to the decoration on the borders. There is also a loss to the proper left leg of one of the harpies at the corners, and the head of one of the putti in the scene on the lid is lost. There is some wear to the gilding and carving, including rubbing at the high points and minor flaking in areas. The inside of the lid would have held a mirror, of which some fragments are visible and covered by modern glass. Some of the joints between the sections of wood are slightly open but stable.
"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."

This beautiful casket is carved with elaborate vegetal forms and cupids, similar to the decorative scheme on a Tuscan 16th-century casket in the Hermitage, St Petersburg (see Lorenzelli and Veca, op. cit., fig. 408). The present casket, which bears a scene of Orpheus and Eurydice on the lid, may have been commissioned as a wedding gift and presented to a young woman before her wedding to hold keepsakes and letters from her lover.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Lorenzelli and A. Veca, Tra/E, Teche, pissidi, cofani e forzieri, exh. cat., Galleria Lorenzelli, Bergamo, and Antiquaria Ltd, London, 1984, p. 305-308, fig. 408