North Italian School, early 16th Century

Lawrenny House Collection, Pembrokeshire, by the 19th century;
Thence by descent;
With Lane Fine Art, London;
From whom acquired 10 July 2002.

This highly-refined and detailed cassone panel was likely painted in Northern Italy in the early 16th century.  Filled with a variety of lively figures set before a sprawling landscape, the panel illustrates a fascinating subject: the seven ages of man.  Unfolding from left to right are the various ages, each separated into a distinct group in front of a stone architectural device divided into visual compartments by way of pillars. At the top of this device and between each of the pillars is text identifying each of the ages.  At the far left we see infancy and boyhood (infantia et pueritia), adolescence (adolescentia), young adulthood (iuventus), maturity (maturitas), old age (senectus), and decrepitude (decrepitas).  The charm of this scene is further enhanced by the delicate details that border the image, including a thin border of painted gems and a winder border painted with an intricate gilt pattern.