Large Venetian Chest In Carved Oak Painted In Polychrome, Dating From The 16th Century, Italy

Large Venetian wedding chest in carved oak painted with gold leaf, dating from 16th-century Italy. Rectangular in shape, it stands on four massive feet. The front panel features crowned female masks, carved and painted in gold leaf, and adorned with rich floral motifs. The lid, in rough wood with a beautiful patina, features a simple carved frame. The bottom of the chest is also carved and gilded, with a gilded frame. The finesse of the carvings testifies to the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the artisan who created this unique piece. The chest bears traces of previous restorations. Chests of this shape, material and size, often called "cassone" (from the Florentine term), were frequently used as bedroom or dowry chests. Indeed, in many parts of the world, tradition dictated that gifts presented to the new family for the bride should be placed in a wooden chest, usually decorated as richly as the means permitted, the better to display it as a status symbol when the bride arrived at her new home.