Casket with Scenes of David and Solomon c. 1550

This Casket with Scenes of David and Solomon was crafted by an anonymous artist, showcasing biblical narratives on enamel and gilded metal. The casket presents a striking contrast in both color and texture; deep blues form a backdrop for the delicate, almost ethereal scenes depicted in white enamel. The gilding frames these vignettes, enhancing the object’s opulence and emphasizing its preciousness. Visually, the casket is divided into distinct panels, each presenting a narrative moment that invites close reading and contemplation on the stories of David and Solomon. Consider how the selection and arrangement of scenes might engage with the semiotic systems of its time, reflecting or perhaps subtly questioning prevailing interpretations of biblical power and wisdom. The use of enamel, with its smooth and reflective surface, in contrast to the ornate metalwork, adds layers of meaning to the object, turning it into a complex interplay of light, shadow, and narrative.