Cassone (one of a pair) 1425 - 1450

This cassone, one of a pair, was made by an anonymous artist, and is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The object presents as a rectangular wooden chest decorated with painted panels. The panels, divided into three distinct narrative scenes, immediately draw the eye. These scenes, framed by decorative borders, are integrated into the solid geometry of the chest, highlighting its function as both a utilitarian object and a canvas for storytelling. The composition relies on the juxtaposition of linear, architectural elements and the fluid, figural representations within the panels. This contrast emphasizes the symbolic function of the cassone. The choice of color, although muted by time, suggests an attempt to create depth and drama within the limited space of each panel, reinforcing a semiotic interplay between object, image, and cultural narrative. The artist uses this tension to explore themes of power, wealth, and social identity, embedding these concepts within the very structure of the object.