Wedding chest (cassone) - with the allegorical representation of a river

Around the base rim of the horizontal prism shaped chest, rosette motifs can be found. At the edges of the front, in an inlay framed with multi-profiled slat masks, plastic embossing can be seen depicting human faces. On the wide middle band is a lying female figure set in a scroll, most likely an allegorical representation of a river, accompanied by finned, winged sirens. The cover of the chest and its shorter sides are plain framed, fitted with iron mounts. Stylistically similar to the object are the cassapancas of the Hermitage in St Petersburg. The backs of both feature the allegory of the river on one of them there is a female figure half lying, half leaning on her elbow set in a scroll (Rollwerk), while the other one features a lying male figure holding a water jar. All three objects, carved from mature walnut, are outstanding examples of Italian mannerism.