Pyramus and Thisbe
- Object:
- Place of origin:
- Date:
- Artist/Maker:
Workshop of Embriachi (sculptor)
- Materials and Techniques:
Wood, inlaid with marquetry of bone and shell
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
- Image unavailable
This marriage casket is made by the workshop of the Embriachi, North Italy in ca. 1450. It depicts scenes from the story of Pyramus and Thisbe.
The story of Pyramus and Thisbe is frequently represented on such caskets. It is suggested that the story is a French romance of the fourteenth century which was borrowed from Ovid. The story was also introduced by Shakespeare in his 'Midsummer Night's Dream'.
The Embriachi workshop was a north Italian family of entrepreneurs and carvers. The precise location of the workshop is unknown, except that it originated in Florence and in ca. 1431 there was apparently a workshop in Venice, in the area of S Luca.
They employed local workers specialising in 'certosina' (inlay of stained woods, bone and horn), and the workshop produced items carved in bone (usually horse or ox) with wood and bone marquetry.
As well as altarpieces, the workshop also made caskets as bridal gifts to hold jewels or documents, and these were often decorated with scenes from mythology.
Physical description
This coffer, or marriage casket in made of wood, inlaid with marquetry of bone and shell, and covered with bone plaques. The scenes depict the story of Pyramus and Thisbe. At each corner are male figures carrying shields and clubs. The lid is decorated with a border of flying amorini against a background of leaves.
Place of Origin
Italy (north, made)
Date
ca. 1450 (made)
Artist/maker
Workshop of Embriachi (sculptor)
Materials and Techniques
Wood, inlaid with marquetry of bone and shell
Dimensions
Height: 32 cm, Diameter: 31.5 cm
Object history note
From the Soulages Collection
Historical context note
The story of Pyramus and Thisbe is frequently represented on sucgh caskets. It is suggested that the story is a French romance of the fourteenth century which was borrowed from Ovid. The story was also introduced by Shakespeare in his 'Midsummer Night's Dream'.
Descriptive line
Marriage casket, wood inlaid with marquetry of bone and shell, scenes from Pyramus and Thisbe, by the workshop of the Embriachi, North Italy, ca. 1450
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Inventory of Art Objects Acquired in the Year 1859. In: Inventory of the Objects in the Art Division of the Museum at South Kensington, Arranged According to the Dates of their Acquisition. Vol I. London: Printed by George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode for H.M.S.O., 1868, p. 31
Longhurst, Margaret H. Catalogue of Carvings in Ivory. Part II. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1929, p. 65
Materials
Wood; Shell
Techniques
Inlay; Marquetry
Subjects depicted
Figures; Leaves; Shields; Amorini; Pyramus; Thisbe; Clubs
Categories
Containers; Sculpture; Myths & Legends
Collection code
SCP
