Italian, 1500-1550, pastiglia, Hildburgh Coll.

Wood with decoration in relief in a paste (pastiglia) of white lead and egg-binder on a rouletted and gilt ground. Gilded fields with punchmarks in either a diamond or a palmette pattern.
Rectangular form; truncated pyramid-shaped lid decorated with foliated designs, antique vases, sphinxes and other hybrids, and a wreath at each corner. On the front and back are three scenes from Roman history divided by pilasters, and one both ends are two Roman scenes divided by a pilaster. The interior lined with later red baize.

On the front: Oath of the Horatii; combat between the Horatii and the Curiatii before the Romans and the Albans; Titus Manlius Torquatus ordering the beheading of his son
End: triumph of Titus with the spoils of the Temple of Jerusalem, including the seven-armed candelabra (probably derived from a relief on the arch dedicated to Titus in the Forum, Rome);
Back: Lucretia on a podium stabbing herself before Collatinus, Brutus and warriors; Scipio Africanus brandishing his sword; equestrian battle;
End: the Romans rejoicing(?); Gaius Mucius Scaevola holding his right hand in the fire before King Porsena and his court.

Given by Dr W.L.Hildburgh, F.S.A.

Given by Dr W.L.Hildburgh, F.S.A. (RP 53/1314), with W.23a-1953

Comparable objects

15 x 28 x 25cm, Ferrara or Padova, 1500-1550 (Rome, G.N.A.A. Palazzo Barberini, inv. no, 2107), in Pastiglia Boxes, hidden treasures of the Italian Renaissance (Cofanetti in Pastiglia), catalogue from the exhibition Pastiglia Boxes: hidden treasures of the Italian Renaissance from the collection of Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Rome: Lowe Art Museum, Miami, Feb. 13 - April 28, 2002, cat. 3

Venice or Ferrara; attrributed to the

During the Italian Renaissance period, the groom-to-be filled a small box with gifts and jewellery at the time of the betrothal. The bride then took it to her husband’s house at the time of their wedding. Such boxes that have survived are usually richly decorated. This example depicts instructive stories from classical antiquity celebrating the virtues of marriage.

W.23-1953