Chest
- Artist Culture
- Italian
- Date
- c.1600
- made in
- Venice, Veneto region, Italy, Europe
- Classification
- Furniture, metalwork
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 124
- Dimensions
- 18 7/8 x 27 7/8 x 17 1/2 in. (47.9 x 70.8 x 44.5 cm)
- Credit Line
- Friends Endowment Fund
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 346:1958
NOTES
Like a miniature crystal palace, this Chest, or ornamental box, features hundreds of rock crystal pieces carved into twisting columns and polished into transparent lenses. The wooden frame is lacquered in black and ornamented with intricate designs of vines and flowers in gold. Birds and foliage are delicately engraved on its gilded silver floor. An object of enormous worth, this Chest was probably made to hold and partially display precious textiles. In fact, it is thought Marie de’ Medici, Queen of France (1573–1642), received a similar chest brimming with blessed baby linens from Pope Clement VIII (1536–1605) to celebrate the birth of her son.
Provenance
Bischoffsheim Collection (possibly Ferdinand Raphael Bischoffsheim, 1837-1909) [1]
by 1957 - 1958
Premsela & Hamburger, Amsterdam, The Netherlands [2]
1958 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Premsela & Hamburger [3]
Notes:
[1] According to a document provided by Premsela & Hamburger, the object was formerly in the Bischoffsheim Collection [SLAM document files]. It is possible that the casket was owned by Ferdinand Raphael Bischoffsheim, an avid art collector.
[2] The object was with Premsela & Hamburger by 1957 when it was sent to the Museum for consideration [see Premsela and Hamburger's invoice of merchandise dated September 10. 1957, SLAM document files] . It is not known when Premsela & Hamburger acquired the work.
[3] During the transportation of the casket to the Museum, it was damaged and therefore was not given an accession number until its repair the following year. Bill of sale dated September 17, 1958 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control and the Advisory Committee of the City Art Museum, November 7, 1957.
by 1957 - 1958
Premsela & Hamburger, Amsterdam, The Netherlands [2]
1958 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Premsela & Hamburger [3]
Notes:
[1] According to a document provided by Premsela & Hamburger, the object was formerly in the Bischoffsheim Collection [SLAM document files]. It is possible that the casket was owned by Ferdinand Raphael Bischoffsheim, an avid art collector.
[2] The object was with Premsela & Hamburger by 1957 when it was sent to the Museum for consideration [see Premsela and Hamburger's invoice of merchandise dated September 10. 1957, SLAM document files] . It is not known when Premsela & Hamburger acquired the work.
[3] During the transportation of the casket to the Museum, it was damaged and therefore was not given an accession number until its repair the following year. Bill of sale dated September 17, 1958 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control and the Advisory Committee of the City Art Museum, November 7, 1957.