Cassone

This cassone is a pastiche. Antique intarsia panels dating from the early 16th century have been inserted into a structure that is made up partly of reassembled antique fragments and of then modern late 19th century pieces. The antique intarsia side panels, depicting rabbits, were clearly cut down to fit. The three antique front panels depict stories from the life of Portia, daughter of Cato and wife of Brutus. Probably purchased by the brothers Fausto and Giuseppe at the end of the 19th century, the cassone is still displayed--as are all other objects in the museum--in its original place, thus contributing to the authentic "time capsule" ambiance.