Cassone

Considered for a long time as the work of an artist in the circle of Bartolomeo Montagna from Vicenza, now the cassone has been attributed to an anonymous artist working in the style of Floriano Ferramola from Brescia. The stucco and pastiglia pilasters flanking the three painted panels are original and hence the antique panels probably do belong to the chest, though the cover and sides appear to have been replaced, probably in the 19th century. The three front panels depict moments from ancient Roman history: The Assassination of Julius Caesar; Aeneas Fleeing from Troy with Anchises, Ascanius and Creusa; and The Head of Pompey Presented to Julius Caesar. 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.