Box with gilded pastiglia

Thanks to the classicizing and naturalistic themes, this coffer has been attributed to a craftsmen working in Padova or the surrounding area at the end of the 15th, or the beginning of the 16th, century. The themes are mythological: Orpheus, Piramo and Thisbe, Diana and Acteon and the Judgement of Paris. Gilded stucco and pastiglia was intended to imitate the more expensive gilded and enameled work. The four cushion-shaped feet were introduced during the 1998 restoration based on similar models. Probably purchased by the brothers Fausto and Giuseppe at the end of the 19th century, the coffer is still displayed--as are all other objects in the museum--in its original place, thus contributing to the authentic "time capsule" ambiance.