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Scenes from the Story of the Argonauts, cassone panel
Biagio di Antonio (Italian, Florentine, active 1446–1516)
Tempera on wood, gilt ornaments; Overall 24 1/8 x 60 3/8 in. (61.3 x 153.4 cm); painted surface 19 5/8 x 56 in. (49.8 x 142.2 cm)
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1909 (09.136.1)

In this panel and its companion (09.136.2), the story of Jason and the Argonauts unfolds in a continuous narrative. The episodes here include the meeting of King Aëetes and his daughters Medea and Chalciope with Jason and his companions; Jason plowing the grove of Ares, where the Golden Fleece is guarded; Orpheus lulling the dragon to sleep so that Jason may steal the fleece; and, probably, the king sending his sons off to capture the fleeing Jason and Medea. The engaged decorative moldings surrounding the painted panel are original. The paintings were probably installed as the backrests of two benches, or framed in the wainscoting of a room.

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    • Scenes from the Story of the Argonauts, cassone panel
    Biagio di Antonio (Italian, Florentine, active 1446–1516)
    Tempera on wood, gilt ornaments; Overall 24 1/8 x 60 3/8 in. (61.3 x 153.4 cm); painted surface 19 5/8 x 56 in. (49.8 x 142.2 cm)
    Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1909 (09.136.1)