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Writing Box

ca. 1900
Not on view
This writing box is decorated with winged putti holding a laurel wreath with a Medusa head, surruonded by a rectangular band of palmettes on the cover. The front and back sides have a pair of centaurs carrying nymphs on their backs (Nessus and Deianeira?) and flanking the Medici coat of arms beneath a Tuscan crown on a pelta. This popular type of writing casket exists in various versions and was produced well into the twentieth century. Reproductions were offered by the Manifattura di Signa, Florence, in 1912. This box belongs to that category of late reproductions.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Writing Box
  • Artist: Italian (Manifattura di Signa, Florence?) (ca. 1900 after a model attributed to Severo Calzetta da Ravenna (act. by 1496-died before 1543), Padua or Ravenna, ca. 1520)
  • Date: ca. 1900
  • Culture: Italian (Manifattura di Signa, Florence?)
  • Medium: Copper alloy with reddish brown patina and areas of a worn black patina on top.
  • Dimensions: H. 6.8 cm, L. 20.7 cm, W. 10.9 cm.
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
  • Object Number: 1975.1.1398
  • Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection

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