1524
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
The Cassollette: Women Supporting an Urn is a 1524 by Marco Dente, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
You see two draped female figures holding an ornamental incense burner. They are decorated with lily-shaped fleurs-de-lis and salamanders. The design was influenced by Greek architecture and created for a royal client. The incense burner was designed by Raphael, a famous artist. This design was made for King François I of France. The salamanders on the vessel refer to the king. You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: Marco Dente (Italian, c. 1486–1527)
Prints helped disseminate design ideas and establish a taste for decorative objects and styles, especially when endorsed with royal insignia. Adapted from Greek architecture, two caryatids—draped female figures used as pillars—hold aloft an ornamental incense burner designed by Raphael about 1515–20 for King François I (reigned 1515–1547). The lily-shaped fleurs-de-lis on its lid allude to the French monarchy. The salamanders adorning the side of the vessel specifically refer to François I, who chose this amphibian as his personal emblem. According to legend, salamanders could survive fire,…
Read the full account in the museum source.
Marco Dente da Ravenna (1493–1527), usually just called Marco Dente, was an Italian engraver born in Ravenna in the latter part of the 15th Century.
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