Capodimonte's Cassetta Farnese on display at Gallerie d'Italia in Piazza Scala

Since September 25, 2018, the so-called Cassetta Farnese, a masterpiece of Mannerist Renaissance goldsmithing, has been on display at the Gallerie d’Italia in Piazza Scala in Milan, and will remain on public view until October 28, 2018.

The precious object is kept in the Wunderkammer of the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte in Naples, but on the occasion of the exhibition"True Perfection. La Cassetta Farnese di Capodimonte" the gilded silver casket will remain in the Lombard capital for a month.

Made between 1543 and 1561 by the Florentine silversmith Manno di Bastiano Sbarri, a pupil of Benvenuto Cellini, and collaborators active in Rome in the 16th century, and commissioned by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, the very precious casket features chiseling and small bas-reliefs with engraved lapisclazzuli and rock crystals. In addition, the designs of some of the scenes depicted were executed by Perin del Vaga.

Before being displayed, the Farnese Casket underwent its first and delicate restoration, during which each individual piece was disassembled, thus revealing hitherto hidden details.

On display along with the casket is the Portrait of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, commissioner of the Farnese Cassetta, completed in 1545 by Titian; the painting comes from the Capodimonte Museum itself.

For info: www.gallerieditalia.com

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Tickets exhibition + permanent collections: Full 5 euros, reduced 3 euros.

Image: Cassetta Farnese (1543-1561; gilded, embossed and cast silver, lapis lazuli, enamel and six carved rock crystals; Naples, Museo di Capodimonte). Ph. Credit Giovanni Gastel

Capodimonte's Cassetta Farnese on display at Gallerie d'Italia in Piazza Scala

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.