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Francesco Salviati and workshop (Florence 1510–1563 Rome)
Design for a Casket with Figure of Prudence
Pen and brown ink, brown wash, over black chalk; several vertical and horizontal ruled guide lines in black chalk
Inscribed in upper right corner, in pen and brown ink, 18-(?).
10 1/16 x 16 13/16 inches (257 x 427 mm)
Purchased as the gift of the Fellows, 1964; 1964.3
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The casket, the imagery of which evokes typically female virtues, probably was designed for a female patron. The two oval vignettes contrast the frugality and modesty of the woman shown at her needlework beside a simple basket, with the luxurious possessions of her companion, who sits amid piles of coins and lavish jewelry. Prudence, identifiable by her usual attributes of a snake and mirror, reclines at the top.

Salviati surrounded himself with a group of collaborators, themselves excellent draftsmen, who were capable of perfectly rendering the master's style. They may have assisted on this sheet.

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