Leather Casket with Scenes of Courtly Love

c. 1350–1400
Overall: 10.5 x 25.2 x 19 cm (4 1/8 x 9 15/16 x 7 1/2 in.)
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Download, Print and Share

Description

During the Middle Ages, small boxes like this were produced for the secular market. Used for storing personal items, the boxes typically consisted of a wood core that might be decoratively painted and gilded or covered with another material, such as ivory or leather. Manufactured in small, highly specialized leather workshops, these richly embellished caskets were valued furnishings in the homes of the aristocratic clientele that commissioned them. On the lid of this box, a couple is shown with banderoles inscribed in Old French with expressions of mutual love. "Hold my heart," requests the lady. "But you already have it," replies the man. On the front of the casket, the man, holding a heart, appears again and states, "Have it once more."
Leather Casket with Scenes of Courtly Love

Leather Casket with Scenes of Courtly Love

c. 1350–1400

France, Gothic period, 2nd half of the 14th century

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.