Weddings have always been occasions for flamboyant spending. In elite Florentine society, wealthy husbands-to-be commissioned pairs of sumptuously decorated marriage chests. The Italian name for these chests is cassoni. Traditionally, the newlyweds and the groom’s family paraded the cassoni in the streets from the bride’s family home to her new abode. Containing her dowry of linen and fine clothing, cassoni were displayed in the most important and lavishly furnished room in the palace.

This pair celebrates the marriage of a rich Florentine merchant, Lorenzo Morelli, to an aristocratic young woman, Vaggia Nerli, in 1472. Both families’ coats of arms are displayed on the corners of each chest. These cassoni are unique in having survived as a pair with their original back panels, here displayed on the wall above. They are decorated with small scenes framed by curtains imitating richly patterned silk. A luxury import from the Islamic Mediterranean, such fabrics are also hinted at inside the painted lid — a reminder of the chests’ contents.

This pair of wedding chests were the most expensive items of furniture comissioned by newlywed Lorenzo Morelli for his palatial new home. Lorenzo would have selected the painted decoration in discussion with the artists, over many months. The scenes illustrate tales of patriotism and moral courage from ancient Roman history. Such stories, which reflect the ideals of elite Florentine society, were intended to guide and inspire the young couple and their future children. The hero of both cassoni is Marcus Furius Camillus, a Roman soldier and statesman known for his bravery and fairness. On the chest to the left, he chases the Gauls from Rome. Here, he selflessly refuses the help of a schoolmaster who offers him his pupils as hostages.

The panels show further acts of heroism by other brave Roman soldiers. On the sides are figures representing virtues such as justice and fortitude.

Lorenzo di Matteo Morelli, by December 1472; Leonardo di Lorenzo Morelli (1507); by descent in the Morelli family until at least 1680; probably William Blundell Spence (1814-1900), Florence; Sir Herbert Smith, by 1938; his sale Witley Court, Worcs., 29 September 1938, lots 576 and 577; purchased some time before April 1939 by Tomas Harris; from whom purchased by Lord Lee of Fareham, a few days before his death in 1947; Lee Bequest, 1947

National Gallery (permanent display during closure), National Gallery, London, 14/09/2018-03/09/2021

Love and Marriage in Renaissance Florence - The Courtauld Wedding Chests, The Courtauld Gallery, London, 12/02/2009-17/05/2009

Birmingham, 1955