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Anonymous — A small agate casket
Anonymous

A small agate casket

1640

This diminutive casket showcases the refined craftsmanship of seventeenth century Paris, combining pale agate panels with ornate gilt bronze mounts. The rectangular box is framed by intricately chased and enameled metal borders featuring dense foliate and geometric patterns, while gilt bronze corner supports and handles emphasize its precious character. The translucent agate surfaces, marked by subtle veining and warm ochre tones, create a luminous effect heightened by the dark, contrasting metalwork. A hinged cover crowned with ornamental acanthus leaves crowns the composition, while a central lock mechanism speaks to its function as a luxury container. The modest scale and meticulous detailing exemplify the era's celebrated tradition of combining hardstone with precious metal mounting.

Medium
Gold, enamel, and agate
Dimensions
Location
David Zwirner 69th Street, New York, NY

Notes

From the exhibition 'Set in Stone' at David Zwirner 69th Street, NYC, May 12 to June 26, 2026, in collaboration with Galerie Kugel, Paris. Tombstone date: Paris, c. 1640-1650.

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About this work

Anonymous, A small agate casket, 1640

This diminutive casket showcases the refined craftsmanship of seventeenth century Paris, combining pale agate panels with ornate gilt bronze mounts. The rectangular box is framed by intricately chased and enameled metal borders featuring dense foliate and geometric patterns, while gilt bronze corner supports and handles emphasize its precious character. The translucent agate surfaces, marked by subtle veining and warm ochre tones, create a luminous effect heightened by the dark, contrasting metalwork. A hinged cover crowned with ornamental acanthus leaves crowns the composition, while a central lock mechanism speaks to its function as a luxury container. The modest scale and meticulous detailing exemplify the era's celebrated tradition of combining hardstone with precious metal mounting.

Medium
Gold, enamel, and agate
Dimensions
6.3 x 10.8 x 8.3 cm
Year
1640
Seen at
Adler Beatty, New York, NY

Related themes

Translucent Stone, Gold, Precious Materials, Luxury Object, Renaissance Craft, Hardstone, Gilt Bronze, Metalwork, Baroque, Decorative Arts, Paris, Enamel, Casket, Box, Cabinet Object, Ornamental, Agate, Classical Ornamentation, 17th Century, Miniature

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Collected by

Cleveland Museum of Art, Art Institute of Chicago