Early Venetian Cassone c.1680An incredibly detailed and early Venetian Cassone or coffer c. 1680. With expressive painting depicting Merman amongst foliate scroll work, holding a central armorial or plaque of raised Pastiglia housing a scene featuring a Momento Mori. The central emblem shows figures holding and surrounded by mounds of human skulls (possibly sailors lost at sea or warriors lost in battle). In a deep blood red shade of Sangue di Bue, with an aged patinated surface.