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Italian Carved and Polychrome Wood Devotional Casket late 15th–early 16th century

Carved wood with gesso ground and tempera polychromy, of rectangular form with a sloping lid, the exterior decorated in low relief with scenes from the New Testament. The principal face depicts The Raising of Lazarus, showing Christ extending His hand in blessing, accompanied by apostles and attendant figures, with Lazarus emerging from the tomb. The reverse carved with The Three Marys at the Tomb, an angel seated upon the sarcophagus gesturing towards the empty interior. The lid and sides enriched with Gothic tracery and quatrefoil motifs, punched ornament, and architectural detailing in the late Gothic manner. Retaining extensive early polychrome, with areas of wear, losses, and minor later retouching consistent with age and devotional use. The interior plain, with early hand-worked construction and original lid rebate visible.