The casket, the imagery of which evokes typically female virtues, probably was designed for a female patron. The two oval vignettes contrast the frugality and modesty of the woman shown at her needlework beside a simple basket, with the luxurious possessions of her companion, who sits amid piles of coins and lavish jewelry. Prudence, identifiable by her usual attributes of a snake and mirror, reclines at the top.
Salviati surrounded himself with a group of collaborators, themselves excellent draftsmen, who were capable of perfectly rendering the master's style. They may have assisted on this sheet.
Francesco Salviati and Workshop (Florence 1510–1563 Rome), Design for a Casket with Figure of Prudence
, Pen and brown ink, brown wash, over black chalk; several vertical and horizontal ruled guide lines in black chalk, Purchased as the gift of the Fellows, 1964
, 1964.3