Coin Cabinet for a Member of the Barberini Family
1630–34
Medium
Cypress, poplar, paint, silk, velvet, iron, bronze, and gilding
Dimensions
91.8 × 67.4 × 46.7 cm (36 1/8 × 26 1/2 × 18 3/8 in.)
Classification
cabinet
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
25081
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This cabinet was likely once part of the furnishings of the celebrated library and study in the palazzo of Pope Urban VIII’s nephew, Cardinal Francesco Barberini. The library was renowned not only for its books, but for its collection of ancient coins, medals, and gems. Designed as a piece of architecture—a temple in miniature—this coin cabinet must have originally sat on a table or credenza with its back flat against a wall. The base, meant to mimic steps, forms two tiers of drawers, while the ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...