Lombard workshop, Three Dukes Marriage Chest, painted walnut, circa 1479-1494 (inv. n. Mobili 169)

Marriage chests were commonly used from the Middle Ages on, as they were easy to handle and transport. Traditionally they contained a bride’s trousseau. This chest, of which the only remaining original part is the front, shows three Sforza dukes, Galeazzo Maria, Gian Galeazzo and Ludovico il Moro on horseback and accompanied by squires. It was probably made for the wedding of Chiara, daughter of Galeazzo Maria Sforza, to Fregosino Fregoso, son of the Doge of Genoa, Paolo, which took place in 1488.