Giorgio Vasari

“ But, as nothing in this world remains fixed, or will long endure, however good and praiseworthy it may be, so, refining on this first mode of ornament, the custom prevailed, after no long time, of forming richer decorations, by carvings in natural wood, covered with gold, which did indeed produce most rich and magnificent ornaments ”

“ And this peculiarity he turned to very good account, since it was the custom at that time for all citizens to have large coffers or chests of wood in their chambers, made in the manner of a sarcophagus, and having the covers or tops variously formed and decorated. There were none who did not cause these chests to be adorned with paintings; and in addition to the stories which it was usual to depict on the front and cover of these coffers, the ends, and frequently other parts, were most commonly adorned with the arms and other insignia of the respective families. ”

“ Nay, there are many of our nobles still attached to old usages, who will not permit these decorations to be removed for the purpoose of being replaced by ornaments of modern fashion. Dello, therefore, of whom we have said that he was a good painter, more especially of small figures, which he finished with much grace, devoted himself to this occupation for many years, to his great profit and advantage. He was almost exclusively employed in painting coffers, elbow-chairs, couches, and other things in the manner above described ”