Which are the three kinds of cassone?

• A. Simple rectangular, boat-shaped, sarcophagus
• B. Rotund, octagonal, triangular
• C. Square, cylindrical, conical
• D. Armchair, bench, stool

Answer: (A)

Cassone, the Renaissance marriage chests, are most often seen in three silhouette types. The simple rectangular form is the straightforward trunk shape, practical and common for a long time. The boat-shaped variant has curved ends that resemble a small hull, giving the chest a graceful, elongated profile. The sarcophagus-shaped form is heavier and more monumental, with curved sides and a lid reminiscent of ancient tomb chests. These shapes reflect stylistic preferences and the desire to display wealth and taste, so they’re the standard classifications you’ll encounter. The other shape descriptions don’t align with how cassoni were typically built or used, since cassoni are chests, not rotund, octagonal, triangular, cylindrical, conical forms, or seating furniture.