This functional object is also a display of flamboyant virtuoso carving. Its sides depict a shield with the arms of the Contarini family, Justice holding a sword, a putto leaning on a tree trunk, and Fortitude holding a crown. Bartolomeo Buon had been previously employed by the wealthy merchant Marino Contarini on his sumptuous palace, the Ca’ d’Oro.

This square well-head is carved from orange-red Verona marble. The outer edge of the pediment is decorated with strips of rope-work and diamond patterns. The four faces show: 
A) A half length figure of Justice, crowned and holding a sword 
B) A putto leaning on a tree trunk 
C) A half-length figure of Fortitude, crowned and holding a small column 
D) A tournament shield decorated with a foliated roundel which bears the arms of the Contarini.

Gallery location:
Medieval & Renaissance, Room 50a, The Paul and Jill Ruddock Gallery, case EXP

Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London