Cassone with scenes from the myth of Diana, Meleager and Actaeon.

This mythological painting from 1400 by Lorenzo di Niccolò draws on the classical literary tradition that remained central to European art in the early fifteenth century, a transformative period in European art. Lorenzo di Niccolò brings characteristic skill to the ancient narrative. The subject reflects the educated patronage of fourteenth-century European society, where mythological painting demonstrated both the artist's learning and the patron's cultural sophistication. The early fifteenth century saw the emergence of linear perspective in Italy and the perfection of oil painting technique in Flanders, transforming the visual arts across Europe.

Tempera technique, reflecting earlier traditions, the mythological scene is rendered with skilled technique characteristic of Lorenzo di Niccolò's approach to classical subjects. The handling of flesh tones, drapery, and setting demonstrates the technical range required by this elevated genre.