Apollonio di Giovanni was a very successful illuminator of manuscripts and painter of furnishings for Florentine palaces. He ran, in partnership with Marco del Buono Giamberti (1403-89), a prolific workshop which specialised in the production of chests (cassoni), special trays celebrating births (deschi da parto) and panels set into walls or attached to furniture. These were usually painted with scenes from ancient Greek and Roman mythology or history, but also included themes inspired by more recent literature, such as Petrarch's 'Triumphs' and events of personal significance for his patrons. His characters' costumes and settings tended to reflect contemporary fashions.