Antique Art Nouveau Metal Wall Frame with Hunting Scene Decoration and Openwork Relief, Late 19th Century

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Magnificent and very rare antique wall frame, late 19th century, circa 1890-1900, in the Art Nouveau style, with remarkable decorative … Read more Magnificent and very rare antique wall frame, late 19th century, circa 1890-1900, in the Art Nouveau style, with remarkable decorative richness. The oval shape features a highly elaborate hunting scene, executed in high relief in two metals, gilt and silver, with finely pierced and intricately worked. It depicts a hunting scene: six hounds running on either side of the frame, a stag at the bottom, and the head of a wolf or fox at the top, all entwined with delicate and elegant foliage and ivy. The frame is made of soft metal, possibly gilt brass with gold leaf or pompon, and hard, dark silvered metal with a slightly bluish tint, probably spelter, tin, or an alloy, revealing complex casting and assembly work reminiscent of European decorative bronze pieces from the late 19th century. The subtle contrast between the two metallic tones highlights the relief, the movement of the animals, and the delicacy of the vegetal decoration, in a naturalistic vocabulary typical of early Art Nouveau.

The frame was originally designed to accommodate an insert, as evidenced by the small cut-out hooks on the back, intended to securely hold the insert. It could have held a plate, a mirror, or a measuring instrument such as a thermometer, though this is uncertain.

Approximately 24.5 cm high at its widest point, with a maximum width of 17 cm and a depth of approximately 2.3 cm. The inner opening measures approximately 15 x 11.5 cm. It has a hanging loop on the back. The condition is remarkable for an object of this age; the metal is very well preserved, with only slight, very discreet old deposits in places, particularly on the inside of the frame and the back. At least two foliage elements are missing, but this does not detract from the overall harmony. Approximately 350 grams. See less