Lombard Frame in Lacquered and Gilded Wood, Early 16th Century

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Lombard frame from the early 16th century with a denticulated tympanum in carved, lacquered, and gilded wood with inserts of … Read more Lombard frame from the early 16th century with a denticulated tympanum in carved, lacquered, and gilded wood with inserts of gilded wooden floral scrolls on a lapis lazuli blue background, interspersed with eight high-relief sculptures in painted wood depicting the heads of winged cherubs. It is in perfect condition despite its age, still retaining its original patina with a few cleaning patches at the top left side. These prized frames were commissioned by the greatest Renaissance masters from their trusted sculptors. Depending on the subject they were painting, painters required specific carving characteristics and depth of the frame to enhance the lighting and perspective qualities of their works. It is therefore clear that the frame must have depicted a sacred subject by a highly renowned painter. The different facial features of the cherubs in all eight sculptural representations testify to the great skill of the carvers, who were able to imbue the sculptural forms of the cherubs with great expressive and realistic force. Even at the uppermost corners of the internal light, two iron rod hooks have been preserved. These hooks housed an iron bar around which a black cloth was rolled, which was draped over the work as a sign of mourning during the Pentecost period.

Dimensions: height 209.5 cm width 163.5 cm tympanum width 195 cm depth 10 cm tympanum depth 22.5 cm 107.2 cm 135 cm See less