Paragon Botanical & Fruit Prints in Monumental Architectural Giltwood Frames, Pair

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Description

A wonderfully decorative pair of circa 2000 botanical study prints by Paragon Picture Gallery, presented in unusually substantial architectural giltwood … Read more A wonderfully decorative pair of circa 2000 botanical study prints by Paragon Picture Gallery, presented in unusually substantial architectural giltwood frames.

Each print depicts a detailed botanical specimen in the tradition of antique natural-history illustrations, combining branches, leaves, flowers and fruit with handwritten-style scientific annotations and individual studies of seeds, blossoms and plant structures. One composition features rich green fruit and foliage, while its companion introduces soft coral-red flowers and deep green leaves.

The diminutive botanical images are dramatically offset by deep green and muted gold striped matting, giving the pair a layered, almost shadow-box-like appearance. The restrained botanical palette contrasts beautifully with the exuberant frames. The scientific botanical imagery recalls the tradition of 18th- and 19th-century botanical studies, in which the main plant was surrounded by details of seeds, flowers and fruit sections—the same basic visual vocabulary seen in historical botanical collections.

And the frames are exceptional. Measuring approximately 18.5" H × 17" W × 1.5" D each, they feature deeply molded, stepped profiles with projecting corners, geometric architectural detailing and raised pyramidal corner ornaments, all finished in a warm, antiqued gold. Their bold geometry has the look of Hollywood Regency and Neoclassical architectural frames, with a distinctly designer-quality presence that makes these small works read as substantial wall objects.

The combination of classical giltwork, botanical imagery and striped matting gives the pair a wonderfully collected English country / Grandmillennial sensibility. They would be equally at home in a library, study, powder room, bedroom, entry, kitchen or gallery wall, and are particularly well suited to Traditional, English Country, Georgian-inspired, Neoclassical, Hollywood Regency and Maximalist interiors.

Made by Paragon Picture Gallery, an American decorative-art company known for framed artwork produced for the interior-design and furniture trade. The original manufacturer's label remains on the reverse. Paragon continues to produce framed botanical sets for the decorator market today.

A handsome pair that works especially well where a room needs the impact of antique architectural framing without the scale or formality of large paintings.

Dimensions: 18.5" H × 17" W × 1.5" D each
Maker: Paragon Picture Gallery
Period: Circa 2000
Materials: Wood, paper, glass
Color: Antique gold, dark green, sage, cream, coral
Style: Traditional, Neoclassical, Hollywood Regency, English Country, Grandmillennial
Sold as: Pair
Condition: Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear and scattered losses/distressing to the gilt finish, particularly along some inner edges, as shown. The wear complements the antiqued character of the frames. See less