19th Century Cassette Frame with Bronze Cornice and Print of a Lady, France

Details

Description

An elegant antique walnut box frame from the late 19th century, embellished with a spectacular gilded bronze moulding. A unique … Read more An elegant antique walnut box frame from the late 19th century, embellished with a spectacular gilded bronze moulding. A unique decorative object, ideal as an accent piece for bookcases, desks, or exclusive gallery walls.
The upper part features a magnificent, finely chiseled gilded bronze moulding, depicting the face of a cherub (or putto) framed by baroque scrolls. The moulding incorporates the original ring for wall hanging. The style and bronze casting techniques suggest the workmanship is likely French.
Inside the frame, protected by its original glass, is a delicate vintage chromolithograph art print depicting a noblewoman with a classic 18th-century, powdered hairstyle. The image is set in an oval and surrounded by a passe-partout decorated with garlands and gold ribbons in neoclassical style.
The entire small painting is original in every part and has never been restored.
Detailed state of preservation:
The object is structurally sound and exudes the authentic charm of an antique. Being a late 19th-century piece, however, it exhibits clear and beautiful signs of aging that testify to its history and authenticity. Specifically:
* Interior: The internal gilded paper passe-partout shows obvious abrasions, gaps in the original gilding, and age-related detachments, which enhance its period charm.
* Wooden structure: Small natural cracks in the wood at the internal joints of the rabbet.
* Back: The back retains its original hand-planed wooden slats with the antique inventory number ("15502") imprinted in ink, certifying its authenticity. The small nails allow for slight movement. See less