Black & Gilt Gothic Revival Tramp Art Frame With Masonic Eyes, C. 1880–1900

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Description

An exceptional and architecturally unique American tramp art frame dating to circa 1880–1900, built up in roughly six stacked layers … Read more An exceptional and architecturally unique American tramp art frame dating to circa 1880–1900, built up in roughly six stacked layers of hand-carved scrap wood. The crest rises in three peaks, suggesting a Gothic Revival cathedral facade. There are two color themes in the wood elements: a dark black and faded gilded bronze, which is the original paint from the artist’s hand dating to the late nineteenth century.

It is framed by two triangular gables, each centered with a Masonic eye set within carved rays and surrounded by stepped, notched pyramids.

The wood is all “found wood,” including used cigar boxes and candy boxes that were found by the artist after being discarded by others. You can see the labels from some of these boxes on the back of this frame.

Every surface is worked in tramp art’s signature chip-carved notching. The dark stained ground contrasts with the warm gilt-bronze color remnants on the saw-toothed borders, which catches the light beautifully.

The name of the artist and circumstances under which he or she created this beautiful piece are now lost to history. This piece does, however, have a notable history attached to it: it was part of the collection of Michael Cornish, co-author of Tramp Art: One Notch at a Time, one of the definitive books on the form. This provenance speaks directly to the piece's important history. Cornish dates the frame to 1880–1900.

The photos you see were taken in broad daylight. This frame needs broad daylight to bring out the 120-150 year old lighter gilt colors. In dark rooms one sees mostly only the darker color. This frame has not been altered since it was created other than to add the current hanging hardware on the back.

The opening suits a mirror, photograph, or small piece artwork. The frame can also be displayed empty as a standalone piece of folk sculpture. See less