Frame
1600-1650 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Picture frames were used in the Middle Ages to protect and enhance both secular and religious paintings. Separate wooden frames were used in Italy from about the 15th century, though they developed from earlier frames in both metal and wood on altarpieces. Earlier wooden frames could be formed from the moulded edge of the panel on which the image was painted, and this type is now known as an engaged frame.
As well as many picture frames acquired with paintings, the V&A acquired some frames - principally Italian renaissance in origin or style - as independent objects. They were usually chosen for the fine quality of their carving and decorative effects, and many are gilded using various techniques. Many of the ornaments used are classical and architectural in origin.
As well as many picture frames acquired with paintings, the V&A acquired some frames - principally Italian renaissance in origin or style - as independent objects. They were usually chosen for the fine quality of their carving and decorative effects, and many are gilded using various techniques. Many of the ornaments used are classical and architectural in origin.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | carved and gilded wood |
| Brief description | Carved and gilded frame, probably Italian |
| Physical description | Carved and gilt cassetta inner frame with bead and reel sight edge and extended upper central block and corners containing putti heads, and paterae at the lower corners; a Sansovino-style outer frame of interlaced scrolls and volutes, with paired, angled finials at the upper corners, and with an antependium containing a putto head, and above a semicircular pediment containing fluting. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Object history | Bought for £5.15s (no other information on acquisition papers) |
| Production | North Italy or Spain |
| Summary | Picture frames were used in the Middle Ages to protect and enhance both secular and religious paintings. Separate wooden frames were used in Italy from about the 15th century, though they developed from earlier frames in both metal and wood on altarpieces. Earlier wooden frames could be formed from the moulded edge of the panel on which the image was painted, and this type is now known as an engaged frame. As well as many picture frames acquired with paintings, the V&A acquired some frames - principally Italian renaissance in origin or style - as independent objects. They were usually chosen for the fine quality of their carving and decorative effects, and many are gilded using various techniques. Many of the ornaments used are classical and architectural in origin. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 4404-1856 |
About this object record
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| Record created | March 10, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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