Frame
1705-1711 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This frame was originally one of a larger set made to complement a specific architectural interior. The idea of framing a series of paintings as a set was developed in the reign of Charles II (1660-1685). At that period, the frames were designed by the carver, but later, during the reign of William and Mary (1689-1702), they often followed the architectural features of the rooms in which they would hang.
People
This frame was made for Ralph, 1st Duke of Montagu (1637-1709), as part of a huge set for the paintings and mirrors at Montagu House, London. Montagu had served as Charles II's ambassador in Paris. On his return, he patronised many Huguenot refugee craftsmen in the decoration of his grand house, including the Pelletier brothers. Much of the Pelletier work is now at Boughton House, Northamptonshire.
Design & Designing
The combination of strapwork and floral ornament on the outer moulding is similar to published designs for picture frames by the Huguenot designer Daniel Marot.
Materials & Making
Like many of the Pelletier frames for Montagu House, this one retains its original water gilding. In this type of gilding, the base coat, a reddish clay known as 'bole', is moistened with water before the gold leaf is applied. When the work is dry the gold is burnished with a special tool until it is bright and shiny.
This frame was originally one of a larger set made to complement a specific architectural interior. The idea of framing a series of paintings as a set was developed in the reign of Charles II (1660-1685). At that period, the frames were designed by the carver, but later, during the reign of William and Mary (1689-1702), they often followed the architectural features of the rooms in which they would hang.
People
This frame was made for Ralph, 1st Duke of Montagu (1637-1709), as part of a huge set for the paintings and mirrors at Montagu House, London. Montagu had served as Charles II's ambassador in Paris. On his return, he patronised many Huguenot refugee craftsmen in the decoration of his grand house, including the Pelletier brothers. Much of the Pelletier work is now at Boughton House, Northamptonshire.
Design & Designing
The combination of strapwork and floral ornament on the outer moulding is similar to published designs for picture frames by the Huguenot designer Daniel Marot.
Materials & Making
Like many of the Pelletier frames for Montagu House, this one retains its original water gilding. In this type of gilding, the base coat, a reddish clay known as 'bole', is moistened with water before the gold leaf is applied. When the work is dry the gold is burnished with a special tool until it is bright and shiny.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Carved and gilded pine |
| Brief description | Picture frame, pine with original gilding from the London workshop of Thomas and René Pelletier, early 18th century |
| Physical description | Carved and gilded frame, with pin and ribbon and repeating acanthus leaf ornament |
| Dimensions |
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| Production type | Unique |
| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Purchased with the assistance of the Brigadier Clark Fund through Art Fund |
| Object history | Commissioned by Ralph, 1st Duke of Montagu (born about 1638, died in 1709) probably for Montagu House, Bloomsbury. Made in London by Thomas Pelletier (born in Paris, 1680, died in London, after 1725) and René Pelletier (born in France, active 1681 in Amsterdam, died in London, 1726) Historical significance: The unusual combination of strapwork and floral ornament on the outer moulding is characteristic of Daniel Marot's designs for picture frames. This recurs on the giltwood side table with elaborate gesso top which incorporates Montagu's monogram and earl's coronet (Boughton House, Northamptonshire). The inner ribbon twist moulding also occurs on other Pelletier frames at Boughton. The frame retains its original gilding. |
| Historical context | The Pelletier family were Huguenot carvers who fled from religious persecution in Paris. Their knowledge of fashionable French Baroque ornament is evident in the repeating pattern of scrolls and the twisted ribbon along the inside edge. |
| Summary | Object Type This frame was originally one of a larger set made to complement a specific architectural interior. The idea of framing a series of paintings as a set was developed in the reign of Charles II (1660-1685). At that period, the frames were designed by the carver, but later, during the reign of William and Mary (1689-1702), they often followed the architectural features of the rooms in which they would hang. People This frame was made for Ralph, 1st Duke of Montagu (1637-1709), as part of a huge set for the paintings and mirrors at Montagu House, London. Montagu had served as Charles II's ambassador in Paris. On his return, he patronised many Huguenot refugee craftsmen in the decoration of his grand house, including the Pelletier brothers. Much of the Pelletier work is now at Boughton House, Northamptonshire. Design & Designing The combination of strapwork and floral ornament on the outer moulding is similar to published designs for picture frames by the Huguenot designer Daniel Marot. Materials & Making Like many of the Pelletier frames for Montagu House, this one retains its original water gilding. In this type of gilding, the base coat, a reddish clay known as 'bole', is moistened with water before the gold leaf is applied. When the work is dry the gold is burnished with a special tool until it is bright and shiny. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.2-1999 |
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| Record created | January 26, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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