Belle Époque Gilt Frame, c. 1913, Gilt Cast Iron deals Photograph Portrait Tabletop Frame, Outstanding Condition
This beautiful cast iron frame is colored with (genuine) gold wash and dates to the romantic Belle Époque era, about 1913. It is in excellent condition without damage, sturdy, and so very elegant.
There is a story behind this frame. The previous owner was Margaret who was born in 1904. Her parents passed away within months of one another during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. Margaret was only 14 years old when relatives sent her away from the Shenandoah Valley farm that she called home. In the big city of Philadelphia, Margaret began learning a trade in nursing at the hospital. For several years, she trailed behind the nursing staff as an assistant. Later, she went on to work in private homes as a live-in nurse caring for the elderly and sickly. As years passed, she worked for well-to-do patients at their luxurious homes. This frame was a gift, a hand-me-down, passed on to Margaret from one of those families. Margaret kept treasured deals family photographs in this frame.
This is such a lovely piece. The frame stands alone with a rotating leg on the back (please refer to the photographs) and the structure is especially sturdy. It is fully original with the original gilt finish, backing, and even the glass and papers inside are obviously original.
The design features C-scrolls accentuated with large acanthus leaves swirling around the exterior. The peak of the frame is finished with upward thrusting S-scrollwork and topped with a large scallop. The oval interior of the moulding is outlined with a beautifully detailed twisted ribbon motif encased between softly detailed reeding.
The glass appears to have acquired a slight iridescence which is a patina that only time can create.
Without a doubt, the overall construction is thoughtfully designed. The backing is easily removed with strong sliding prongs. Most reassuring, the frame itself is weighty and perfectly balanced so that it easily stands alone without any concerns that it might topple over.
NOTE: Please note that the frame should not be "washed" or cleaned with any type of liquid preferably, especially chemicals or harsh soaps. A simple dusting with a feather duster will allow the beautiful genuine gold finish to stay in place just as it has been for well over a century in time.
CONDITION: Outstanding. Excellent without damage.
MEASUREMENTS: Approximately 11" or about 28 cm high; 8 3/4" or about 22.25 cm wide at the widest point. Sight measurements (the oval-shaped image area) are approximately 5" or 13 cm high and 3 3/4" or 9.5 cm wide.
—————-Thank you!
Please Note: All items in the inventory here at The Gilded Griffin are stored in archival museum storage away from the world...the items are pristine and germ-free. We take your health as well as object conservation seriously!
This purchase will be delivered to you carefully packed within 100% acid-free/archival tissues in a museum-quality, acid-free storage bag free of charge. Please read about The Gilded Griffin here on Etsy so that you may feel confident with your purchase. My references also include museums, celebrities, and discerning private collectors. Do not hesitate to inquire for assistance. Thank you! Please note: All text and photographs Registered Copyright 2020 JHenri.
As an Accredited Appraiser, my daily clients include collectors, museum curators, as well as those representing the arts, movie, and theatre industries. I will be very happy to assist in your decisions and your personal information will be kept confidential. If you would like to know more about my education and areas of expertise, please see: www.juliahenriappraiser.com.