Reframing ALESSANDRO ALLORI's Portrait of a Lady, probably Camilla Martelli de’Medici, 1570s, for Saint Louis Art Museum
Posted: 20 Apr 2017 by PML
The painting was previously housed in a 19th century machine made reproduction ‘cassetta’ frame that was evidently poorly patinated, with its bright parcel gilt ornament and washed out gesso finish not looking period, distracting the viewer from the work (see image below).
On examination of past and present inventory, we were able to offer eleven suitable frames. They illustrate a wide spectrum of ornamentation and finish. Several are exceptionally rare patterns providing unique presentations (see proposals below).
2nd half 16th century Tuscan Renaissance very rare cassetta frame. The frieze gilded with continuous scrolling foliage; parcel water gilt, painted Burnt Siena
Mid 17th century Baroque bolection profile frame with carved centred imbricated laurel leaves at sight, ribbon back, ogee with scrolling foliage in pastiglia on a punched ground; matt and burnished water gilding
Italian 17th century Tuscan Baroque bolection profile cassetta frame with carved astragal-&-triple bead at sight and back; ogee with scrolling foliage on a punched ground; matt and burnished water gilding
1st half 16th century central Italian Renaissance architectural cassetta frame carved in walnut with lotus leaf sight; astragal-&-double-bead; low-relief knulled-&-dart rail; leaf corners; the frieze decorated with flowers and blossom in gilded pastiglia; parcel gilding
Late 16th-early 17th century rare Mannerist bolection profile frame with carved centred gadrooning; ribbon; cord moulding; matt and burnished water gilding
Early 17th century Tuscan bolection profile architectural cassetta frame; with carved stop-fluted sight; ribbon back; water gilded mouldings; gilt corner-&-centre arabesques on faux-rosewood frieze
Late 16th-eary 17th century Tuscan rare Renaissance entablature profile cassetta frame with gilded corner-&-centre arabesques; parcel water gilt, painted Burnt Siena
