Posted: 08 Feb 2023 by PML
A painting is a window onto another world – of history or of the imagination - and we can only enter this world completely if there is a context to ease us in, and nothing to distract from the welcome of that opening window ...
Posted: 31 Mar 2020 by PML
With the help of the Paul Mitchell Photographic Archive, our two part essay explores the evolution of frames and their relationship to their architectural context, through time and across nationalities. Part 1 starts with their appearance in Egypt 3,500 years ago as the borders on wall paintings, and finishes with their opulence in France during the reign of Louis XIV.
Posted: 28 Feb 2018 by PML
Paul Mitchell were pleased to offer a rare 19th century French Louis XV revival frame for the the star lot in Sotheby’s Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale on the 28th February 2018
Posted: 15 Jan 2018 by PML
Following on from Part 1 'Framing the Impressionists', we continue to look at the various periods and styles of frames chosen for the works of the Impressionists
Posted: 14 Sep 2017 by PML
This was previously framed in a later French Louis XIV / early Regence model. This overpowered the portrait due to scale of section width, corner-&- centre cartouches and elaborate decorative ornament in the frieze. The original finish has been altered over the years ...
Posted: 17 May 2017 by PML
A short essay looking at the various periods and styles of frames chosen for the works of the Impressionists
Posted: 07 May 2017 by PML
The 'Master of The Annunciation to the Shepherds' was an anonymous painter active in Naples between 1620 -1640, and generally known for depicting scenes of the angels informing the shepherds about the birth of Jesus...
Posted: 20 Apr 2017 by PML
Judith W. Mann, Curator of European Art at Saint Louis Art Museum, initially approached us in regards to reframing their 'Portrait of a Woman’ by the Florentine Mannerist painter, Allesandro Allori..
Posted: 10 Dec 2016 by PML
In the first part of this article (The Cassetta Part 1), its ancestors, structure and development were described, along with some of the decorative techniques used to ornament it, such as punchwork and pastiglia. In this article, our focus is on parcel gilt finishing, specifically looking at arabesque ornament and exploring its origins..