Antique Heart Shaped Dore Bronze Frame Mascerons, Putto

Antiques : Accessories : Decorative Arts

 

The 22 carat gold gilt on this frame is so brilliant that it proved almost impossible to photograph. It has to be newly regilt. The rococco repousse decoration is in Renaissance style. Interlocking circular flourishes are accented with bound foliate fronds; on this ground appear six mascerons and eight putto, or cherubs. Four of the putto are mer-babies, as each has a swirling tail instead of legs. The four putto with legs carry out the famous torch and bow motif; two putto hold torches, two hold bow and arrow. The heart shaped frame has an easel back and a glass liner. The back has the original velvet lining. This is an absolutely exquisite frame! Even at the back, where the easel attaches to the frame, there is a very decorative pair of lion's in profile.

Dimensions: 7" high, 4 1/2" wide.

Condition: very good. One flaw: the tips of two leafs are lopped off. It's an old injury, the new gilt covering the breaks. Since the breaks are symmetric, it would seem that one of the tips was deliberately removed to balance the whole and disguise the damage.

Marks: none

Item ID: 462