Old European-Scene Wall Hanging Lot: Art Deco Frames

Collectibles : Decorative Arts : Vintage

 

Will hazard some semi-educated guesses about this pretty little trio. I think these are perhaps paper repros of hand-painted scenes. Framed under glass and backed by sturdy cardboard with built-in hooks with which to hang them (None of them looks as if they've ever been hung.), these might be the sort of decorative items that were sold in dime stores and the like, maybe c. 1930s. The frames are black metal, imprinted with silver Deco-style designs.

Each hanging measures approx. 5" x a hair under 4". The scene with ducks on a pond is a rendering that is signed in minuscule lettering on the bottom right-hand corner. The scene depicting a small country house with a huge flowering tree has a tiny copyright mark in the lower-right-hand corner. Again, it is impossible to read any more, even with a loupe.

These little prints are in very good vintage condition. Age-appropriate wear includes a wee bit of nicking to the metal frames, though certainly nothing too serious. The glass needs cleaning, but I was reluctant to do this for fear of damaging the fragile scenes beneath. Additionally, there is some darkening at the upper two corners of the print with the house and the huge tree. I do not know for sure if this is merely dirt on those portions of the glass or if it is actually some discoloration to the print itself, though I do suspect the latter. Still an utterly charming little set, all retro wear aside.

Item ID: DB-2530