Picture
Frame for Gabriel von Max, “Gratuliere!"
Maker:
Unknown, European/German
Medium:
Sawn, laminated, and painted wood with applied “wave” and “ripple”
ornamentation, and gilded liner
Date:
Early 20th Century
Frame
Dimensions:
Outside
edge H 50.3 x W 44.3 x D 5.4 cm (H 19 13/16 x W 17 7 /16 x D 2 3 /16
inches)
Rabbet
(Rebate) H 24.6 x W 18.6 x D 2.1 cm (H 9 11/16 x W 7 3 /8 x D 7 /8
inches)
Sight
edge H 22.9 x W 17.1 cm (H 9 x W 6 11/16 inches)
Section
width 13.5 cm (5 3 /8 inches)
The
frame of Gruss appears to be the original frame for the
painting.
The
frame was professionally conserved/restored in 2019-2020.
Description
of the frame from the framing and gilding conservator's report, August 28,
2020:
"The
frame consists of two elements/sections: a broad main frame, and a very narrow
inner frame/liner. ... Both elements have simple miter joins. The miters on the
main frame are reinforced with large and deep wooden triangles, attached to the
back with nails and glue. The frame is designed in the style of German 17th
Century ebonized frame with wave and ripple moldings. It has a reverse profile
(the highest point is closer to the sight edge). The ornaments consist of wave
and ripple molding on the main frame, and stylized chain on the liner. The
ripple and wave ornaments on the main frame, as well as the ornaments on the
liner, are all made from applied cast composition material (compo), a
putty-like mixture of chalk, protein glue, linseed oil, and rosin. The surface
finish on the main frame consists of a double ground layer (white and gray),
dark red-brown translucent paint applied in successive coats, and highly polished
clear coating (possibly wax). The narrow liner is gilded over a gray bole or
paint."
