French Antique Ornate Frame, 19th Century Louis XV Style 25.2" x 21.3"

A richly decorated French antique frame dating from the second half of the 19th century, designed in the Louis XV taste with scrolling foliage, flowers and delicate trelliswork.

The frame is constructed from wood with applied moulded stucco or composition ornament. Its elaborate Rococo-inspired decoration surrounds a generous 50 × 40 cm opening, with repeating floral motifs, curling leaves and pierced-looking lattice details creating considerable depth across the surface.

Particularly attractive is the frame's beautifully aged finish. Muted green-grey and darkened tones sit alongside traces of warmer gilt and bronze colouring on the raised decoration, highlighting the relief of the moulding. The resulting surface has developed naturally over many years and gives the frame a wonderfully decorative presence without the brightness of a newly gilded example.

The ornament and construction are characteristic of the 19th-century French revival of Louis XV and Rococo designs, particularly those produced during the latter half of the century. Its substantial proportions make it suitable for framing an oil painting, portrait or other artwork, while it would also make an impressive decorative frame for a mirror.

The frame remains highly decorative despite its age-related wear. There is extensive fine cracking to the applied stucco decoration, together with areas of loss, most noticeably along the lower edge and at some of the corners. There are further knocks, rubbing and variations to the aged surface throughout. These have been left untouched and form part of the character of the piece. Please refer closely to the photographs for the condition and surviving decorative detail.

Sourced in: South West France
Age: Second half of the 19th century
Material: Wood, stucco
What makes it special: Its aged patina

French Antique Ornate Frame Details:

Height (inside): 19.7” / 50cm

Width (inside): 15.8” / 40cm

Height (outside): 25.2” / 64cm

Width (outside): 21.3” / 54cm

Depth: 1.6" / 4cm

Weight: 4.4 lbs / 2kg

Condition: In good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. There is widespread fine cracking to the applied stucco/composition decoration, together with areas of loss, most noticeably along the lower edge and around some corners. The aged surface shows rubbing, knocks and variations in colour, with remnants of the original gilt/bronze finish visible across the raised decoration.

We have more art studio pieces for sale here.