Antique Victorian late 19th or early 20th century oak guilt edged picture frame with stunning hand carved acanthus leaf motifs and guilt decoration stunning!!
Some age related wear ( the back has been replaced would have originally been boarded) shown hung portrait could be hung landscape ( would need extra hook)
Unusual convex glass front shows it's Victorian displayed with other items for sale separately
58 cm tall
42 cm wide
3 cm depth
Victorian oval picture frames were highly popular from the mid-to-late 19th century, frequently used for family portraits (often with convex "bubble" glass) and characterized by ornate, often gilded designs made possible by composition (compo) materials. Originating earlier, they became a hallmark of bourgeois interiors due to the rise of photography and mass production techniques.
History and characteristics
Origins (18th-19th Century): Oval frames were fashionable in Europe, particularly in France (Rococo styles) and later became a Victorian staple for silhouettes and miniatures.
Victorian Era (c. 1837-1901): The style boomed, driven by industrial production (using compo/papier-mâché instead of hand-carving), ornate tastes, and the popularity of portraits.
Common Use: Primarily housed family portraits and daguerreotypes/photographs, sometimes featuring a distinctive convex glass to create a 3D effect.
Materials: Frequently used wood, with decorative elements made from composition material (whiting, glue, resin, oil) pressed in molds, then gilded or silvered.
Aesthetic: Often ornate, gold-toned, sometimes included delicate garlands or vegetal forms, fitting well into the era's decorative interior style.
Acanthus, also known as Bear's breeches, is a genus of flowering plants known for their impressive, architectural foliage and spiky flower stalks. They are popular perennials in gardens for their dramatic appearance and ability to thrive in full sun or partial shade. The acanthus leaf's distinctive shape inspired classical Greek and Roman architects and has been used as a decorative motif in architecture and art for centuries.
