Pair Of Oval Reverse Glass Paintings With Flower Bouquets, Gilded Frames, 19th Century

Pair of Oval Reverse Glass Paintings with Flower Bouquets, Gilded Frames, 19th Century

Description:

This pair of oval reverse glass paintings (fixé sous verre) depicts two richly composed flower bouquets arranged on a wooden ledge, set against a deep black background that heightens the brilliance of the colors. Roses, dahlias, tulips, asters, morning glories, and forget-me-nots intermingle with lively brushwork, in a palette dominated by powdery pink, saffron yellow, and the quiet blues of small wildflowers.

These compositions reflect the 19th-century taste for floral scenes intended to adorn boudoirs and drawing rooms, a tradition inherited from Dutch Golden Age still-life painting.

Technique:

Reverse glass painting (fixé sous verre), executed on the underside of a glass plate: the artist works in reverse order from conventional painting, laying in the highlights and fine details before the background. Matching gilded wood and stucco frames, their corners adorned with foliate cartouches and rocaille motifs.

Dimensions:

Without frame: Height 9 7/16 in (24 cm), Width 11 13/16 in (30 cm) (each oval)

With frame: Height 16 1/8 in (41 cm), Width 18 1/2 in (47 cm) (each frame)

Condition:

Overall good condition. Minor wear to the gilding of the frames. The backs retain their original protective backing board, bearing old chalk annotations.