Antique Louis XVI-style Frame, Known As The "channel" Frame

This beautiful frame, crafted from carved and gilded fir wood, reflects the decorative elements of the Louis XVI style: A gilded relief frieze set between two square moldings at the top, and a beautiful row of flutes carved from solid wood within a wide groove edged on the visible side by a row of carved and gilded wooden beads. Its patina, a beautiful “mordoré” finish, reflects the passage of time without altering the appearance of its gilding. Each corner of the frame features a large acanthus leaf carved from wood and gilded. (After the French Revolution, artisans—who had previously been organized into guilds and corporations and were subject to their authority in order to practice their trade—were henceforth able to establish themselves and work freely without the control or authorization of these bodies.)  This frame would be perfect for a portrait, a genre scene, a landscape, or a drawing. (A key on the back of the frame has been restored by a cabinetmaker using traditional techniques and will be stained to match the frame before delivery.)
Viewing dimensions: 40.5 cm x 34.5 cm
exterior dimensions: 58 cm x 52 cm