Lot #109: Large Antique Louis XV Style Giltwood and Gesso Picture Frame, Late 19th Century

An exceptionally fine and deeply molded antique picture frame executed in the Louis XV style, dating to the late 19th century. This impressive frame is constructed with a solid wood base overlaid with highly detailed molded gesso. The design showcases a heavily layered composition featuring prominent acanthus leaf borders, continuous stylized foliate scrolling, a central cross-hatched textured cove, and delicate bead-and-reel or ovolo molding lining the inner sight edge. The frame possesses a beautiful, rich antique gold finish that accentuates its high-relief sculptural depth. This stately piece is perfectly scaled to host a substantial oil painting, a high-end period portrait, or to be fitted with mirror glass as a focal wall accent. • Style: Louis XV Revival / Baroque Rococo • Date of Manufacture: Circa 1880–1900 • Materials: Carved wood base, structural molded gesso, gold gilt finish • Approximate Outer Width: 27 inches Condition Report: Presenting in good antique condition overall with an authentic, highly desirable aged patina. There are minor structural separations visible at the mitered corners and some stable age cracks to the gesso surfaces. Visible areas of structural gesso and gilt loss are present primarily along the bottom structural edge where the under-gesso/wood layers are exposed. Selling as the frame only; does not include glass, backing material, or hanging hardware. • The 19th-Century Revival Movement: During the late 19th century, European and American elite designers looked back to the luxury of the French monarchy. Highly skilled frame workshops reproduced 18th-century Louis XV rococo frames using a mixture of carved wood and poured gesso molds. This technique allowed for far greater structural depth and complexity than plain carved wood. • Exceptional Depth & Texturing: Unlike flat modern frames, this frame utilizes an expansive outer molding style with specialized hand-finishing, continuous light-catching textures, and an recessed cove profile. The layering creates a dramatic "shadow box" three-dimensional presentation that draws the eye toward the center artwork. Pickup category timeslot {A}