Picture frame - Bronze - Bronze Photo Frame

Imposing Cast Bronze Louis XV Photo Frame - 30x25 cm (1.475 kg) - Late 19th Century
Splendid and imposing antique table photo frame in solid bronze, a superb example of European artistic craftsmanship (probably of French or Italian area) dating from the Historicism period (circa 1880-1910), finely inspired by the splendor of Louis XV and Rococo styles.
The piece is distinguished by extraordinary richness and high quality of the plastic details of the casting, finished by hand through careful chasing.
The exuberant openwork decorative apparatus develops with symmetry and elegance:
• Upper crest: dominated by an expressive female figure crowned, flanked by floral volutes, fruit garlands and two heraldic birds with spread wings.
• Sides: skillfully decorated with two opposite cherub/winged putti figures in high relief.
• Base: supported by dramatic lion-paw feet finely modeled and connected at the center by a large grotesque mask (chimera/satyr).
The back is exceptionally complete and features its original metal plate closing panel, embellished with elegant geometric engravings in concentric lines and held firmly in place by the era screws with straight slots.
CONDITION & PATINA
The object presents in excellent general aesthetic condition, solid and structurally intact. It retains its splendid original antique patina, with fascinating chromatic transitions ranging from the dark brown of the recesses to the warm, coppery reflections of the live bronze on the exposed reliefs, due to over a century of history. It has never undergone aggressive chemical cleaning, preserving its historical and collectible value.
Technical note on the easel: The rear support foot (forked easel) is present but is currently detached due to the breakage of the small upper metal pin. Given the object's substantial weight, for table use a small brazing repair or placement on an external support is recommended; alternatively, the openwork structure lends itself magnificently to being hung directly on a wall.