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Curatorial RemarksNote
In 2008, Yuri Yanchyshyn of Period Furniture Conservation, LLC, examined the frame. He believes it is quite old, likely 18th century, due to its rough backside, the oxidation of the screw heads, and style. The twisted rope detail was common in the 18th century. On the reverse of the frame is a signature in pencil, "Parker". Yuri believes the rough back side was hand planed; the plane had a notch in the blade.
The frame is made of pine. Originally, it was covered with dark red bole and oil gilding. This can be seen in distressed areas. The original layer has been covered with another layer of gilding, likely due to the original layer's poor condition. Toner was added to the second gilding layer to give it a patinated look. The recessed areas with carving were covered with an opaque brown substance.
The paper liner is painted a different color gold than the gold on the frame. This indicates it was made at a separate time than the restoration. The presence of the liner also indicates that the painting's current size wasn't custom to the frame.
*Old stretcher lines on the canvas also indicate the current stretcher is not original.
Yuri showed Anne Goslin, HHV Collection Manager, an image of an oval, 18th-century Italian frame and stretcher that our frame and painting's original stretcher may have been similar to.
In 2008, Marylou Davis, frame conservator, examined the frame and believes it is old and American due its crude construction, simple carving, and the back side's oxidation (likely it was in a fire); a higher style oval frame would have more sophisticated joinery. She confirmed that it was hand planed. The paper mat is 20th century; the paper mat isn't oxidized.
Marylou explained that most early-18th century frames were usually painted and gilded or just painted in light and lively colors, not entirely gilded. She believes that the gilding seen beneath the brown oil-bound media on the recessed areas isn't original. Red bole indicates later water gilding, perhaps 19th century. She also thinks that it underwent a major restoration between 1920 and 1950.
She also recommended a source for further research: Deborah Bigelow's dissertation, Gold Leaf on Furniture: Its History, Application, and Conservation.Note Type
StorageNoteNote
Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Van Cortlandt Manor, Dining RoomNote Type
DepartmentNote
Curatorial