EARLY FRAMES FOR MINIATURES

Early 19th Century miniature frames are among my favorites. I love their diminutive sizes and their often remarkable original patinas. Many of the early American examples were modelled on European examples for miniatures on ivory. Miniature frames survive with opulent gilded finishes as well as humble painted surfaces.

The classically inspired ornamentation of the popular molded brass frames imitated their more costly gilded counterparts. These small gems were made of thin sheets of metal, which were pressed into carved molds and then secured over wooden supports.

With the discovery of photography in 1839, earlier miniature frames were converted to use as frames for case photographs. I am rearranging my website rooms, giving 19th Century photo frames their own place. But the lines are blurry, so you'd best look in all the rooms.

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Click on the thumbnails below to view a portion of my current stock.

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