Reverse ogee frame
ca. 1660
Medium
Poplar, marbleized base, carved and gilded frame
Dimensions
Overall: 30 11/16 × 25 13/16 in. (78 × 65.5 cm) Sight: 23 5/8 × 17 7/8 in. (60 × 45.4 cm) Rabbet: 24 1/8 × 18 7/16 in. (61.2 × 46.8 cm)
Classification
Frames
Culture
Italian, Naples
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.2133
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This reverse ogee frame, crafted in Naples around 1660, exemplifies the ornate craftsmanship of Italian Baroque design. Made from poplar wood with a marbleized base and finished through carving and gilding, it was designed to enhance and protect paintings of the period. Its elegant profile and luxurious surface reflect the high value placed on frames as integral companions to artworks, rather than mere borders. In 17th-century Naples, such frames often featured intricate detailing to complement the dramatic compositions favored by local artists. The use of gilding created a sense of opulence, while the marbleized elements added visual depth and sophistication. This piece, now part of the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers visitors a glimpse into the collaborative artistry between frame makers and painters. Measuring approximately 30 11/16 by 25 13/16 inches overall, the frame’s dimensions suggest it was tailored for a modestly sized canvas, underscoring the personalized approach to presentation in Baroque interiors. Its survival highlights the enduring appeal of Neapolitan woodworking traditions.