Style: Renaissance styling
Address: 223 East 80th Street New York, NY 10075
Telephone: 212.861.8585
Email: registrar@lowyonline.com
Website: http:// lowyonline.com
Contact Person: Julius Lowy Frame
Products Information / model numbers: Italian scotia frame
Special Remarks:
Messiah, by Alexander Kanevsky, is a bold work whose power emanates not only from the central figure appearing in a burst of energizing color but the viewer also feels the palpable emotions of the crowd below. The painting therefore requires a frame that matches its intensity.
Lowy selected an Italian scotia frame, carved in oak and then gilded. This frame is a fine example of the Renaissance revival style found frequently in the second half of the 19th century in Italy.
The cove of this frame is filled with a continuous deeply carved and undercut scrolling grape vine ornamented with various fruits. Vine leaves are a symbol of Christ and can be seen carved in stone onto many Gothic cathedrals. The scrolling vine motif was adopted from architectural prototypes such as the continuous ornamentation used on the frieze of classical entablatures. The motif was frequently used on frames during the Renaissance because of the significant symbolism and decorative potential. The scrolling vine could be incised, punched, or carved in high relief.
From the Renaissance styling and added elemental corners reminiscent of tabernacle frames to the scrolling vine leaves representing Christ, this is a perfect example of how frames and art can complement each other and how deliberate ornamentation of a frame can amplify powerful imagery.
No comments:
Post a Comment