Reproduction picture frame  

This reproduction picture frame is carved and gilt on ayous. This Bolognese late 17th-century model is available for any particular painting size.

Properties 

This reproduction frame is made with ayous and tulipwood combined. We use ayous for the front side and tulipwood for the backside of the frame. As a result, we obtain the maximum strength with the minimum weight.

You can customize the rabbet width as you prefer. For instance, if you need to cover a more significant part of the painting, you can ask to enlarge it. The rabbet depth, instead, depends on the thickness of the painting. In most of our models, it is between 1.5 and 4 cm. Sometimes, it is even more profound due to structural reasons or upon request.

Section width cm 8
Rabbet cm 1

360° presentation

Click on the video below to see this replica frame with a 360° overview.

Decorations

Decorations are in wood pulp. We carve them when they’re dry, realizing the shape of a typical Bolognese picture frame. Using wood pulp, which is 99% composed of wood and 1% solvent, allows us to keep the price at a low level. The entire process is handmade, and you can watch a video related to it by following this link to our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/fTQHIH9dRC8

You can still order this frame entirely carved on wood for a different price. We would use Swiss pine, which is softwood, to carve it. Ask for a quote if you are interested in this reproduction frame, which is entirely made of wood. Below is a video showing the complexity and the working time necessary to realize this traditional task.

Patina (aging process)

“Patina” is an Italian word that refers to the tone of the final gilding of the frame. Making an astonishing patina is one of the gilder’s significant skills in making this reproduction picture frame original. In other words, it concerns the process of aging the gold finishing, trying to distress the reproduction frame as much as possible without exaggerating too much. To complete the procedure, gilders use different stones to hit the frame, creating fake, tiny, broken parts around the sides. Besides, gilders create fake wormholes to age the gilding, and you can see them deeply analyzing the picture details attached above.

Another essential part of the patina is gently rubbing off the gold surface with steel wool, trying to make the typical antique abrasions you see in antique picture frames. In conclusion, any damaged little part of the frame is just a part of a bigger plan.

See below a video showing all the steps of the Patina.

More videos related to the aging process 

Explanation of the aging process
Distressing the gold surface
Rub off the gilding
Dark shellac
Applying shellac
Final result

CHEAPER REPRODUCTION FRAMES

See below for models of reproduction frames with similar structures but at a lower price.