Giltwood Picture Frame with Botanical/Entomological Print
Other/Decorative Arts (Framed Wall Decor) · Neoclassical Revival style frame, likely late 20th to early 21st century · Likely a decor manufacturer such as Ethan Allen, Ballard Designs, or a local custom framing shop; print is after a plate from 'Histoire Naturelle'.
Type
Other/Decorative Arts (Framed Wall Decor)
Style Period
Neoclassical Revival style frame, likely late 20th to early 21st century
Material
Wood or composite frame, glass glazing, acid-free or standard paper matting, and offset lithographic or digital print on heavy paper stock.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2015 based on the crispness of the matting, framing hardware style, and print quality.
Dimensions
Estimated 30 inches height by 24 inches width; significantly larger than a standard letter-size document.
Origin
Likely produced in North America or China for the retail decorative market; subject matter originates from French scientific illustration.
Designer/Maker
Likely a decor manufacturer such as Ethan Allen, Ballard Designs, or a local custom framing shop; print is after a plate from 'Histoire Naturelle'.
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $150.00 (Retail/Secondary Market value for decorative home goods).
Description
A large-scale wall hanging featuring a 'Histoire Naturelle, Insectes' plate. The print showcases a variety of beetles, bees, and dragonflies in a systematic scientific grid. It is housed in an ornate, deep-profile gold frame that provides a sense of traditional elegance.
Key Features
Ornate 'egg and dart' or beaded molding; French-language scientific titling; multi-colored insect illustrations; wide neutral matting.
Color & Finish
Antique gold finish with an artificial dark umber patina or wash to simulate age; cream-colored matting.
Construction Method
Machine-milled moldings with mitered corners joined by V-nails or staples; mass-produced commercial framing.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Mitered corners with visible seams; commercial grade craftsmanship utilizing modern pneumatic joining techniques.
Wood Grain & Species
Species likely a soft secondary wood like pine or Obeche covered by gesso and gold leaf/paint finish; grain is not visible.
Surface Treatment
Beaded edging and fluted or acanthus leaf patterns in the molding; spray-applied lacquer for protection.
Upholstery Details
N/A
Hardware & Fittings
Likely features a wire hanger on the reverse with D-rings or sawtooth hangers and glazier's points holding the backing in place.
Origin & Provenance
Likely produced in North America or China for the retail decorative market; subject matter originates from French scientific illustration.
Condition Notes
Very Good; the frame shows minor shelf wear at the bottom edge and corners; matting appears clean without foxing or water damage.
Interesting Facts
The print is a reproduction of plates from the 'Tableau encyclopédique et méthodique', specifically the entomology section by Jean-Guillaume Bruguière and others in the late 18th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Natural History' interior design trend where 18th-century scientific illustrations are used to bridge the gap between academic study and home decor.
Similar Pieces
Distinguishable from authentic 18th-century copperplate engravings by the lack of a visible plate mark (indentation) and the presence of modern offset printing dots under magnification.
Care & Maintenance
Dust frame with a soft, dry cloth; clean glass with a lint-free cloth dampened with ammonia-free glass cleaner (apply cleaner to cloth first, never directly to the glass).
Value Estimate
$75.00 - $150.00 (Retail/Secondary Market value for decorative home goods).
Sustainability Notes
While vintage-style, this is a modern product. Sustainability depends on whether the wood is FSC-certified, which is unlikely for generic decor pieces.