What periods do these frames come from?

The pieces span the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, encompassing the Regency era and the Napoleon III period. Styles range from French Rococo and Neoclassical to various nineteenth-century revivals. Dates recorded include specific years and decades such as 1800, 1840, 1860, 1880, 1890 and 1900. This timeline captures shifting decorative preferences across French craftsmanship.

What materials make up these items?

Construction materials include gilt bronze, brass, gilt metal, giltwood and glass. Many pieces incorporate paper, paint and seed pearls. Surfaces often feature enamel, painted porcelain plaques and gouache or watercolour paintings. These varied materials support both the protective frames and the miniature art they contain.

How were shadow boxes used?

Devotional shadow boxes served as enclosed displays for delicate items, such as Nevers glass figures. They protected religious or decorative scenes behind glass. These deep frames hung on walls as devotional art, preserving intricate miniature arrangements away from dust and handling.

How do I identify a miniature painting?

Miniature paintings appear on materials like paper, silk, copper, porcelain and vellum, often housed within small oval or rectangular gilt frames. Subjects frequently include historical figures, portraits and mythological scenes after artists like Boucher or Delaroche. Signed works and attribution notes help trace the origin to specific schools or artists, whilst the surrounding metalwork dates the entire object.

Where were Limoges enamel plaques made?

Limoges enamel plaques originated in the French city of Limoges, known for its historic enamel production. These painted copper plaques depict figures and portraits. They appear mounted within nineteenth-century gilt frames, table mirrors and shadow boxes, showcasing traditional French enamel techniques.

Home > French Miniature Frames > Page 2

Antique French Miniature Frames

23 items · page 2 of 2

← Page 2 of 2 →

Antique french miniature frames house small portraits, paintings and plaques in gilded metal, bronze and wood from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.