What is a chrystoleum?

A chrystoleum is a Victorian picture created by taking a monochrome or lightly tinted photograph, pasting it face down to glass, and rubbing away the paper backing until only the transparent image remains. The artist then meticulously painted the back by hand. These pieces were usually set into convex or heavy gilt frames, giving the finished portrait a remarkable depth that resembled an oil painting.

Are these pieces fragile?

Yes, glass and gesso frames require careful handling and stable environmental conditions. Sudden temperature shifts can cause the wood beneath gilt frames to expand, which stresses the delicate gesso ornamentation. Hang these works securely using appropriate wall anchors rather than relying on old picture wire, which may have weakened over the decades.

How can I tell a Georgian reverse print from a Victorian piece?

Georgian reverse prints often feature historical subjects, sporting scenes, or allegorical figures with hand-coloured details typical of eighteenth and early nineteenth-century printmaking. The glass tends to show minor bubbles, waviness, and imperfections consistent with early manufacture. Victorian pieces frequently include chrystoleums and religious oleographs under glass, displaying brighter pigments and different framing styles such as stepped wooden moulding or elaborate compo ornamentation.