One of the rarest frames I have ever owned and it’s also one of the most beautiful. Worthy of any museum or palace wall in the world, to me it’s almost secondary to wonder what to put inside. Sansovino frames are wonders of Venice and full of all the drama and exuberance worthy of that glorious city. They are also the sort of ur portrait frame and are almost required in any major museum’s Renaissance art collection. Overall dim: 24” x 27”; Sight dim: 17.5” x 21”

$12,000

A masterwork and quite simply one of the finest pieces I have ever seen. This 17th century frame excels in form, proportion, carving, gilding, and, I daresay, aging. Even gesso losses have been smoke-toned to perfection over the centuries; years have only increased this piece's elegance and beauty. Any change would be a loss. All photos by me showing the piece’s different look in varying light. Overall dim: 16" w x 20" h

$6500

With any caveats I might put on this pairing -- the painting is unsigned and the frame is 20th c. -- I could also say it's one of the best pairings I've ever done. No, it's not my typical approach, i.e., breaking from norms or flouting convention. Here I hew to more traditional stylings, and I love this pairing because my frame guru, Peter Miller (PH Miller Studio, Berryville, VA), so perfectly completed my vision. I knew the frame had the right proportions, but it needed a liner. Peter came through masterfully. He constructed a liner for this oil that perfectly joins the two works. One small step for the painting, one giant leap toward making the combination greater than the sum of its parts. Overall dim: 22.25" x 26.5"

$9,500

A beautifully textured Renaissance frame that still flickers with light. The gilding is gone from most of three legs of the frame but even without the gold, this is a special piece. You’ve seen its like in museums around the world. Overall frame dim: 24” x 20.5”; Rabbet dim: 17” x 14”; Sight dim: 16.5” x 13.5”

$4400

Florentine frames are not my go-to style and neither are miniatures my usual taste. Still, this pair is an exemplary duo full of vibrant color and serious swag. Love the black bole coming through and the pair’s pristine condition. Small show-stoppers.

Overall dim: 6.5" w x 6" h

Sight dim: 2.75" x 2"

Rabbet: 2 7/8" x 2.25"

Pair $1800

Sansovino frames are a sort of Ur-portrait frame, High Renaissance visual exclamation points that arrest any viewer’s attention. The gilded highlights on this Venetian frame make for a glittering surround to this striking portrait of a bearded man I found years after purchasing the frame. I was captivated by the background color of the portrait and had the inimitable P.H. Miller Studio craft a walnut liner that perfectly transitions between art and antique frame. The Medicis would approve. Overall dim: 31” w x 35” h x 2” d

$9800

This centuries-old hanger is a simple treat. A metal “staple” driven through the frame had its ends bent outward to hold a hanging hook in place. It’s a beautiful original part of the ingenious craft of this frame (and it’s not going anywhere).

A 17th c Italian tabernacle style frame showing off a 19th c foot study. O, the juxtaposition of it all. Though separated by centuries, these are kindred spirits; the frame in remarkable condition with only minor repairs evident, while the drawing is a solid academic effort with a vestigial foot in the shadows, so to speak. Here's a combo for Classicists, dancers, and mixers of all stripes. Anyway, making people look twice is more than half the battle. (Drawing not mandatory.) Overall dim: 24" w x 29" h

$4400

This is a fabulous etching by the incredibly talented British artist, Nicola Hicks. As with many of my pairings, this one came from a kind of kismet. I picked up several frames at a sale and only when i got them home did I look closely at this one. I was amazed to see that it was a fantastic partner to the etching, size-wise, color-wise, in its flickering motif, and in its less than pristine condition (that suits the art to a T). Honestly, I don’t know if or how I would have ever used this frame if not for this special piece. Signed by the artist and numbered 31/75, ‘97. Overall dim: 25” w x 28.75” h

N.B. If you don’t know the works of UK artist Nicola Hicks, go to the Flowers Gallery (London) website for a look at her talents. An animalier nonpareil, she creates gorgeous original takes on animals in two and three dimensions.

$3600

I love this pairing perhaps primarily because I love Bolognese frames so much. The frame’s a sparkling gem that brilliantly echoes the painterly tempera strokes of the artist. Simple, humble, yet dazzling. Museum glass. Overall dim: 13.25” h x 18.75” w

$2400

So full of color and happiness. I love this sweet cow framed in a very simple French gilded half-round with pearl sight edge. This tableau needs no added visual weight or anything else to focus on. Give that bovine some room. Canvas: 13” x 17.5”

$1800

This 19th oil on mahogany panel looks picture perfect floated in a mottled silver gilt frame. Though both portrait and frame are diminutive, they make for a visually strong pairing. The frame’s shape, too, gives the pairing a grand feel with its tabernacle or crest shape. I’m also a big fan of nicely aged patinas that add depth and gravitas to a pairing. These two mix it up nicely.

Overall dim: 8” w x 11” h

$1800

Even amid an array of artwork at a recent High Point show this piece can hold its own.

This 1950s pastel by French artist Jean Marie Martin (1922-2012) looks right at home in this 18th c. ebonized and ripple frame. Made centuries apart but they couldn’t be better suited together. Overall dim: 14.5” w x 12.5” h

$1400

If you don’t know the works of UK artist Nicola Hicks, go to the Flowers Gallery (London) website for a look at her talents. An animalier nonpareil, she creates gorgeous original takes on animals in two and three dimensions. Numbered (13/75), titled and signed by the artist. Overall frame dim: 32” w x 25” h

$2200

I so love this flaky penguin. He seems to be from the mid-20th c. and his painted gesso-like surface has plenty of losses. Nothing could take away from this guy’s charm. 17” h x 6” w x 10” d.

$850

This simple study by John Murray Thompson (1885-1974) is popped up with a silver gilt beveled liner and is nicely nestled in a rough barn wood frame. Elegant rusticity. Museum glass. Overall dim: 13” h x 17” w

$850

The winner is this classic English horse in his, erm, crib, and in a happy and happifying primitive carved and painted frame. Away with traditionalists who simply don't get it, this is a pairing that sweet Ferdinand would wake up for. No bull. Both frame and oil are early 20th century. Oil: 18" x 24"; Frame overall: 21.75" x 28"

$2200

I’ve got several wild pieces of driftwood but none fit the Halloween bill like this spooky guy. It dangles gently from its nicely engineered stand. (It’s not just for Halloween; good year round!) Approx. 15” d x 26” h x 16” w

$600

This one-off frame, an unusual 19th c. American folk art piece, was so goth and eerie that I had to find the right art to complete the mood. And then crawled this watercolor spider into the picture. Masterfully matted, they’re great together. Who knew that Eerie + Weird could be so cool.

$850

This gorgeous pair of 19th c French painted cast iron gargoyles was built to last. They’re weighty little guys that have endured great stresses to look so beat up and so good. Each measures 6” d x 5” w x 5” h.

$850

I don’t know the original use for this (watch holder?) but I was so taken by the form that it didn’t matter. The base and writhing bits are my favorite; plus, it’s hard to be scared by a snake with googly eyes. Hang your keys from its forked tongue or just let the snake hang out, permanently charmed and charming. 24” h x 10” w x 16” d

$1250

Annette Funicello at King Minos’s resort — you get the vibe. Classic and groovy but too heavy to take on your surfboard. Not too big, but monumental.

24” h x 9” w x 8” d (stand is 9” w x 6” d)

$2400

This early 20th c colored graphite cloud study is framed in a contemporaneous gilt frame that casts a gentle gold light on the subject. A very nice example of two things becoming something greater than the sum of its parts. Overall 12” h x 13” w

$950

Both these pieces have a classical footing: the eared, architectonic lines on the frame, and the academic traditions of human form studies. Together they’re a kind of wink and a nudge to fancy pants art; a slightly ironic take that’s comic but still pretty darn good. Overall dim: 10.25” h x 8” w

$850

These two pieces make for a sympathetic pairing. The paper has wrinkles and an antique ink stain while the frame has scratches and scuffs. But what unites them is their sha(RED) tone. Classical, formal, but fun. Overall dim: 13” h x 15” w

$1400

I love this ear study in its “eared” or block-cornered frame. The chunky stylized ear and hair — even the artist-drawn border around the sketch — all feel right at home in this mid-19th c ebonized frame with silver gilt liner. Overall dim: 17.5” h x 15.75” w

$1200

This expressive hand study by Martin von Feuerstein (1856-1931) feels a natural in this 18th c. ebonized ripple frame. However you orient it, the hand reads differently; pleading, beckoning, leading. Classic yet with a modern take, this pairing feels natural and elegant. Overall dim: 19” h x 17.25” w

$2600

This light and super happifying drawing of a bounding dog sits nicely in this Italian painted and carved frame. Both pieces show signs of wear, but let’s not start casting stones about appearances. Anyway, if you’re upset by wrinkles, chips and other blemishes, you’re on the wrong site. This pairing, warts and all, is happiness squared. Overall dim: 23” h x 26.5” w

$2200

This 20th c (Bohemian? I truly don't know) piece stands a whopping 18" h and is 12" deep. Its ribs only enhance the sparkling, light spraying effect. As expected, a few scratches (a few on top inner lip and one prominent scratch near one handle -- see photos) but nothing that's not expected with this kind of object. Indeed, the scratch is hardly visible amid the ribbing of the glass.

$850

It's amazing what a few cabochons can do to punch up ordinary oak frames. These late 19th c frames have lots of potential and will add lightness to whatever they hold.

Overall dim:

Larger: 18" x 27" x 2.75"

Sight dim: 12.25" x 21.25"

Rabbet: 13" x 22"

Smaller: 16.25" x 20.25" x 1.75"

Sight dim: 12.5" x 16.5"

Rabbet: 13" x 17"

Pair $950

That warm walnut glow always looks elegant. I belive this frame is 19th c but it could be earlier. Whatever its age, it looks good for it.

Overall dim: 40" h x 30" w

$1600

I like this pairing for its rational exuberance, a flourish of architectural art held quite nicely in a beautifully patinated 18th c frame. Both pieces have been heightened with white flecks of age or chalk lines and they have that opposites attract kind of vibe.

Overall dim: 14" x 16"

$1500

This fun frame is likely from the 50s - 70s, when a little craziness was par for the course. Très hip.

Overall dim: 16.75" x 14.25" x 2.5"

Rabbet: 11.75" x 9.25"

$450

This beautiful and good sized tabernacle style tramp frame has 5 roundels with 10 layers of carving. There is some wood loss to lower left and upper right roundels but there's so much going on that it doesn't catch the eye. Most all of these early 20th century pieces have some nicks and scar tissue. C'est la vie for these guys. Still a nice twist on a traditional form.

Overall dim: 25" w x 37" h x 2" d

$1600

I loved this in its original form but I couldn't see how I'd use (or sell) a wall pocket. So off to P.H. Miller Studio I went and we tossed around ideas. Peter came up with this beautiful cigar (or whatever) box that kept all the trampiness and the original blue paint. 10/10 for form & function.

Overall: 14.5” x 17.25” x 6” h; box measures 14.5” x 10” x 3” h (4.5” h with lid)

$1800

I love this multi-toned and eared-corner German tramp frame. It's in pristine condition and will stand out no matter how or where it's used.

Overall dim: 14" x 16.75"

Sight dim: 6.5" x 9"

Rabbet: 7" x 9.5"

$750

A medieval feel to this frame but it's in very nice condition. (Approx) Overall dim: 15" x 10"

$550

Currently fitted with a (new) mirror, this piece is sharp enough to be used in a formal room. Actually, a very fine tramp.

Overall dim: 27.5" x 32"

Sight dim: 19.5" x 15.5"

$1600

I found three works on paper by UK artist Ben Carrivick that I thought would look sharp in different frames. Going with the theme of this email, I'll offer this one singly. They've been priced as a set @$1500; I'll offer the tramp at $450

Such a nice classic form and it's in perfect condition.

Overall dim: 17" w x 18" h

Sight dim: 11.25" w x 12" h

$950

Not a true tramp but it feels right at home with them. Such a funky chair; I wish I knew more about it (like Where? When? and Who?) but to me it's just a crazy one-off. Folky and almost cartoon-like, Pebbles and Bam-Bam would approve.

$800

A more traditional tramp frame but I do like the diamond center points. In excellent shape and ready for a mirror or art or what have ya.

Overall dim: 21.5" x 18.75"

Rabbet: 15.75" x 13"

$1100

Not Italian, but it's got a blue sky and a field of cows... What could be better? Not much, I'd say. This 19th c French scene (with an illegible signature, but it's NOT Corot) is an archetypal scene of the French countryside. Pure Barbizon vibe in a contemporaneous American gilt frame. Canvas: 12" x 24"; Overall dim: 16.5" x 28"

Small cracks and losse on frame corners; some losses to gilding.

$2800

Angels in the oaken clouds make for some baroque over-the-top-ness in this carved sculptural frame of putti in the heavens. The reverse view shows that it once held golden rays of the sun. Those fiery and garish hazards have been lost to time; now there's just peace and quiet. Overall dim: 17" w x 22" h

$1800

Diminutive but a visual knockout. This little Baroque gem — empty or displaying art — will catch all the eyes. In fabulous condition with only minor losses. I wouldn’t touch a petal.

Overall dim: 9” h x 8” w x 1.5” d;

Rabbet dim: 4.75” x 4”

$1800

This beautiful 19th c frame is in remarkable condition and glows like gold bullion. Made to hang horizontally (though it can be hung vertically), it will draw eyes to it in any room. Overall dim: 25" h x 42" l

$2600

Familiar of form, but the combined excellence of carving, gilding, and punch work sets this piece apart. The labor-intensive punch work that runs throughout the frame gives an extra sparkle, and the brilliant gold shines in the faintest of light.

Overall dim: 13.5” h x 12” w x 1” d

Sight dim: 6.75” x 5.25”

Rabbet dim: 7” x 5.5”

$1600

This pairing is a favorite of mine. The unfinished oil portrait by John Grabach (1886-1991) with its bold strokes is nicely paired in an English 19th c rosewood veneered frame. The happenstance of the blooming “stains” on the frame’s veneer make for a wonderful complement to the painting. Rough and fine, coarse and smooth, opposites combining to make a happy marriage. Overall dim: 12.75” w x 14” h

$2800

A gorgeous frame with brightly gilt incised corners and black-painted center points.

Overall dim: 29" x 24"

Sight dim: 24.25" x 19.5"

Rabbet: 25" x 19.5"

$2800

This sweet little oil seemed to be trying to tease the last rays of light out of the sun; couldn't resist this eye-catching 18th c frame that adds a permanent sunburst. Overall dim: 13.5" x 8.5" 

$2400

This quiet still life by Scottish artist John Watson Nicol (1856-1926) has wonderful strokes of light that are amplified by the Edwardian frame’s new lemon gilt liner and the shimmer of the frame’s wood panels. Overall dim: 21” h x 27” w x 1.5” d

$2800

The frame shattered into pieces after being dropped at a show. I kept all the pieces in a box and waited. When I found this artwork I became enamored of the possibility of pairing these two. My frame guru, P.H. Miller, came up with the beautiful silver gilt liner and all came together beautifully. I couldn’t be happier with a pairing.

A lovely 17th/18th French frame that sparkles despite the wages of time. A beautifully rubbed surface with a few gesso losses (but to be expected after four centuries). Overall dim: 19.5" x 17.5"; Rabbet: 13.75" x 11.5"; Sight: 13.25" x 11"

$1800

I can almost feel the tropical heat beating down on this frame making the vines grow a foot a week. It’s lush and gothic but the carving is nice and the finish is heavily rubbed on the bottom (see photos), but it’s still got a handsome look. It's really a one-off to me; that is, I've never seen this style before. I liked it for that and for the fact that it's silvered with black painted areas.

Overall dim: 29” w x 37” h

Full disclosure: There is significant gesso loss on the lower portion of the frame, perhaps due to moisture damage. Gesso and the painted finish have flaked off showing wood base. It's part of the look/appeal to be sure.

$2400

A near pair (only differ in color) of these Victorian Chinese Export frames that have been a bit roughed up but still have the look. Nicely toned gilt liners. Same size for each frame. Overall dim: 23" x 28"; Rabbet: 18.25" x 23.5"; Sight: 17.5" x 23"

$900

A stunning 18th c Spanish carved and painted frame that is the epitome of Baroque. One corner (masterfully) replaced at some point in the past; losses around sight edge which are commensurate with age; signs of repairs but still a sturdy piece.

Overall dim: 12” w x 14” h

Sight dim: 3.5” x 5 1/8”

Rabbet dim: 4.5” x 5.5”

$1800

These gargoyles have fierce faces but they were clearly useful demons. Each is 5” h x 5” w x 6” d and is in some state of paint loss or flakiness for which there is no extra charge.

$900

The verdigris on this pair of dolphin andirons (without firedogs) makes them stand out like big fish. Beautiful green highlights and classical motifs ensure that these pieces will look good however they’re used. Each 16” h x 8” w x 1” d

$650

From an old Rhode Island estate comes a fantastic eye-catching piece right out of the Chippendale catalog. In excellent condition; slight de-silvering to mirror, beautiful patina.

H 39" x W 18" x D 4.5"

$2200

End of day pieces or an artistic side hustle for workers making sewer tile in late 19th/early 20th c America (often Ohio, or thereabouts). Despite slightly goofy faces they’ve got all the monumentality of the big bronzes and patina to burn. Exceptionally cool and funky. Each 11” l x 7” w x 7” h

$1800 pair

This super fun polished aluminum objet looks a cousin to Chicago’s Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) but is way more portable. Shows signs of age with some scratches and small dents. Unsigned and unmarked but has an 80s vibe. Measures 15” l x 6” w x 8” h

$900

An elegant and beautifully patinated French frame with rich gilding and running ornament in near pristine condition. Overall dim: 13” w x 15” h x 1 7/8” d

Sight dim: 8.25” x 7”

Rabbet dim: 9” x 7.25”

$1600

This striking, Piranesi-like etching by Francois Houtin (b. 1950) is right at home inside this early 20th c German tabernacle style frame. The frame is replete with classical motifs and two tones of gold leaf; together, art and frame own whatever wall they’re hung on Overall dim: 26” h x 36” w x 2.5” d

$2200

I love these pieces of mid-20th century Americana designed by John deKoven Hill (American, 1920-96) who began his career as an apprentice at Taliesin for Frank Lloyd Wright and went on to become Wright's chief architect. These 18” square aluminum panels were originally made for the Corbett house in Cincinnati OH (1959) and used finally as fence panels for the Hyde Park Redevelopment project in Chicago, IL.

$1600 pair

$1600 pair

An all-time favorite piece that combines hard-earned utility and sculptural beauty. Wrought in the late 18th or early 19th century by skilled hands, this tool (and a horse) would aid in removing rocks and roots from fields. A gorgeous relic that looks as modern as can be. Stands 18” h x 8” w x 13” d

$1800

Calm cool Biedermeier down below but a bit crazy up top. A lot of fun because it’s so unexpected. Perfect for a mirror and maybe a royal portrait. Dim: 29” h x 19” w

$650