Antique French Champlevé Enamel and Gilt Bronze Miniature Frame with Floral Decoration, c. 1880–1900

Antique French Champlevé Enamel and Gilt Bronze Miniature Frame with Floral Decoration, c. 1880–1900

A small jewel of a frame. The gilt bronze body rises to a pointed, almost Gothic arch topped with a tiny cross finial, and the whole border is worked in champlevé enamel with a continuous garland of flowers in pink, lavender, blue and white against a pale green ground, with deeper red and blue panels at the shaped feet.

The scale is intimate, made for a carte de visite, a miniature or a small devotional image, and the arched top gives it a quiet, chapel-like character that suits a bedside table or a dressing table beautifully. A folding easel strut at the back lets it stand on its own.

Enamel frames in this small size were produced by Paris workshops in the last quarter of the 19th century and are increasingly hard to find with the enamel this complete and the colours this fresh. 

Delicate hand-finished floral motifs, scrolling foliage, and colorful enamel accents adorn the richly gilded metalwork, creating a wonderful combination of artistry, texture, and old-world elegance.

Dating to approximately 1890, this lovely piece showcases the traditional champlevé enameling technique, in which recessed areas of metal are filled with vibrant enamel to create intricate, enduring designs.

Details

Origin: France
Period: Late 19th century
Date: Circa 1880–1900
Material: Gilt bronze with polychrome champlevé enamel, glass
Form: Arched easel-back miniature frame
Approximate Measurements

Height:  6.5”
Width: 3.5”
Sight size (opening): 3.25” x 2”

Condition

Very good antique condition. Enamel complete. Light wear to the gilding. Glass present. Easel strut works as intended.

A sweet and very collectable little French frame, lovely on its own or as part of a group.