Champlevé Picture Frame

France c. 1890

Animated in the figure of its profile, as well as in the subtle modeling of its planar surface, this elegant frame features extraordinary inset enamel, or Champlevé, decoration in a fine gilt bronze casting. Champlevé had become popular and highly prized in France during the third quarter of the Nineteenth Century, and this distinctive example was probably made by Ferdinand Barbedienne, whose foundry is known for some of the best work of this type.