Engaged molding
Unknown Artist
early 15th century
Medium
Pine back frame with poplar upper moldings.
Dimensions
Overall: 23 7/16 × 15 7/8 in. (59.5 × 40.3 cm) Sight: 20 1/4 × 12 11/16 in. (51.4 × 32.3 cm) Rabbet: 21 9/16 × 13 11/16 in. (54.7 × 34.7 cm)
Classification
Frames
Culture
Italian, Tuscany
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.2191
Art Historical Context
Step into the refined world of early 15-century Tuscan craftsmanship with *Engaged Molding*, a striking pine back frame accented by poplar upper moldings. Measuring 23 7/16 × 15 7/8 inches overall, this frame exemplifies the meticulous woodworking of Renaissance Italy, where Florence and Tuscany led in artistic innovation. The choice of pine for the sturdy back and lightweight poplar for the moldings reflects practical yet elegant material use—poplar's fine grain allowed carvers to achieve smooth, intricate profiles ideal for ornate detailing. In Tuscany during the quattrocento, frames like t...