Pierced acanthus-leaf frame
Unknown Artist
ca. 1640
Medium
Abete
Dimensions
Overall: 64 7/8 × 52 13/16 in. (164.8 × 134.2 cm) Sight: 49 5/8 × 37 1/8 in. (126 × 94.3 cm) Rabbet: 52 7/16 × 39 in. (133.2 × 99 cm)
Classification
Frames
Culture
Italian, Bologna
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
Accession Number
1975.1.2177
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Robert Lehman Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this stunning *Pierced acanthus-leaf* from Bologna, Italy (ca. 1640) showcases the opulence of 17th Italian craftsmanship. Carved from abete (fir wood), a lightweight yet sturdy softwood ideal for intricate detailing, this frame measures an impressive 64 7/8 × 52 13/16 inches overall. Its pierced design features scrolling acanthus leaves—a classical motif inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture—elegantly intertwined to create an airy, sculptural effect that draws the eye toward the artwork it once encased. In ...