FRAME RESTORATION:
This example is restoration of a badly deteriorated, but valuable frame; one of artistic and monetary significance. The frame is 6’3” tall, and dates from 1760. This profile is known as a Carlo Maratta (also Maritti) frame, and this particular frame is the enriched version of the Carlo Maratta profile. The design first appeared in Naples in 1660 and came to England with the Grand Tour where it was widely adopted from 1750 to the end of the century, surviving in its carved version until the 1820s and beyond that in a plaster version. In no other country than Italy was the Carlo Maratta so popular as in Britain, where it became a particularly British style for picture framing. The connection between the great painter Maratta and this frame bearing his name is lost in the fog of antiquity, however,in Italy, this type of frame is usually known as a Salvator Rosa after the Italian artist to whom the design is attributed.
The restoration had to be carried out with respect for the original material and according to the original technique. The work on the frame was extremely challenging due to its large scale and significant conservation issues. An extensive technical macro and micro examination of the frame gave an insight into the technique of the framer and was used to design the proper treatments.
ON OTHER TREATMENTS
If the frame were less badly damaged, we usually opt to locally regild it only in the loss areas. Being able to seamlessly match existing gilding in color and texture requires skill of an extraordinary level.
