Partly gilt carved wood frame

This rare Venetian frame entirely carved in high-relief shows a rich decor of scrolls, garlands, daisy flowers and thistles. At the four corners of the frame are depicted large acanthus leaves.

The upper part is centered by the head of a putto on a pair of wings. The feathers are beautifully depicted.

This type of frame is said to be « alla Sansovino ».
This name evokes the sculptor and architect Jacopo Tatti (1486-1570), said Sansovino. Born in Florence he was the student of Andrea Sansovino. In 1527 he established himself in Venice.

While he probably never realised such frames his fame was such that those frames took their name after him. The motifs enriching it are similar to those found on carved panels and stuccos made in Venice. Thus, these ornaments were soon considered as typical of Venetian style.