This antique carved neoclassical frame, probably 18th century Italian, is an excellent example of a frame that has an original water gilded and burnished finish underneath a later applied gilded finish consisting of layers of gesso, bole, and oil gilding. This was probably done in the 19th century as the later applied finish is very aged and dirty. There are a few reasons why this may have been done; perhaps areas of the original gilding were worn through and heavily distressed, or perhaps the highly burnished finish was too bright for the taste and fashion of the time. In the photos you can see one area where the 'new' gilding and gesso has come away from the original gilding, which appears to be in very good condition. The frame also looks as if it has been cut down, possibly when it was re-gilded.
