SANSOVINO FRAME Venice, 16th century Partially... Lot 40

SANSOVINO FRAME Venice, 16th century Partially gilded walnut Good condition H. 75 x W. 85 cm Interior dimensions, when viewed : H. 55 x W. 67,5 cm This rare Venetian frame presents a rich decoration entirely carved in high relief and enhanced with gold. Large acanthus leaves blossom in the spandrels between golden volutes intermingled with garlands of flowers and fruits. In the upper part, a cherub is represented in bust. The feathers of its outstretched wings are finely drawn. A bouquet of quatrefoils on the left-hand side, a daisy on the right and a pair of thistles at the bottom introduce variety. The so-called "Sansovino frames" refer to the famous architect and sculptor Jacopo Tatti, known as Sansovino (Florence, 1486-Venice, 1570) who was a pupil in Florence of Andrea Sansovino (ca. 1460-1529), from whom he took his name. He settled permanently in Venice in 1527 where he developed a voluptuous repertoire of plant ornaments populated by putti in the stuccos and sculpted panels that he produced for Venetian churches and palaces. This style, from which our frame comes, has remained attached to .