How to Make a Gothic Sand Gilt Frame for a 17th Century Print
…If the need takes you.
Believe it or not this is a thing. And straightforward as it looks in appearance, the assembly and occurance is indeed rather complex. And the final article is traditionally used for early prints and engravings, as it is being used in this instance (see image).
The Frame is comprised of an inner slip and an outer frame. The outer Frame is finished with burnished black bole and has concealed corners creating a seamless finish.
Detail of closed corner burnished bole with gilt sand slip
The Inner slip has a compo moulding attached and is edged with sand; which is then gessoed over.
A yellow bole layer is oil gilded over to achieve the final look, and placed within the black ‘gothic’ moulding.
This strange combination ends up looking rather stunning in comparison to its initial awkward appearance. Resulting in a rather complex striking frame.
Sub Heading: Why does this bloke Vicenzo Lunardi deserve the Grandeur of Gilt?
Sub sub Hearding- Do all Italians just wear gold?
Answer:
Well I can’t answer that. At least not the gold question. Without it being sweeping. But Vincenzo Lunardi is being framed as he is known for his pioneering aeronautical antics in ballooning across the UK all the way back in the late 1700s. Notably, in this case, a flight which began in Edinburgh and ended, short-sightedly in Cupar, Fife- shire (1785), where there is a commemorative plaque recalling the place he landed. Appropriately enough, this engraving is to be hung in Cupar as part of an installation of historic local artefacts.
In many ways, the framing of this image commemorates an exciting time. An enthusiasm for a man who inspired and excited people at the time. And recalls that inspiration still today.