Thick or thin, matte or metallic, carved or clean-lines: fine art frames can fade into the background or compete with the artwork it displays for the viewers attention. The frame for The Annunciation does just that, with carvings, oil and water gilding, and yellow and red bole undertones - it truly is a work of art all on its own.
Senior Conservator of Objects and Frames, Josh McCauley undertook this conservation, starting as always with a complete examination of the frame. The frame for The Annunciation consists of a decorative inner frame of carved and giltwood and an outer frame that is a more modern addition. Both the inner and outer frame had areas of damage and loss to the wood.
Read about the treatment here, or scroll down to view our latest video featuring the stunning conservation process of this gorgeous frame.
Before treatment
Detail before treatment. Note the open mitered corner at the top left.
Detail before treatment. Note the damage to the carving along the left side.
Detail before treatment. Note the damage to the carving and gilt surface.
Originally the inner frame had both oil and water gilding, but it was overpainted in the past with an oil-based material. Tests determined it was not possible to remove the oil-based overpaint without removing the oil gilding. However, the original water gilding and gesso layer would remain intact, so the decision was made to remove the overpaint and old fills.
Detail with the overpaint and old fills removed
The gesso layer was consolidated, and new fills were shaped to match the surrounding areas. Before the gold leaf application begins, a thin layer of yellow or red bole was applied to the gesso to refine the surface and influence the color of the gold leaf.
Left: Yellow bole is applied to select elements of the frame
Above: Red bole is shown allied to select elements of the frame
Below, left to right: The frame through the processes of consolidation, files, yellow bole application and red bole application
During the final phase of treatment, the frame was both oil and water gilding, and burnished. The Conservation Center is honored to partner with the Illinois Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums to treat The Annunciation. In this video, Senior Conservator of Objects and Frames, Josh McCauley, thoroughly explains the third phase of treatment for the frame, including both the oil and water gilding process.
After Treatment
This video is the fourth in our series regarding the treatment of this painting. You can watch our previous three videos below or on our YouTube channel.
