Paolo and Francesca da Rimini

Paolo and Francesca da Rimini
1867

Dante Gabriel ROSSETTI

Medium: watercolour, gouache and gum arabic over pencil on 2 sheets of paper
Measurements: 43.7 × 36.1 cm (sheet)
Catalogue/s Raisonné: Surtees 75 R2
Inscription: inscribed in red watercolour l.l.: DGR (monogram) (in a circle)
Accession Number: 3266-4
Department: International Prints and Drawings
Credit Line: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1956
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of the Joe White Bequest
Gallery location: Not on display
Subjects (general): History and Legend Human Figures Relationships and Interactions
Subjects (specific): adultery couples embracing love (emotion) lovers tragedy (general genre) windows
Movements: Pre-Raphaelite

Frame

Perhaps the most complex of the Pre-Raphaelite frames in the collection is the one on Rossetti's Paolo and Francesca da Rimini.
This relatively low profile frame makes use of vertical joins in the flat which is gilded direct to oak. This part (the flat) carries the label of the frame maker Foord & Dickinson, who are known to have built frames for painters from the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.
The outer part of the frame is carved in high relief in a rustic (Arts and Crafts) manner. The frame carries text both carved into the frame proper and in the form of two annotated, gilded panels attached to the surface.
There has been some debate about whether Rossetti or a later owner designed or had this frame made.
The discovery of the Foord label through infra-red imaging, gives some indication about the origins.
The 90 Wardour St. address dates from 1843-1878 which sits well with the date of the work giving credibility to the gilded flat at least being contemporary with the artwork.
Framemaker: Unknown - 19th century
Date: c.1867
Materials: carved timber, gold leaf