Jessica
(c. 1925)

• John LONGSTAFF

A variant on the popular Louis XV revival style, this time characterised by the use of net to texture the inner scotia and by elaborate detailing of the slip. A very similar frame appears on Longstaff’s Mrs John Connell, (656-2); nevertheless, both are in direct contrast to the other Thallon framing of Mrs Connell, (655-2). Another slight variation on the framing style is found on John Longstaff‘s Sir Leo Cussen, c. 1929, (0276/4). The dating of the label and the probable dating of the painting do not coincide. The frame is either re-cycled or the label does not reflect the date of manufacture of the frame. It nevertheless demonstrates the ongoing use of the Louis XV-style frame well into the twentieth century.

Note

1 Hilary Maddocks, ‘Picture Framemakers in Melbourne c. 1860–1930’ in vol. 1, Frames, Melbourne Journal of Technical Studies in Art, University of Melbourne Conservation Service, 1999.

The frame is made up of composition ornament on a wooden chassis, in the Louis XV style. The inner scotia was inlaid with open weave net prior to gilding. The surface is gilded with false gold in a matte finish throughout.

Good original condition, though the composition elements on the swept edges have sprung from the timber base.