Antique French Miniature Frame – Gilded Rococo Revival Openwork, c. Late 19th Century

2.5" H x 1.5" W

This antique French miniature frame showcases the unmistakable elegance of the Rococo Revival period. Likely crafted in the late 19th century, this piece features an intricate openwork design of floral garlands, scrolling acanthus leaves, and a delicate bow crest—hallmarks of the Louis XVI aesthetic that experienced a resurgence in the 1800s. Cast from a brass or spelter alloy with a gilded finish, it was designed to hold a portrait miniature, a popular art form among the European aristocracy and well-to-do during the Victorian era. These frames were often used for hand-painted miniatures on ivory or porcelain, sometimes even for cameo reliefs. The finely cast detailing and delicate construction point to a French origin, aligning with the ormolu-style craftsmanship that was favored in Parisian ateliers.