FAMAG 1994.1
A late nineteenth-century British artist?s frame (Alma-Tadema), with deeply canted bolection profile; step at back edge, undercut scotia and flutes to sight edge; finished with parcel-gilt rails and off-white body; supplied by Paul Mitchell Limited. (r).
About this work
view without frame
Wilmer, John Riley (1883-1941): The Adoration of the Magi - Tryptych, signed and dated 1910, watercolour and bodycolour on board, 53 x 22 cms. Presented by John Christian through The National Art Collections Fund in 1994.
More information about the frame
This is a replica of the Alma-Tadema profile also used to frame Gwen Whicker?s Camellias. It is particularly appropriate for this triptych by Wilmer, as it was adopted by the Newlyn School of painters, including Wilmer?s mentor, Henry Scott Tuke.
It also makes an effective outer frame for the subject, and can be compared with Burne-Jones?s two versions of his triptych The Adoration of the kings and shepherds of 1860?61 (Private Collection and Tate Gallery). The first version of Burne-Jones?s triptych was framed after the second, in 1862, and was given a deeply canted reverse frame, based on one of Ford Madox Brown?s designs, which is startlingly close to the present frame. It is almost certain that Alma-Tadema must have been aware of these Pre-Raphaelite patterns when he adopted his own, slightly more streamlined version. The use of this frame for Wilmer?s triptych thus has a very satisfying circularity.
The original back panel reads ?John Riley Wilmer (Professional) 2 Cambridge Place, Falmouth, Cornwall Adoration of the Magi (original) John Riley Wilmer?.