Large Early Baroque Frame, “Regina Coeli,” Italy, late 16th/ early 17th Century

A large gilded Baroque frame made of carved wood with stucco applications, partially polychrome-painted.

Inner dimensions: 116 x 78 cm.

The tall, rectangular frame is crowned by a large cartouche featuring interwoven volutes and the inscription "(?) REGINA COELI" (Latin for "Queen of Heaven"). The profiled cornice, adorned with dentil patterns, is embellished with garlands of fruit motifs. At the center is a winged cherub's head. The cornice is supported on either side by winged female busts with patinated bodies, whose headdresses continue the fruit motif. The frame forms side pedestals that taper upwards. The inner molding of the frame is decorated with bead-and-reel or astragal patterns, along with relief figures of the four Evangelists in the corners. Starting at the top left, there is the lion for Mark, the ox for Luke, the eagle for John, and the human or angel for Matthew at the bottom right. The gilding is worn, and there are damages, particularly in the lower area.