Belle Époque Oval Brass Portrait Frame with Foliate Crest

Design & Inspiration

Place this frame on a writing desk or mantelpiece and it immediately commands attention — not merely as a holder for a photograph, but as an object worth studying in its own right. The oval aperture, framed by a cascade of hand-cast brass leaves that billow upward into a crested sunflower finial, draws from the Belle Époque decorative vocabulary that flourished in Parisian salons and hotel interiors between 1871 and 1914. This was an era when the boundary between functional object and sculptural art was deliberately blurred, and this frame faithfully reproduces that ambition.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The frame is cast in solid brass using traditional lost-wax and sand-casting techniques that preserve the crispness of every leaf vein and petal edge. The naturalistic foliate border — layered oak and acanthus leaves rendered with botanical precision — wraps the oval aperture and culminates in a bold sunflower-like crest at the crown. At the base, a scrolled cartouche flanked by twin leaf sprays provides a stable resting platform and mirrors the foliate language of the upper crest, giving the composition a satisfying symmetry. The integral brass easel at the rear is cast as part of the same piece, not an afterthought, and allows the frame to stand at a slight recline — the correct angle for viewing a portrait from a seated position.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 29 cm / Depth: 28 cm / Height: 39 cm
Available in multiple brass finishes. The frame holds a standard oval print or photograph and requires no additional hardware for display. One piece, no assembly required.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every frame produced by Brass & Wood is individually cast and finished by hand in Egypt, drawing on a metalworking tradition that spans generations. The handcrafted process means no two pieces are entirely identical — minor surface variations in the casting and finish are marks of authenticity, not imperfection. This frame is inspected individually before dispatch to ensure the quality of every detail meets the exacting standards the brand was built on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the frame made from?

The frame is cast entirely in solid brass with a high-polish or antiqued finish depending on the variant selected. There is no resin, plastic, or composite material in the construction.

What size photograph or print does it hold?

The oval aperture is sized to accept a standard oval portrait format. For specific aperture dimensions, please contact us before ordering — we can accommodate custom print sizes on request.

Can this frame be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization of the brass finish and, on request, adjustments to the aperture size for bespoke prints or paintings. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.