The reframing of An officer of the Fourth Regiment of Foot, c.1776-1780, by Thomas Gainsborough, was developed over a number of years, starting in 2002.
The former frame on the painting was thought to be part of a nineteenth century frame, most likely the slip, which had been over-painted with darkened bronze paint. It was not a style consistent with the date of the painting and was incomplete.
The need to resolve the framing of the painting was given impetus with the cleaning and restoration of the painting in 2004/5.
Serious consideration was given to reproducing the frame from Lady Brisco at Kenwood House (featuring a large lotus leaf in the shallow scotia). This beautiful frame is perhaps a singular example and by reproducing it for the ‘officer’ we would be drawing a false connection between the two pictures.
The prototype eventually used for the frame was an antique concave Neoclassical frame. The frame is believed to have been made in London between the 1760’s-1780’s. The prototype width of 4 1/8” was scaled up to 5”. The reproduction, hand carved, gessoed, re-cut and French water gilded, was made in London.
Like the frame for Reynolds Susannah Gale, the frame was constructed in four sections to be re-assembled after transport.
The frame was ordered in 2004 and fitted to the painting in January 2005.