This refined frame is a variant of the classical revival form. The unusual shape of the slip can be compared to that used by Thallon for James Quinn’s copy of Frans Hals’ The gipsy (9-2) The frame is in excellent condition and has been used as a model for the framing of a portrait by Tom Roberts, Lily Stirling, (1892) (A13-1980).
The basic form of the frame is a classical revival profile in wood, with simple composition ornamentation of a running acanthus leaf outer leading edge and balls spaced at intervals of 12.5 cm. along the cove of the interior of the leading edge. The slip has a small section of sanded flat. The surface is matte gold leaf to all surfaces with slight burnishing of the acanthus leaf moulding. The slip used here is more elaborate than usually found on the simple profile forming the body of the frame. The curved outer edge of the slip suggests the timber section might have been intended for another purpose, perhaps a complete frame section of its own.
The frame is in good original condition throughout, though bowed along the length of the left member. The slip, though believed to be original, is not a close fit into the rebate of the outer frame.