Antique Florentine Bartolozzi e Maioli, Firenze Hand-Carved Gilt Frame

This is an extremely special Italian frame.

It is fully hand-carved wood with beautiful ribbon and bow detailing throughout. The surface has been gilded in gold, and in the most charming places you can see the original red bole peeking through underneath. That red layer was traditionally applied beneath gold leaf to give warmth and depth — a mark of proper European gilding.

The original workshop label remains on the back and reads:

Bartolozzi e Maioli
Intaglio
Via Maggio Rosso
Firenze

“Intaglio” refers to carved work, and Via Maggio is a historic artisan street in Florence known for frame makers. This places the frame within the Florentine carving tradition, likely dating from the late 1800s to early 1900s.

The back still shows the original woodworking details — always something I look for when evaluating authenticity.

Overall measurements: 19" wide x 18" tall
Opening: 12.25" wide x 10.25" tall

The scale is very usable for a portrait, oil painting, or special print. The condition is strong for its age, with natural wear consistent with antique gilded wood.

Florentine labeled frames are increasingly difficult to find, especially with this level of carving and such a clean, classic bow motif.