Dutch 17th Century Ripple Frame

Dutch interiors in the 16th century lacked an abundance of interior light; a dark and austere frame design that would not distract from the paintings was preferred. Simple border frames were developed and used into the 17th century; a cove or panel profile was frequently made of ebony or finished in an ebonized or dark wood finish. More complex frames with ‘ripple’ mouldings usually referred to as Dutch were actually more often made in Flanders,Germany, Spain, or Italy and rarely made in Holland. These frame designs were revived in the late 19th century and early 20th centuries when they were occasionally gilded.

Ripple – Continuous rows of a wave-like pattern frequently carved into ebony or ebonized woods in 17th century Flemish, German, and Southern European frames. The ‘ripple’ frame designs were revived in the late 19th century and early 20th centuries when they were occasionally gilded.