Frame

This frame once held a painting, now replaced by old mirror glass. The original painting was most likely a portrait of a French monarch or his family because the frame bears emblems of France. Crossed L's (the initial of the royal name Louis) ornament each corner; at the top, a coat of arms with the three French royal fleurs-de-lis is embellished by the collars and badges of the chivalric order of Saint Michael (man riding a horse) and the Holy Spirit (dove). In addition, symbols of victorious wars are beside the coat of arms and on each side of the frame.The frame’s style suggests that it was carved during the reign of Louis XV (1715-1774). French nobility would often give pictures of the king and his family as gifts to other European royalty. Royal portraits also served a diplomatic purpose. A painting and its lavish frame would be prominently displayed in a public reception room at a French ambassador’s house abroad, to remind visitors from whom the ambassador receives his authority.