A rare three-part photo frame made of gilt silver, featuring a vivid decorative accent — translucent red enamel over an exquisite guilloché background. Inspired by the Louis XVI style, the frames composition is built around a central laurel wreath, complemented by ornamental ribbons, bows, and stylised foliage. The oval and round apertures on the panels are emphasised by a braided border, while the intricate relief creates a refined sense of symmetry. The architectural form and decorative design refer to late 18th-century French Neoclassicism. The reverse is lined with red silk, highlighting the finesse of execution and museum-level quality of the object.
Hallmarks: 925 in an oval; Italian state assay mark — “star 381 FI”; maker’s mark — Renato Salimbeni, Florence.
Dimensions: 27.7 × 18.3 cm (fully opened)
Weight: 986 g (gross)
Condition: Good. Minor signs of age, overall good condition.
Provenance: Made in the jewelry workshop of Renato Salimbeni in Florence — one of the leading Italian manufacturers of decorative silver objects in the second half of the 20th century.
Florentine jewelry craftsmanship in the 20th century continued the lineage of high artisanal tradition established during the Renaissance, offering refined objects that appealed to the discerning tastes of collectors and aesthetes. The second half of the century marked a renewed interest in classical styles, with Louis XVI becoming particularly prominent. Distinguished by its symmetry, architectural clarity, and rich decorative programs—including laurel wreaths, garlands, bows, and stylised foliage—this style evoked the virtues of antiquity and was widely adopted for decorative objects ranging from frames and snuffboxes to masterpieces of jewelry.
Within this context, the Renato Salimbeni workshop, founded in Florence in the mid-20th century, emerged as a hallmark of excellence. Renowned for its flawless guilloché engraving, delicate cold enamel, and adherence to classical compositional rules, Salimbenis pieces earned a respected place in the culture of elite silverwork. Frames, desk accessories, cigarette cases, boxes, and decorative objects bearing the Salimbeni Firenze hallmark are admired not only for their opulence but also for their museum-grade execution. The firm’s creations were regularly featured in decorative arts exhibitions and entered prestigious private collections across Europe, representing the Florentine school of silversmithing.
The presented frame exemplifies all the key characteristics of Salimbeni’s style: technical precision, historical fidelity, and expressive decorative aesthetics that place it among the notable applied art objects of the 20th century.
Good collectible condition with noble patina. Minor signs of age on the gilded surface. Enamel intact. Structure stable, locks and fittings preserved.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
