Not many frames get this exciting. For its age, showing no signs of prior restoration, its condition stands apart. Most museum examples have undergone at least partial re-gilding or structural consolidation. The frame shows the Venetian Sansovino tradition at its height. The visual vocabulary is the most elaborate tier of production showing two full-height caryatid figures on the lateral stiles and swags of fruit below.
It was part of the collection of Frank Sabatelli, the famous Milanese antiquary.
The frame carries two independent authentications: a Dichiarazione di Autenticita and a numbered Certificato di Autenticita (No. 29/1), both issued by Franco Sabatelli of Cornici Antiche, Chiari, one of Italy's most respected specialist dealers in antique frames. The certificate bears the stamp 'Approvato dal Comitato Esperti', confirming approval by an independent panel of experts. The frame was also exhibited at the XX Mostra Mercato Antiquari Milanesi, the prestigious Milan antique dealers' fair.