The
predilection for frame finishes during 17th century Holland steered away from the opulence of the gold leaf gilded frames
being produced at the time in France and Italy. Tastes tended more towards simpler, earthier tones as seen on the frames of
Vermeer and Rembrandt and as shown below on Rembrandt's early self-portrait which hangs today at the Rijksmuseum
in Amsterdam. Many of the early, ripple-style frames, however, were actually manufactured in countries such as Germany and
Spain and thought of as 'Dutch' because of their extensive use in Holland.
Frames were often painted black in a form of ebonizing,
due to the limited availability and cost of ebony. Considering the wide use of this approach the finish has come to be
known in certain circles as Dutch Black.
Charles Douglas has spent over a decade perfecting the Dutch Black finish and uses a variety of approaches. The method
used to achieve a deep, antique umber-black tone involves painting a custom blend of casein onto finely sanded wood which is
sometimes burned with a torch for deeper colorization. Numerous layers of ruby shellac are brushed or padded on, depending
on the shape of the frame profile, and hand-rubbed between each layer.
For a somewhat deeper variation he also offers what he refers to as Early American
Black, based on original techniques used in in both America and Holland during
the 17th and 18th centuries. This exquisite finish combines lampblack pigment and ruby shellac, prepared in his studio
from shellac flakes and alcohol. As many as ten coats are applied, each layer hand-rubbed. Early American cabinetmakers referred
to this finish simply as Black Varnish.
The use of Dutch and Early American black frames offer an excellent choice on certain works of art such as portraits
in oil as well as for mirrors. The toning texture can be represented as a modern finish, smooth and free of distress, or enhanced
with various antiqued effects, a vocabulary achieved through various means including the deposit of gray and umber pigments
in crevices, washes, and rubbing-through to the wood on high points to signify age. Often, a simple and occasional rub-through
to the wood and moderate distress provides the most attractive and sophisticated finish.
For further information or assistance, please contact
Charles at his studio at the phone number or email address shown below.
