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 nearly a decade perfecting the Dutch Black finish and uses a variety
of approaches. The method used to achieve a deep, antique umber-black 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 by pad, 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 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.
