A wonderfully decorative pair of circa 2000 botanical study prints by Paragon Picture Gallery, presented in unusually substantial architectural giltwood frames.

Each print depicts a detailed botanical specimen in the tradition of antique natural-history illustrations, combining branches, leaves, flowers and fruit with handwritten-style scientific annotations and individual studies of seeds, blossoms and plant structures. One composition features rich green fruit and foliage, while its companion introduces soft coral-red flowers and deep green leaves.

The diminutive botanical images are dramatically offset by deep green and muted gold striped matting, giving the pair a layered, almost shadow-box-like appearance. The restrained botanical palette contrasts beautifully with the exuberant frames. The scientific botanical imagery recalls the tradition of 18th- and 19th-century botanical studies, in which the main plant was surrounded by details of seeds, flowers and fruit sections-the same basic visual vocabulary seen in historical botanical collections.

And the frames are exceptional. Measuring approximately 18.5" H * 17" W * 1.5" D each, they feature deeply molded, stepped profiles with projecting corners, geometric architectural detailing and raised pyramidal corner ornaments, all finished in a warm, antiqued gold. Their bold geometry has the look of Hollywood Regency and Neoclassical architectural frames, with a distinctly designer-quality presence that makes these small works read as substantial wall objects.

The combination of classical giltwork, botanical imagery and striped matting gives the pair a wonderfully collected English country / Grandmillennial sensibility. They would be equally at home in a library, study, powder room, bedroom, entry, kitchen or gallery wall, and are particularly well suited to Traditional, English Country, Georgian-inspired, Neoclassical, Hollywood Regency and Maximalist interiors.

Made by Paragon Picture Gallery, an American decorative-art company known for framed artwork produced for the interior-design and furniture trade. The original manufacturer's label remains on the reverse. Paragon continues to produce framed botanical sets for the decorator market today.

A handsome pair that works especially well where a room needs the impact of antique architectural framing without the scale or formality of large paintings.

Dimensions: 18.5" H * 17" W * 1.5" D each
Maker: Paragon Picture Gallery
Period: Circa 2000
Materials: Wood, paper, glass
Color: Antique gold, dark green, sage, cream, coral
Style: Traditional, Neoclassical, Hollywood Regency, English Country, Grandmillennial
Sold as: Pair
Condition: Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear and scattered losses/distressing to the gilt finish, particularly along some inner edges, as shown. The wear complements the antiqued character of the frames.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Very good to Excellent

Origin:
United States

Creator:
Styled After: Alexa Hampton

Materials & Techniques:
Giltwood

Details:
Country of Origin: United States
Art Subjects: Botanic
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Frame Type: Framed

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Very good to Excellent