Reverse Painting on Glass - Tin Frame. Any idea on age?

This is my first post to this forum since joining so hope I am posting correctly. I posted on the ebay Antiques board when I finally found it but it's pretty dead over there now. Hoping to be able to find an approximate date for this painting based on the frame. The back is tin also. Anyone know when this type of framing was used. I have no idea if it's 100 years old or 10 years old.

 

I saw your post over there, but didn't have a clue about the frame. The way this is painted seems really different, though.

 

Try looking for "reverse foil painting', or "tinsel painting".

I *think* that is what this is.

 

Oh, and I forgot to say... welcome to the forum! (I can't remember whether you posted an introductory thread.)

 

Hi Nicenblue,
Welcome to the forum.
A photo of the entire back might be helpful. If there four "feet" it might be a drink tray used at a home bar. Which is my first thought.
greg

 

And, what is the size of it?

 

Thank you everyone for your help. Measurements are 12" x 18" overall. It does have some tin foil accents. Greg, I think you might be right that it was possibly a tray with handles at one time. On the back in the center of each side are 3 small screws that might possibly have had handles that were removed. Here's a picture of the back, and where the small screws in the center are. One screw missing on each side.

 

Greg - thank you again. By searching with the word "tray" I did find a few with the same framing. They date them to the 1930's or 40's. Going to do more searching now.

 

Hi,
Glad to help. It appears to be aluminum not tin which would rule out the 30s and more likely late 40s early 50s. The foil picture also reminds me early 50s. Good luck in your search.
greg

 

My mother had two pictures with the reverse painting foil - a cardinal and a blue jay. They always hung together. My impression was they were circa 1950s, as Greg said. The aluminum serving pieces were also popular then.

 

Here is a more traditional reverse painting on glass. No idea why they left a gap in the back.

 

While this particular one (the OP"s) is very likely mid-19th century, there is a long history of foil, or tinsel, painting . . .
http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/10aa/10aa143.htm

http://www.interiorsandsources.com/...ters-tinsel-painting-and-shiny-materials.aspx

 

I agree mine is most likely circa 1950's. Not a high ticket item, even less without the handles.

I did read some of the references about tin foil paintings and how far back they date to. Interesting.

Thanks again everyone for your help with this. It will probably end up in my antique booth.