This frame is not original to this much earlier painting, but is also at least c.1850 or before. The painting for which it was obviously made is one from c.1600s, is an oil painting on one side of a metal plaque, remnants of another painting visible on back seems to be a Madonna and Christ, with primarily the Christ child still decipherable (see images). My experience would suggest it would have once been framed in a jeweled gold frame, almost an icon. Given time, I feel like we could determine who this man is, either a Royal (likely) or an ecclesiastical and important person. There is a sense of him being Flemish. Begs research! Definitely c.1600s or slightly before. RARE museum quality painting housed in an early 19th century bronze frame. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent with age and type considered. I found this one in France and only recently removed the backing and revealed the 2nd painting. I do recognize the type and method, the metal plaque and the early timeframe of those paintings/miniatures. Beautifully preserved under convex cover glass. The cloth covered back simply is pushed in place, quite tight fit. A hanging bale up top, ready to hang.
