Frame of David with the Head of Goliath

This is a representative sample of a cassetta frame; the Italian term denotes a ‘box’ or ‘window’. The frame is divided into three distinctive sections: the inner moulding or sight edge, the frieze (where the decoration is usually concentrated) and the outer moulding. Inspired by classical entablatures, it evolved from the so-called ‘tabernacle’ frame; first appearing in Italy in the early 16th century, it was further developed well into the 17th century. By this stage, the frame was physically separate from the painting.