Some people think of frames as mere accessories to artworks, but they can be works of art in themselves. Though frames were used as borders for paintings in ancient Egypt, it wasn’t until Renaissance Rome that they became important as designs. Often, the frames were carved first, and then filled in with paintings and used as altarpieces. The most popular shape was the “tabernacle”, resembling a miniature church, and often attributed to the architect Brunelleschi. The “cassetta,” a box with raised edges, was the first “disengaged” frame, entirely separate from the painting. As artisans began to specialize in particular areas of craft, framemaking became the province of furniture makers and gilders. They were usually designed to coordinate with furniture and architectural fashions – and were carved, painted, gilded, or treated to all manner of finish, to reflect styles from Neoclassical to Chinoiserie to Rococo, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and more. Some were spectacular showpieces, more valuable than the paintings they enclosed. Rather than considering frames competitive, however, artists have always recognized how vital they are in showing artworks to their best advantage, and many have either designed or commissioned frames for their paintings. But modern artworks tend to call for minimal, unobtrusive surrounds, and frames have become less decorative – which means that the handcrafted versions have become rare and collectible – frequently found in antique shops and even prestigious auction-houses (Christie’s South Kensington has held frame sales since 1987). Even empty, many are pretty enough to decorate a wall.
Pictured: A William Merritt Chase painting in a Stanford White designed frame
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