Priya Kapoor
The concept of a frame as a removable object around a work of art is a relatively modern concept, having originated in the 15th century. However, ornamental borders have been used to define works of art for over 4,000 years. The ancestors of the modern carved wooden frame appeared in the 11th century, with the first carved wooden frames appearing in 12th and 13th century Europe. The Italian Renaissance of the 14th and 15th centuries saw the rise of art patrons beyond the church, with wealthy nobles commissioning allegorical, devotional, and portrait paintings, marking the advent of the portable frame. Over the centuries, frames have been used to isolate and focus on the painted figures, to add to the sense of chaos and subversion, and to create a celestial, other-worldly effect. In the 17th century, the Lely frame became popular in England, and in the 18th century, ornate frames were in fashion. Today, artists are using frames as an extension of their work, with small-scale paintings on canvas surrounded by frames of ceramic spikes or faux multi-color mosaics.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The evolution of small framed panel paintings
The concept of a frame as a removable object around a work of art emerged in the 15th century, coinciding with the rise of secular genres of European art. However, ornamental borders defining works of art have been used for around 4,000 years. The ancestors of the modern carved wooden frame appeared in the 11th century as raised edges protecting painted wooden altars.
In the 1200s and 1300s, woodworkers constructed elaborate architectural shapes for multi-panelled paintings, with ornate forms and layers of wood glued and nailed together. These complex wooden forms were often based on Gothic architectural models. During this time, religious images with gold grounds were produced to create a celestial, otherworldly effect, enhancing the natural light in dimly lit churches.
In the 17th century, Northern European countries like the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, and Austria used simple cassetta-style frames, which were often painted, polished, or parcel-gilt. The introduction of new and exotic woods like ebony and amboyna from the New World colonies marked the shift from painted cassetta frames to stained and polished cabinetmaker's frames.
By the 18th century, ornate gilded frames had become popular in France. During this time, artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Frida Kahlo, and Georgia O'Keeffe embraced the frame as an integral part of their artwork.
In the 19th century, artists like Degouve de Nuncques and Van Rysselberghe from Les XX, a group of artists concerned with providing frames that illuminated and expanded their work, created frames that harmonized with the pictorial form.
Light Painting on AGT: The Magic Behind the Art
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ornamental borders and their history
Ornamental borders have been used to enhance works of art for thousands of years. The ancestors of the modern carved wooden frame appeared around the 11th century, taking the form of raised edges that protected painted wooden altars. Over time, the pictorial surface moved up to become a framed painting on top of the altar, and the border grew progressively more ornamental. During the Renaissance, ornamental borders became inseparable from the paintings they surrounded, with carvers, gilders, and artists contributing their work on equal terms.
In the 1200s and 1300s, woodworkers constructed elaborate architectural shapes for multi-panelled paintings, often based on Gothic architectural models. These complex wooden forms were made from layers of wood glued and nailed together, with larger pieces including battens on the back to prevent warping in humid environments. Once the wooden structure was complete, a layer of linen was pasted down and covered in gesso to create a uniform surface for painters to work on.
As secular works such as portraits, still life paintings, and history paintings began to challenge the dominance of religious altarpieces, simpler frames were required. These early designs, known as cassetta frames, were very simple in construction but provided endless opportunities for decoration. The mouldings might be carved with various ornamental motifs, the frame might be gilded or painted, or gold patterns might be applied on top of the paint.
During the 17th century, increased trade with New World colonies introduced a variety of new and exotic woods to northern Europe, such as ebony and amboyna wood. These new materials soon replaced the painted cassetta frames with stained and polished cabinetmaker's frames, sometimes enhanced by machine-carved ornaments.
In the 18th century, some incredibly ornate frames were made for specific settings, such as the ones found at Sanssouci Potsdam. During this time, Baroque frames with dramatic, opulent, and fluidly carved leaf ornaments also became popular. French craftsmen were particularly influential, with Louis XIII frames featuring prominent convex and concave mouldings decorated with garlands of bunched, cross-cut, or undulating leaves.
Today, ornamental borders continue to be used to enhance works of art, with border patterns available for download and use in personal and commercial projects.
Dominican Flag Painting: A Simple Pallet Art Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The role of carpenters in constructing panel paintings
Panel painting is a very old technique, used in ancient Greece and Rome, and later in the Byzantine and Orthodox traditions. A panel painting is a painting made on a flat panel of wood, either a single piece or several pieces joined together.
Carpenters played a key role in preparing the wooden armatures of panel paintings. In the 1200s and 1300s, woodworkers constructed complex architectural shapes for multi-panelled paintings, which were often based on Gothic architecture. These intricate structures were made of layers of wood glued and nailed together, with larger pieces including battens on the back to prevent warping. Once the wooden armature was complete, a layer of linen would be pasted down, then covered in gesso to ensure a uniform surface. Painters then painted and gilded these works according to their commission.
Carpenters were responsible for cutting and shaping wooden beams, planks, and other materials to create the framework of buildings. They also played a significant role in the development of vernacular architecture, which reflected the local traditions and materials of a particular region. They were also skilled in furniture making and woodwork, producing items ranging from simple utensils to elaborate furniture for nobility.
Finish carpenters work on the final touches of a construction project, focusing on the finer details. This includes trim work, door fitting, cabinet installation, and floor installation. They are responsible for cutting and fitting miter joints, ensuring doors latch easily and hang and swing reliably.
Cultured Marble Vanity Top: Painting Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The popularity of gilded ornamental frames
Gilded frames have endured due to their ability to convey grandeur and command attention, with the gold hue symbolising wealth and luxury. They also serve a protective function, isolating wood from moisture and preserving it over time. The value of gilded frames is further enhanced when real gold leaf is used, as the material's inherent worth makes these antiques precious. The process of gilding involves painstakingly applying sheets of 22-karat gold leaf directly to the frame, creating a consistent metallic coating.
While the specific origins of gilded frames are uncertain, they have been a prominent feature of art for centuries, lending an old-fashioned, antique, or vintage vibe to a piece. Their eye-catching nature makes them ideal for showcasing important items such as diplomas, certificates, and family photographs. Additionally, the versatility of gilded frames allows them to complement various artistic styles, including posters, photographs, and watercolours.
The material and construction of a gilded frame can provide clues to its age. For example, frames made entirely of hand-carved wood are likely to be older than those made of plaster or Compo, which date from the 19th century or later. Identifying features such as gilding lines and a gold lustre, rather than a brownish tarnish or yellow hue, can also help determine the authenticity and value of a gilded frame.
Gilded frames have endured in popularity due to their aesthetic appeal, symbolic significance, and protective qualities. Their ability to enhance the value and visual appeal of a piece has ensured their continued use and appreciation in the art world.
Choosing the Right Grid Size for Your Painting
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The advent of the portable frame
The concept of a frame as a removable object around a work of art emerged in the 15th century, coinciding with the rise of secular genres in European art. Prior to this, ornamental borders had been used to define works of art for thousands of years, with the ancestors of modern carved wooden frames appearing in the 11th century. These early frames were integral to the paintings, with woodworkers constructing elaborate architectural shapes for multi-panelled paintings.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Northern European countries favoured simple cassetta-style frames, which were often painted, polished, or parcel-gilt. During this time, the increased trade with New World colonies introduced a variety of new woods to Northern Europe, leading to the emergence of stained and polished cabinetmaker's frames.
In the 17th century, there was a trend for "frameless" hanging techniques, popularized by the debut of bildträger, or clip frames. This trend was embraced by Modernists, who valued the idea of art presented as boundless and floating in space. However, many artists during this time, such as Wassily Kandinsky, Frida Kahlo, and Georgia O'Keeffe, continued to design and use unique frames for their works.
The 18th and 19th centuries saw the continued popularity of ornate frames, with some artists creating frames that extended and enhanced their paintings symbolically. For example, the Spanish painter Pere Borrell del Caso's well-known image of a small boy climbing through a picture frame ("Escaping Criticism," 1874) showcases the interplay between the painting and its frame.
Today, artists continue to experiment with frames as an integral part of their artwork. Brooklyn ceramicist Stephanie Temma Hier, for instance, creates sculptural, non-rectangular frames that add a sense of physicality and presence to her paintings.
Explore Wythe Blue Alternatives at Sherwin-Williams
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The concept of a frame as a removable object came about in the 15th century, coinciding with the rise of secular genres of European art.
Small paintings with large thick frames were popular in the 12th and 13th centuries in Europe. These were usually small panel paintings with carved wooden frames.
Traditional picture frames have been made of wood, but other materials such as metal, silver, bronze, aluminum, and stiff plastics like polystyrene are also used.
