How important is a picture frame? As observed by Van Gogh, “A picture without a frame is like a soul without a body.” While the art and science involved in choosing a photo frame has evolved through the years, both artists and art connoisseurs frequently view the frame as an indispensable component in portraying artistic images. In this article, Artwork Abode describes the functions, history and trends involving frames.
Frames Provide Protection for Pictures
The most utilitarian value for picture frames is to protect a painting or photo from inadvertent jostling while also providing a “gripping area” when handling or moving the picture. A more specialized form of protection results when pictures are painted on a wood panel. In this case, the frame will help to prevent cracking and warping — especially critical with multiple pieces of wood.
Frames Facilitate Meaningful Eye Movement
A frame will invariably help viewers to focus on the picture — without frames, a viewer’s eye will often wander aimlessly when exposed to a wall full of frameless pictures. If you doubt this, just think of how your vision reacts to cave paintings without frames of any kind. Without a frame to guide your viewing experience, it is hard to know where one image ends and another begins. The earliest purpose for framing — and seen in some cave paintings — is to serve as a way of separating scenes.
The frame supplies the definition between the painted area and surroundings. However, frames are not all created equal — some will succeed in providing a graceful transition between scenes while others can destroy the desired artistic message.
Early History of Photo Frames
By many accounts, picture frames were created circa the 2nd century B.C. — borders have been discovered around Etruscan cave paintings. Apparently even the earliest artists were constantly searching for better ways to display their works of art.
With the Middle Ages came handcrafted frames — initially carved out of wood and later covered in Gold Leaf and Gesso. The frames alone often stunned viewers with attention to detail and artistic beauty. During this period, most frames reflected a church influence that regularly included architectural motifs from church designs. For example, tabernacle frames provided protection from rain (when located outside) or dust while serving the primary purpose of elevating the image to act as a symbolic shrine.
Modern History — Decorative Photo Frames Today
The middle class introduced homemade frames to coincide with the appearance of photography and photographs in the 19th century. Somewhat later in the 1800s, decorative frames were often distinguished by localized and national themes. For example, in the United States images of wheat, corn and tobacco often appeared in decorative photo frames as America became an agricultural power. The acanthus leaf illustrates a common European design.
With the art movement known as Abstract Expressionism in the 1930s, the style of painting dictated a reduced emphasis on frames — either no frame or only a tiny strip. The American Empire style involved utilitarian and spare frames.
Framing Your Choice
In some cases, picture frames will be chosen to match the surroundings such as window frames, wall moldings and furniture. At other times, the photo frame is selected by the artist to be an intrinsic part of the image — the relation to the environment is irrelevant. The message in these two distinct examples is that choosing a frame continues to blend elements of both art and science.
Whatever your personal preferences are in displaying works of art, Artwork Abode can help you blend everything so that you get the final result that you need and want. Please express your ideas about picture frames by leaving a comment below and then passing along your thoughts with the social media buttons.
– ArtworkAbode
Artwork Abode
