 aintings purchased
through the website are framed as shown on the details page for that painting.
If there is an exception it will be noted. Alternate framing requests are
welcome, since a frame should not only complement the artwork it must also suit
the taste and home of the owner.
If you have any questions regarding framing please ask. Thank
you.
A
high-end 22 karat gold leaf American period reproduction
frame.
The following is a brief
overview of picture frames:
Frame Basics
Picture frames are available in an overwhelming range of styles from
the lavishly ornate French Louis XV to rustic rough-sawn weathered wood. Frames
also come in varying degrees of quality. Quality is generally defined by
materials and workmanship. Most "gold" frames have a metal leaf finish that
looks like gold. High-end frames are available with real gold or silver
leafing. |
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The center cartouche of a reproduction Louis XIV
frame.
Historically,
ornate picture frames were made of wood and embellished by carving or applying
molded compo, a putty like substance. They were gessoed and leafed in gold or
silver and completed with a vast array of finishing techniques. Frames were
also made with fine woods or veneers and had painted finishes as well. Period
frames using traditional techniques are available today in addition to
antiques. Quality and prices vary but are generally of high caliber and
price.
A quality
wood core frame with metal leaf.
Wood core frames with mitred corners are at the mid-price level and
are considered the most common or typical frame. Most wood core frames have an
applied surface with ornamentation and a metal leaf finish. They can also be
made from fine woods or come in a wide variety of finishes. |
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The most affordable frames use a polycore (a hard foamed plastic)
core with an applied surface. This applied surface can give the appearance of a
traditional gold carved frame or natural wood. Some polycore frames can look
quite good some not so good.
An ornate polycore frame with
mitred corners.
Basically, there are three categories of frames for paintings:
polycore, wood core, and high-end. From the outside they can look similar but
it is up to the collector or artist to decide which one they prefer.
Overall, framing is an art form
too and can be affordable, expensive, or very expensive. There are also many
variations, exceptions, and continuous changes to the framing industry, so by
no means is this overview complete.
A quality wood core Dutch style frame with real
burl wood veneer and painted ripple edging.
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