Customer Reviews

"The Art of the Frame": American Frames from the Arts and Crafts Period

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"The Art of the Frame" is a wonderful book about American frame makers from the Arts and Crafts Period, about 1870 through 1920. I have long been a fan of the enchanting paintings of James McNeill Whistler, and I have often admired his palette of lovely muted colors. I was so pleased to read in Eli Wilner's "The Art of the Frame," about how Whistler designed his own frames for his paintings. It was even more delightful to read that, while he did not actually make the frames himself, he did often sign them on the back with his butterfly cipher. In addition to a section on the frames of James McNeill Whistler, there are also sections on the frame designs of architect Stanford White, Charles Prendergast, and his brother the painter Maurice Prendergast, and other renown frame makers of the period.

There is a section on the husband and wife team of Arthur and Lucia Mathews. The Mathews were makers of frames and furniture. Based in California, they were involved in various efforts to rebuild the city and fund artists after the earthquake of 1906. Interestingly, Wilner credits Arthur's early training as an architect, and the tonalist theories of James McNeill Whistler as influences on the frames of Arthur Mathews. I think the illustrations of the Mathews' frames, with low releif carvings of cyprus trees, oranges, grapes, poppies---all things native to California as Wilner points out--were my favorites.

The back of book has illustrations of various signatures that appear on the backs of frames by known frame makers. It would be hard to read "The Art of the Frame" and not feel like you are being let in on a fascinating new world shared by artists, designers and arts patrons alike. It is the kind of book that you return to frequently as a reference, not only in the consideration, study, and viewing of paintings and their frames, but as a tool in identifying and classifying these treasures of American know-how and craftsmenship known as antique frames.

I also have read Wilner's other book on frames entitled "Antique American Frames," which is equally informative and also serves as a great reference, especially with regard to information on the value of these beautiful frames.

The "Art of the Frame" has been an interesting addition to my library of source material. As an antique dealer I am ashamed to say I never realized the value of some of the frames that came into my shop. I adore the Arts & Crafts Period and this book has expanded my appreciation.

For those interested in the Arts and Crafts period, this book brings good information on the variety and quality of picture frames made by these craftsmen.

This small book contains a clear overview of American frames and major framemakers from this fascinating period of American history. A must for any American frame lover.

Eli Wilner's "The Art of the Frame" was a delightful find. I have seen books about European frames, but never about American frames until now. As a person who appreciates art in all its many forms, I was thrilled to discover a book entirely devoted to the history, appreciation and beauty of American frames . There is an informative introduction by Suzanne Smeaton which gives an overview of the history of frames, along with her own personalized perspective of the subject. The book discusses at least ten major frame makers like Stanford White, Hermann Dudley Murphy, Charles Prendergast and the Newcomb-Macklin Company. Each discussion includes several paragraphs including the artists travels, influences, styles, techniques as well as relationships to other artists. At the end of the book, there is a look behind the curtain, with illustrations of frame maker signatures from the verso of frames. It is a short read, yet it is filled with extensive information and over forty illustrations. For all who are interested, check out Eli Wilner's "Antique American Frames: Identification and Price Guide" for even more knowledge about this subject.

An insightful little survey of the Arts & Crafts period of American frame making. A great introduction to the history of this period and a welcome addition to any library. A must-have for any frame connoisseur.

This is an easy to understand summary of framing with examples of styles and specific frame makers. This is a perfect addition to any frame lovers library...a must buy!

A very concise overview of the Arts & Crafts period. It highlights the framemakers themselves and their beautiful objects. A must have for any frame lover.

Perfect overview of framing including styles and examples. Great for anyone interested in learning more without feeling overwhelmed.

"The Art of the Frame" is a wonderfully presented and delightful book. This high quality volume will make a fine addition to your library. Its treatment of the Arts and Crafts period (of which I am quite fond) is highly satisfying as I learned a great deal about picture frames from that point in history. Highly recommended.