Customer Reviews

The Gilded Edge: The Art of the Frame

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To find such wonderful essays and brilliant color images of frames in one book is a true treasure! I have read Mr. Wilner's other books (The Art of the Frame and Antique American Frames: Identification and Price Guide) and this is another step towards educating the public on the beauty and value of the period frame.

I have been involved with antique picture frames at Eli Wilner & Company for over fourteen years and have acquired a great appreciation for these beautiful and functional objects. During these years as the interest in American art has grown, there has also been increasing awareness of its partner, the period frame. The American antique frame has now been given its rightful place in the history of art with the publishing of The Gilded Edge by Eli Wilner. Leading art historians and museum curators in the field of American art have focused their expertise on the period frame in a series of essays covering many important aspects of its history and development. I am proud to have been associated with this effort by contributing a chapter entitled, " On Verso: Some Observations on the Back of the Frame". This collection of illustrated essays, along with a comprehensive glossary make this the definitive statement on the American Period Frame.

As a painter I have always loved art, but I never gave the frame much consideration due to the fact that my, as well as many of my contemporaries', paintings are unframed. Upon reading "The Gilded Edge" I realized not only the importance of the frame throughout art history, but also the importance of the frame in terms of the paintings themselves. There are lots of gorgeous photos of frames as well as their respective paintings. Also featured are detailed descriptions of the methods of construction as well as the reasoning behind the aesthetic criteria of the frames. This book has opened my eyes to the importance of frames as well as their beauty. It's a must buy for anyone interested in art.

This book tells you the interesting history of the picture frame in America and how todays art historians understand and appreciate the relationship between art and frame.

The Gilded Edge is a welcome contribution to the study of American picture frames; I wish there had been such a volume when I started studying frames over 20 years ago! Besides my own essay on artist-designed frames, there are many other essays by independent scholars, museum curators and other art-world notables that offer compelling observations, information and insights that can't be found elsewhere, from a wide variety of perspectives. This book is a keeper-for dealers, scholars, museum docents, collectors, simply anyone interested in knowing more about this oft-neglected facet of art history and craftsmanship.

I purchased this book based on the positive comments left by the other reviewers here. This is a wonderful book. I learn so much more about frames and frame styles.

A coffee table size book with pictures galore. Not only chaulk full of pictures, but essays about frames ranging from the academic to the collector to the art lover. A wonderful addition to Mr. Wilner's identification and price guide book.

The Gilded Edge is a beautifully comprehensive explanation of American period framing. Not only is it informative, but includes detailed pictures of the frames it describes. What an educational account of the bond between the frame and the art it surrounds. A must have and wonderful gift for anyone interested in art or framing!

A wonderful reference book. The frame and painting have never looked so good together.

This is a great addition to any library. It is a truly eye-opening publication about the rich history and art of framing over the years. You'll never look at a painting the same way again.