The evolution of the frame
The history of the frame has seen significant evolution over the centuries. In the Middle Ages, for example, frames were extremely elaborate, often carved from wood and gilded, like those of religious icons. During the Renaissance, frames acquired independent artistic importance, with intricate designs and precious materials.
Baroque and Rococo saw even more ornamental frames, abundant in detail and gilding. In the nineteenth century, with Neoclassicism, frames returned to simpler and cleaner lines to arrive at the even more minimalist frames, often in metal or plastic, of the twentieth century, reflecting the need for a more functional aesthetic.
Supports for art, from wood to canvas
The first transitions from wooden support to canvas support also occurred in the Renaissance period, due to the birth of a clientele that was not exclusively ecclesiastical but also noble, who preferred scenes of worldly life, landscapes, portraits. Hence, the need for a support, and in general for an artwork, that is more manageable and less heavy.
If in Italy the use of canvas was not recorded before around 1500, the frame nevertheless remained traditional, linked to the architectural styles of the various eras. The great leap in the relationship between canvas and frame occurred at the beginning of the 20th century with the historical avant-gardes.
In this period, the approach towards the frame changes, no longer constituting an indispensable element for the enjoyment of the work of art or a primary reference for the painting. Artists, in fact, begin to develop a vision of the artistic product as a complete and independent work, an unique element that places the frame in the background.
The frame, therefore, is no longer an artistic necessity but an “accessory” that can even be eliminated, depending on the message that the artist wants to convey with his art.
The artwork pushes itself beyond the boundaries of the frame, sometimes surpassing it, sometimes dominating it. And the frame becomes a barely visible support, a discreet container that does not impose itself with a character like in previous centuries: from a co-protagonist, it becomes a simple support.
Open Frames
In this scenario, open frames are born, essential and discreet frames that allow the observer to dialogue directly with the artwork, immersing himself completely in it, without barriers.
Minimalist, simple, versatile, light, easy to handle: open frames allow the artist to experiment without setting himself a boundary or a limit, and stimulate a dialogue in continuous evolution and transformation.
Today more than ever, with the advent of social media and artificial intelligence which tend to merge reality and image, the open frame plays the essential role of delimitation, and represents the clean line, as perceived by the eye, which contains a show that takes place within it. And it separates it from what takes place outside.
Frame mouldings for open frames
Open frames are an integral part of our production, discover all the models and the different and varied proposals in our portfolio section to highlight classic canvases, panels or plexiglass. As always, in a large variety of colors and finishes, to adapt to every use and every style.