Did you know that picture frames originated in ancient Egypt?
Photographs are the treasure troves of memories. Now, while albums keep many pictures together, especially of occasions such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries among others, picture frames usually hold a single photo or a collage and often sits at the mantle in the living room, on the bedside table, or hangs on the wall in the most cherished corners of our homes. But tell us something, have you ever stopped to wonder who first came up with the idea of photo frames and how far have them come? Today, we shall tell you all about it.
Ancient picture frames of Egypt
The first ever picture frame can be traced back to the 2nd century AD and was found from an Egyptian tomb that preserved a mummy of a Fayum (Roman-Egyptian) princess. Historians believe that ancient Egyptians used these frames to preserve ancient art and to differentiate between wall paintings and other kinds of paintings. In addition, they also used them as framing borders, be it on paintings, pottery, or walls to create sections of scenes. Ancient Greeks too followed suit. Interestingly, the earliest frames were carved out of stones.
Birth of wooden frames in medieval Europe
Gradually, from Greece, the idea of picture frames spread all over Europe. But in a short time, the Europeans realised that making them out of stones was difficult. This is when they decided to use wood (oak and pine) instead. Maybe that’s why you will find all photos and paintings of the 12th to 15th centuries hand-carved out of wood. Moreover, they were also found exclusively in churches and were dedicated to keeping god’s pictures and stories of Bible intact. In fact, the frames during those times were often huge in size mainly because people believed that they shouldn’t be moved around, thus making them a permanent part of the church’s architecture. What is more interesting is that frames were often made first, hung on the walls, following which the artwork was added. Historians often deem the 15th century altarpiece Adoration of the Magi as the first artwork to be framed and displayed. Later however, during the Renaissance, framed pictures and art were moved beyond the churches and entered the homes of wealthy nobles.
Influence of King Louis XIII of France
Soon, with the turn of the 17th century, people realised that huge wooden frames were fine in the vast premises of churches and private estate, but looked odd when they contained portraits. This is when ornate, gilded frames were created from silver, bronze and other metals. Not only that, earlier, the frames that were crafted by the artists themselves were now being done by furniture makers who understood it better.
In fact, historians believe that it was under the influence of the French King Louis XIII between 1610 and 1643 that the world of picture frames saw a major transition and started looking very much the way we see them today. They became both thinner and the designs a lot more intricate and were primarily carved out of papier mache which were easier to use and also cost-effective.
Picture frames become a mass product
Now, fast forward to the 1800s, picture frames turned into a décor item and was soon being mass produced for all kinds of purposes, be it displaying an artwork, a portrait (of individuals or families), or simple interior designs. The craftsmen no longer embellished them as the focus shifted from complimenting the frame to complimenting the picture/ art it contained while also protecting it.
Picture frames have undergone significant upgrades over time. Now, they use protective glasses and acrylics to safeguard what’s inside. This practice is more recent and commenced in the 1980s. Moreover, unlike earlier frames that were either rectangular or square in shape, nowadays they come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.