The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-05-17
ABOUT PICTURE FRAMES.
AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF MURAL
DECORATION.

A seif-Eyident Fact That the Frame
Should Fit the Picture appropriate
and Artistic Designs - In Harmony
with the General Effect.
We are not prepared to say that any picture
gnins in artistic value from its frame. Indeed,
we believe that quite the contrary idea pre-
walls among artists and connoisseurs. But
pictures are generally regarded not only as
works of art but of decoration as well, and
As such require appropriate framing in order
to individualize them, on the same principle
that the beauty of any manner of wall deco
ration is greatly enhanced by the distinctive
outline which separates an ornament from its
ground. A soundly painted picture may Ire
quite satisfactory viewed in the simplicity Of
the easel, but when placed upon the wall tie
ease is widely different It then be,onlcs
decorative object, and requires setting to
render it agreeable to the eye.
It is seif-evident fact that the frame
should fit the picture 1t should be selected
with judicious care in its relation To the work
it surrounds The elaborate finish of a gorge
ous frame win but serve TO show up the de
tieiencies of simple sketch, while a mere
strip of gildq-i bronzed wood around con-
plet-iy finished picture is equally ineongfu-
Gus in etfect But put the plain, unpretenti-
Gus wood around the sketch, and conrlete
harmony Is secured The reason for this is
plain: The frame should always w of sec
enA4ry importance ~ the picture. il should
not b. OF such a character as 10 attract the
eye first, but in such keeping As to he noted
merely as an accessory Thus it is that the
rich frame kills the sketch, while the Heli-
ness If the plain frame is apparent before
the beauty of the elaborate picture catches
the attention.
AN ELEMENT OF MURAL DECORATION.
As Wa have said, frames constitute an i'm
portant element of mural decoration When
they are of brilliant tomas they impart a de-
ci,tsl aspect Of cliearfulness TO an apartment;
ii Of dark or suhduei tints they afford
pleasing contrast 10 sparkling coiors Bnt
whether simple or deliberately ornsmented
slender or massive dark or hight. they pro
vide qualification only when appropriateness
i, secured in form, proportion snd color
God, which i the most general coating,
has d softening and moilowiug tendency. and
may Is a rule be- employed with the nu-t as
sJr7.aca of satisfactory elect Every orr has
Gy,irei how a gieted frame viii brighten W
Il lii,Escapa, or water scene, and invest foH
ers with the appearance Of Incoming IN The
sunshine. These sffe. Is are the nor f,ppar-
tht where tn" inner sides of the frame SWEEP
Down in concavn form from harrow
rounded ridge tr,,,zi elect, s5s, aleo tGt.4t
o5taifei 10y the us Of the Hat bi,llsa,i frames
vii y have Of late years been much u~I 4
te.Gl of color next the picture IS frelueHsly
admissible with these frames II is hardly
.ss-,',.-.ary to say that however pleasing tte.
'Iay be AS a setting 10 engraNirgs, etchjugs,
simple water eo!ors and the Ike, thoy arr sail j.
7ut OF place for the more pTetentious point
ulS,
It must he borne in iRlnd that the s,iri5-g
oelors of frame should b, in harmony with
TIC general effect Of the painting, and u ric-
tGrcs are freq Nntly inspected 10y artIiig !al
light 1t is worth " bile 20 consider IL iaiueHa:
upon the coloriHg of tho frame Bat. above
all, remember that It is the picture and 10.
the frame that is for show, ant that il II
properly supplements the pirfIre it Is enough
The observance of this rule viii b. found 0
sufficient preser1 alive against amy serious q.
ross Of taste Philadelphia Record