The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1886-04-16
ABOUT PICTURE FRAMES.
AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT Or MURAL
DECORATION.

a Self-Evident Fact That tile Frame
Should Fis the Picture ure-Appropriats
snd Artiatie Designs In Hsrmony
f with the General Erect.
We are not prepared to say that gny picture
gains in artistic value from it's fralhe. 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 it's
ground. A soundly painted picture may be
quite satisfactory viewed In the simplicity Of
the easel, but when placed upon the wall the
case is widely different. It then becomes a
decorative object, and requires setting to
render it agreeable to the eye.
It is seH-evident fact that the frame
should fit the picture. It should be selected
with judicious care in its relation to the work
it surrounds. The elaborate finish of gorge
Gus frame will but serve to show up the de-
fciencies Of a simple sketch, while q mere
strip Of gilded bronzed wood around COM
pletely finished picture is equally incongru-
GUS in effect. But put the plain, unpretenti-
ons wood around the sketch, and complete
harmony is secured. The reason for this is
plain: The frame should always be Of sec
ondary Importance to the picture. It should
not be of SUCH character as to attract the
eye first, but in such keeping as to be noted
merely as an accessory. Thus it is that the
rich frame kills the SKETCH while the ugli-
ness Of the plain frame is apparent before
the beauty of the elaborate picture catches
the attention.
AN ELEMENT OF MURAL DECORATION.
As we have said, frames constitute an ina
portant element of mural decoration. When
they are of brilliant tones they impart a de-
cided aspect of cheerfulness to an apartment;
IL of dark or subdued tints they afford q
pleasing contrast to sparkling colors. But
whether simple or elaborately ornamented,
slender or massive, dark or light, they pro-
vide qualification only when appropriateness
is secured in FORM proportion and color.
Gold, which is the most general coating,
has softening and mellowing tendency, and
may as rule be employed with the most as
surance of satisfactory effect. Every one has
noticed how gilded frame will brighten up
landscape, or water scene, and invest how-
ers with the appearance of blooming in the
sunshine. These effects are the more appar-
ent where the inner sides of the frame sweep
down in concave form from a narrow
rounded ridge Good effects are also often
obtained by the use of the fiat bronzed frames
which have Of late years been much used. A
band of color next the picture is frequently
admissible with these frames. 1t is hardly
necessary to say that however pleasing they
may be as a setting to engravings, etchings,
simple water-colors and the like, they are sadly
out of place for the more pretentious paint
ing.
1t must be borne in mind that the surface
colors of frame should be in harmony with
the general effect of the painting, and as pic
lures are frequently inspected by artificial
light it is worth while to consider its influence
upon the coloring of the frame. But, above
all, remember that it is the picture and not
the frame that is for show and that if it
properly supplements the picture it is enough.
The observance of this rule will be found q
sufficient preservative against any serious er-
rors of taste.-Philadelphi Record