FRAMER'S CORNER

Welcome to our APRIL Framer's Corner!!!

Framing antique artwork presents a unique challenge—preserving its delicate, aged beauty while enhancing its visual impact.

For this project, Jace worked with an 18th or 19th century engraving of Salome with the Head of John the Baptist. This hauntingly elegant piece required a framing approach that honored its era, maintained its fragile condition, and created a timeless presentation.

A piece of this age often shows signs of wear—tattered edges, discoloration, and brittle paper—all indicators of acid damage over time. To prevent further deterioration, we used acid-free matting and backing, creating a pH-neutral environment. This matting not only preserves the artwork but also provides a visual breathing space that frames the engraving elegantly without overwhelming it. Not to mention, floating the piece on top of the mat highlights the passage of time by showcasing the irregular deteriorating edges.



The color choices for this design were carefully selected to harmonize with the engraving's muted green sepia tones while maintaining a period-appropriate aesthetic.

The matting in the color mocha green, this vintage color draws your eye to the center of the piece and then you move around to take in the whole piece. The frame is an ornate, silver-gilded design, reminiscent of Baroque and Rococo styles, echoing the grandeur of the era. This combination brings an old-world sophistication that feels authentic to the piece's historical significance.

One of the most critical elements in this project was museum glass. With its nearly invisible finish and 99% UV protection, museum glass ensures that the fine details of the engraving remain clear while preventing further degradation from light exposure. This level of clarity and protection is especially important for historic prints, where subtle details in shading and line work define the artist's intent.

This project serves as a reminder that framing isn't just about the look—it's about protecting the stories, craftsmanship, and history embedded in every piece of art.

Frame of Mind

1706 Brooks St

Missoula, MT 59801

406-549-8589

www.frameofmindmt.com

info@frameofmindmt.com