How to Identify Antique Picture Frames?

An antique picture frame is a beautiful recreation in modern society. It comes in several designs, from gold to wood. Sometimes, an antique frame might be worth more than the artwork it frames. These photo frames carry pieces of history and act as valuable collectibles because of their material. So, they are the best way to make your photos stand out and decorate your wall.

But how can you tell whether the frame you’re looking at is a copy or an antique? Moreover, it won’t be easy for a newbie collector to identify its authenticity. Keep reading to learn about antique frames and how to identify valuable ones.

Key Takeaways

• Historic Egyptian and Greek cultures began displaying artwork on bricks using picture frames.
• An antique picture frame crafted by a famous artist will be worth more.
• The age of a frame is the most important consideration when estimating its worth.

What is an antique picture frame?

The term “picture frame” refers to any frame used to display a painting or other work of art. It could be made from metal, plastic, or solid wood. A picture frame’s two main functions are to display the artwork and to preserve it. When the frames are older than the 19th century and made of wood, hand carved and gilded in gold leaf, that is considered an antique frame. Antique frames are remarkable examples of handcrafted work.

History of antique picture frames

Many nations in the previous century claimed to be the frames’ birthplace. However, all of these statements were readily rejected. Instead, some researchers argue that frames for pictures may have been around from the 2nd century A.D. For example, the Fayum Mummy Portrait’s original wooden frame in an Egyptian tomb confirms this information.

Historic Egyptian and Greek cultures began displaying artwork on bricks using picture frames. Simple wooden or metal photo frames were the standard for them.

Traditional hardwood frames with intricate carvings date back to the 1200s and 1300s. Egypt’s frame was built of wood, and the tradition continues today. Oak frames were used in the 16th century until pine became lighter and simpler to work in the 17th. Because it took a significant amount of time to carve the exquisite features and patterns desired in frames at the time, frame manufacturers had to devise an alternative method.

These rare and lost frames are known as antique picture frames. As a result, customers showed great excitement in collecting these once-in-a-lifetime antique frames. From the 19th and 20th centuries, antique picture frames have been favored to decorate people’s homes, and they love to collect them as a hobby.

See Also: How Much Does A Picture Frame Weigh?

Classification of antique picture frames

Antique photo frames may be found in many distinct designs. Wooden picture frames date back hundreds of years, but they’ve since progressed to more ornate styles.

Find out what kind of antique frame would look best with your prized artwork:

Empire Antique Frame

In architectural terms, the Empire period follows the Neoclassical era. The period when the Empire frame was created was the early 19th century. The profiles of empire frames are very concave, and the finishing has been updated to a rich red walnut color with rounded edges. Then, around 1850, its impact waned as new fashion trends supplanted conventional art design methods.

Baroque frames

Baroque frames evolved from Renaissance frames throughout the 17th century. Rich ornaments and a vast frame separate Baroque frames from others. Frames no longer match the brilliance of the carvers they contain. So, frames stand out more than paintings because of their acanthus leaf sides. Finally, the frame’s decorations and design got too heavy; they could destroy the picture literally. So, the Baroque frame is described as an overly rich art.

American Rustic Frame

 There are two varieties of rustic American frames available. The first era occurred from the 1840s through the 1870s during the wild region conquest. Sadly, these frames in the pre-Civil War Gothic Revival rustic style are rare. Oak leaves, berries, and acorns were all part of the first style, which was popular between 1860 and 1875.

The second phase, which ran from 1875 through 1900 and was incredibly well-liked on the east coast, was known as the Gilded Age. Framing in that period was often decorated with bark from trees, acorns, and pine cones.

Gilded Victorian Frame

Between the years 1850 and 1910, gilded Victorian frames were quite fashionable. During the Victorian period, a particular kind of picture frame known as the “victorian frame” was quite common.

Adding a stunning gilded frame might complement a simple image or painting. These frames were often carved from wood and coated with gold leaf. This piece of artwork included the frame itself. It is possible to locate these frames in various conditions because the gilding and plaster ornamentation may fade with time.

Rococo Frame

In France, rococo frames were fashionable from the 1700s through the 1760s. Frames in the Rococo style feature a more delicate framework. Their flexible structure is lighter, and rather than specular, their ornaments have a balanced appearance.

See Also: How To Store Framed Pictures In A Storage Unit?

How to identify antique picture frames?

Frame design trends change with time, so it might be hard to determine whether an antique frame is real or not.

Check the frame background

Frame background checking is essential to identify whether a picture frame is antique or not because the back will provide you with information about the frame’s age. The thing you should know when you check the background: 

Looking at a frame’s back, you can learn a lot about its history. Check for design indicators, such as wormholes in the wood, warping that occurs with age, humidity variations, and cracks in the frame. The absence of nails or tacks suggests a high likelihood of antiquity. Older metal is another sign of an item’s age and authenticity as an antique. Most modern replica picture frames won’t have vintage-looking backs.

Identify the material

Before the 19th century, most frames were constructed of wood. After then, they were often made by casting them in plaster over a wooden frame and gilding.

You can tell your frame is older than 1950 if it doesn’t have any glass in it. Thus, you can identify an old picture frame.

Find gilding lines

The antique gilded frame has a beautiful patina of gold all around it. Gold leaves applied by hand never lose their luster or beauty, no matter how long they’re in place. The most precious frames have thin lines where gold sheets overlap. Gilding on antique frames of a high grade will often have patches that are darker than the rest of the surface.

Modern frames contain brushstroke golden paint. It becomes brown over time. Add orange-colored metal leaves instead of gold to construct a cheap imitation antique frame.

How to value antique picture frames?

Frame collectors always ask a common question ” are old picture frames worth money?” Yes, antique picture frames that are crafted from materials of superior quality are worth thousands of dollars.

Sometimes, some get hundreds of dollars at auction. So, assessing your frame is usually a good idea, especially if you are unsure of its value. After assessing your frame, you get your answer that either your old picture frames are valuable or not.

The worth of a frame may be affected by the following:

Condition

The condition of an antique frame is an essential criterion in establishing its market value. There are many conditions responsible for decreasing the frame value. They are:

1. Frames are painted over
2. Moisture, mildew, and insects ruin frames
3. Its repairs with modern material instead of and many more

So, the value of an antique picture frame decreases as its condition deteriorates.

Materials

The value of an antique picture frame is made of precious materials such as silver or gold, so their price will be higher. Ivory and tortoiseshell were historically popular choices for picture frames due to their aesthetic appeal and durability, but they are not being overly pricey.

Size

The size of an antique frame is another consideration when determining its market value. The largest frames are the most desired because they can display pricier and more expansive artwork. Therefore, larger frames are worth more than smaller frames. However, a small image should be framed in a medium or small frame; otherwise, it will lose its value. For instance, a big gilded picture frame from the 16th century is worth more than a little Victorian frame from the 18th century.

Style and Shape

Frames come in numerous forms and designs including ovals, circles, squares, and rectangles. These forms all have their own special cultural and historical significance. For example, oval frames were popular throughout the Victorian period, but during the 20th century, rectangular frames became famous.

Age

The age of a frame is the most important consideration when estimating its worth. The higher the age of the frame, the higher its market value. For example, a picture frame made in the middle of the twentieth century may not be as valuable as a rare and magnificent Victorian-era frame from the late nineteenth century.

Inspecting the frame’s edges and corners might help you establish how old it is. For example, when the corners are rounded out instead of being sharp, the frame was likely made before 1930. A frame was made before 1960 if it has any carving on the corners or edges.

Noted designer

An antique picture frame crafted by a famous artist will be worth more. That’s why it’s vital to have all labels and tags still on if you’re trying to sell the item. They’re the best methods to verify to a consumer that an antique frame is genuine and from a reputable maker.

Similarly, its value will rise if a second-hand item’s former owner is a notable historical person.

See Also: How Do You Unstick A Picture From A Glass Frame?

FAQs

Final Thought

While many individuals buy antique frames for the sole goal of collecting them, others use them to gift a dear person or express creativity. Some types, especially older ones or those decorated with ornaments, may be expensive if they are in excellent condition. An item like this may make your picture seem more beautiful and raise the value of the framed artwork.