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The Secret Lives of frames: 100 Years of art and artistry from the lowy collection

waitzer community gallery and george m. and Linda H. Kaufman theatre October 17, 2007 - January 6 2008

Imagine an exhibition of great European and American paintings in masterfully carved and gilded period frames, but with the paintings themselves removed. The Secret Lives of Frames focuses attention on picture frames as independent works of art, masterpieces of design, carving, and gilding.

Mid-18th– Century A French carved and gilt oval frame encircled with a leaf-and-flower design and crested with a scrolled leaf-and-berry cluster.

To celebrate its centenary, Julius Lowy, America’s oldest leader in antique frames, , organized The Secret Lives of Frames, highlighting more than 100 antique frames representing some of the most significant examples of craftsmanship. This exhibition offers visitors a unique, up-close view of antique frames from the 16th through the early 20th centuries.

“We are excited to finally have the opportunity to offer our visitors a rare look at an ancient and indispensable art form that has long been ignored,” says the Chrysler’s Chief Curator Jeff Harrison. “While hiding in plain sight, this art form can make or break the painting it surrounds. A form such as this has its own distinguished art history and deserves its own place in the spotlight.”

Late 17th– early 18th– Century, Andalusia Spanish carved, gilt, and polychrome mirror frame of reverse profile and stylized scrolling acanthus leaf corners, flower-head clusters at centers, and extended scrolling pierced carvings, creating an outer oval format.

Many of the frames are dramatically nested, one inside another, increasing the exhibition’s overall ornamental effect. This exhibition affords the Chrysler a long-awaited opportunity to highlight the many antique frames on view in its own galleries.

A lavish, full-color catalogue written by noted author Deborah Davis accompanies The Secret Lives of Frames exhibition. Davis will speak on the exhibition and a special book signing will follow the lecture on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, in the Kaufman Theatre. This event is sponsored by the Norfolk Society of Arts.

Late 19th–Century American gilt composition frame with leave-and-berry top and panel of intermittent rosettes connected by a geometric stylized design, by the Philadelphia firm of G. Sauter.

 

Early 17th–Century Italian Carved and gilt Cassetta frame with extended corners, polychrome sgrafitto frieze and Sansovino style outer ornamentation.

Late 18th– Century Italian carved, gilt, and polychrome frame of reverse profile and inner continuous carving of clustered fruit, panels decorated with spread-winged eagles at corners connected by an elaborately scrolled leaf ornament, and outer carving of a continuous-wing motif.

 

For general information, please call (757) 664-6200. For media information, please contact the Public Relations Department at (757) 333-6295 or public relations@chrysler.org.