Masterworks of American Frame Design

This collection highlights frames crafted by American artisans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a transformative era in frame design. Reflecting the influence of both the Beaux-Arts and Arts and Crafts movements, these works embody a refined aesthetic that emphasized craftsmanship, elegance, and function.

Traditionally, picture frames were viewed as purely decorative, conforming to prevailing tastes rather than the needs of the artwork. By the 1880s, however, artists began to see frames as integral to the artistic process. A new appreciation for handmade design emerged as the ornate grandeur of the Beaux-Arts style merged with the reformist ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement, encouraging reinterpretations of historical motifs and techniques.

James McNeill Whistler was among the first to challenge framing conventions. Drawing on Renaissance and medieval models, he designed and signed his own frames, insisting they serve as extensions of the paintings. His approach inspired Hermann Dudley Murphy, who adopted the flat-profiled, gilded Italian cassetta frame. Murphy’s frames, modern yet rooted in tradition, were favored by American Impressionists for their subtlety and harmony with the artwork.

Stanford White and Charles Prendergast further elevated frame-making into an art form. White, an architect and designer, envisioned frames as architectural enhancements, favoring flattened profiles and understated ornamentation. His signed, dated frames became collectible in their own right. Prendergast, aligned with Arts and Crafts ideals, emphasized hand-carving, rich finishes, and authenticity in every detail.

During this period, frames evolved from mere supports into artistic statements. Artists and craftsmen prioritized handwork over mechanization, experimenting with gold leaf, patina, and color to complement an artist’s palette. The blend of Beaux-Arts eclecticism and Arts and Crafts restraint resulted in designs that were both historically grounded and strikingly modern.

This era marked a golden age in American frame design. Frames were no longer overlooked accessories but celebrated as vital components of artistic expression. Many were proudly signed and dated, acknowledging the frame-maker’s role as an artist. This shift echoed broader cultural movements that honored tradition while embracing innovation—affirming the frame as an essential part of the complete artistic experience.

An 80-page catalog detailing each item in the exhibition will be available for purchase in MAACM’s Museum Store.