So starts chapter nine from THE FURNISHINGS OF A MODEST HOME by Fred Hamilton Daniels
I bought this delightful little book awhile back from Gustavs Library. It was written in 1908 by the Director of Drawing for the Public Schools in Springfield, Massachusetts. It has ten chapters and my favorite, by far, is this ninth one: Pictures & Casts. I referred to it recently when matting, framing and hanging some new pieces in my small art collection. Daniels' intructions are seldom ambiguous (e.g. "a dark picture appears to the best advantage against a dark ground.") It's comforting to think of a time when there was less confusion - when someone had all of the answers. Of course, that time didn't exist then - or ever. He does a good job of creating the illusion though - which isn't such a bad thing to indulge in now and then.
A new addition to my collection; an exquisite ink drawing by Steven LaRose - front view with piano lamp . . .
and a side view
2 comments:
Wow! That looks fantastic. I've never seen such a large bottom matte. It really works. Do people do that often? Or, is it a happy accident brought on by using a frame you already had? And is the image "floating"? Its all very handsome.
I'm glad you like it!
I did use a frame I already had. I tried on a few different frames and used corrugated board to work out the size and placement of the opening. It turns out, I love the color of cardboard - so that's how I picked the mat color. And yes, it is floating - with archival linen tape on a black mat.
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