Peter Perez, Foreman of the frame shop at the Museum of Modern Art, discusses the thinking he brought to the reframing of Andrew Wyeth's 1948 painting "Christina's World." (Link to video)
This is interesting mainly, for me, due to what isn't said. I feel that I'm missing or misunderstanding some vital information. The only mention of the original frame chosen by Wyeth seems to be that the frame being replaced is not the original. Is it known what the original looked like? If so, why not duplicate a frame according to the artist's intention? If little or nothing is known about the original frame, that is in itself a bit of a mystery that I wish had been touched on. I'm also confused by the explanation of the stain selection. The shots of the final (?) frame hanging on the wall show what appears to be a reddish stain, but the frame as it lays on the table in the workroom appears blonde in comparison. Admittedly that difference could be due to lighting, but to my eye it appears to be a different stain.
Tom, I remember reading that Christina's World was sold quite early in Wyeth's career, and not for very much money. It may be that the gallery did the original framing, I'm not sure.
This is so great! Presentation is so important. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteFramers are artists, too. It was a treat to see some of the things they think about when framing a picture. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great video! Had to watch it several times. Fascinating to learn about how a master framer approaches an important work.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting mainly, for me, due to what isn't said. I feel that I'm missing or misunderstanding some vital information. The only mention of the original frame chosen by Wyeth seems to be that the frame being replaced is not the original. Is it known what the original looked like? If so, why not duplicate a frame according to the artist's intention? If little or nothing is known about the original frame, that is in itself a bit of a mystery that I wish had been touched on. I'm also confused by the explanation of the stain selection. The shots of the final (?) frame hanging on the wall show what appears to be a reddish stain, but the frame as it lays on the table in the workroom appears blonde in comparison. Admittedly that difference could be due to lighting, but to my eye it appears to be a different stain.
ReplyDeleteTom, I remember reading that Christina's World was sold quite early in Wyeth's career, and not for very much money. It may be that the gallery did the original framing, I'm not sure.
ReplyDelete