Picture frames are works of art too!

Chers Amis de l’Ecole du Bon Goût, Bonjour. The evolution of “picture framing” had its beginnings with the simple raised moldings of the outer edges of Gothic religious paintings on wood panels and evolved through numerous creative incarnations to frames becoming important works of art in themselves.

True respect and scholarly interest in “picture frames” is a fairly recent notion. We only need to look to the auction catalogues to see masterpiece paintings illustrated for sale, photographed without their frames. In many cases their unshown frames were works of art in themselves.

Another curious example of the original framing not being valued even in the early 19th century can be seen at the Musée Fabre in Montpellier. I adore visiting this important museum begun in 1825 by M. François-Xavier Fabre who, besides being a discriminating collector, was a very talented painter in his own right. However his superb collection of old master paintings dating from the 16th century on to his own time were reframed by him in then “contemporary” 1825 bois doré framing. Although one can say this gives a sense of uniformity to this diverse collection, to my eyes it is jarring. To see a fantastic 17th century painting in C 1825 frame to me is like seeing a beautiful aged grandmother dressed as a newborn child!  

See attached a series of photographs illustrating the evolution of French picture framing from Louis XIII (B:1601-D:1642) to its zenith in the Louis XV ( B:1710- D:1774 ) period when the cost of the elaborate frame equaled or in some cases exceeded that of the artwork it framed! From there the evolution returned again to more classical design sources of a more “tailored” architectural mode.  

Following this pictorial evolution, see photos of artwork and mirrors now at Au Vieux Paris Antiques, for which the frames themselves are a major contributing work of art. With 50+ mirrors and 24+ oil paintings in stock, the shop contains a virtual “history of framing” exhibition, so plan a visit soon or visit the website at www.auvieuxparisantiques.com    

Mes amitiés,

Robert E. Smith

The following photos are of items for sale here at Au Vieux Paris which are expressions of the Art of Framing

Visit the Au Vieux Paris Antiques homepage (click here)
Browse a sampling of the merchandise available (click here)

Mes amities,
Robert E. Smith   (337) 332-2852
http://www.auvieuxparisantiques.com

High end 17th century luxury housing

Chers Amis de L’Ecole du Bon Gout.   When I was in Paris last fall visiting Musee Carnavalet, I had the truly delicious experience of seeing the two newly reopened 17th century rooms which had been closed for almost a decade of restoration.

These rooms are virtual “treasure boxes” of 17th century architecture, fine art and decorative arts, and are rare surviving examples of 17th century Parisian high end luxury residential living. The “bon gout formula” here includes: vibrant colors, complex boiserie, architectural sculpture in stucco, illusionistic fresco painting, faux marble, silk damask wall coverings, and oak parquet de Versailles flooring : all this richness seamed together with lots of gold leafing . This is NOT the “less is more” approach svp.

The main Hotel Carnavalet building was first constructed from 1548 to 1560 and is in itself a rare surviving example of Renaissance domestic architecture in Paris.  Beginning in 1655, the famous architect Francois Mansart completed the hotel by raising the height of the wing on the entrance facade.  Carnavalet is also noted as the residence of Mme. de Sevigne from 1667 till 1696, and retains two rooms dedicated to her.
 

In 1866 the city of Paris purchased the building to be transformed into a museum. Through the years many additions have been made to make more space for a library, many other period rooms, and temporary exhibition spaces. Carnavalet was the cutting edge in the museum world to begin acquiring period rooms as part of their collection with their first complete room purchased in 1867. In the private sector, New Orleans’ own La baronne de Pontalba (1795 –1874) was one of the first individuals inspired to install entire early 18th century rooms collected from buildings being demolished, in her Parisian mansion completed in 1840. Today this mansion houses the “Residence de L’Ambassadeur American”.

Musee Carnavalet is truly a “High Temple of Bon Gout” and is opened from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm and is FREE to the public, svp! So next time you are in Paris, give yourself a real treat and visit Musee Carnavalet!

Mes Amities,
Robert E. Smith

Additional Images

Visit the Au Vieux Paris Antiques homepage (click here)
Browse a sampling of the merchandise available (click here)

Mes Amities,
Robert E. Smith   (337) 332-2852
http://www.auvieuxparisantiques.com

Tis the season of...

Chers Amis de L’Ecole du Bon Gout, Bonjour !

Like it or not the summer is history and “Old Man Winter” is knocking at the door! So with the earlier nightfall and naturally less time spent outdoors, we have more indoor activities and seasonal winter treats. 

One of my favorite winter treats is the increased use of candle light, in chandeliers, wall sconces as well as in candlesticks. Sometimes when I am up before dawn, I light even just one candle in my bedroom while I drink my chocolate chaud . This sets a new comfy mood and tone to welcome the new day. 

With all the holiday celebrations of winter time of course comes the use of lots of candle light adding its magic glow to dinners both large and small. And don’t forget to light up all the candles you can on the night of the Winter Solstice, December the 21st, to make sure that the Sun gets the message to start giving us longer days and shorter nights!!

See following some photos illustrating candle magic to inspire you as well as a sampling of the extensive stock of antique lighting fixtures now in stock at Au Vieux Paris Antiques. If you can not come see in person, visit the web site at www.auvieuxparisantiques.com.

Please remember, Au Vieux Paris Antiques is a great source for those one of a kind Christmas presents for those special people in your life.  We gift wrap and ship coast to coast!

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday December 7th from 10am till 4pm.  A holiday reception with surprises at Au Vieux Paris Antiques!

Mes Amities,

Robert E. Smith 337 332 2852

Light up a smile on the face of someone special with a gift of antique lighting!

Visit the Au Vieux Paris Antiques homepage (click here)
Browse a sampling of the merchandise available (click here)

Mes Amities,
Robert E. Smith   (337) 332-2852
http://www.auvieuxparisantiques.com