The History of Framing and Frame Styles: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Frame

12/18/2025
by Michael McCarty
Founder, Tribeca Printworks

From ancient Egypt to your New York artspace, frames have been a storytelling tool for centuries. Beyond serving as borders and protecting art, they guide and focus the viewer’s eye, enhancing the narrative.

Today, we journey back several millennia to trace the frame to its origins. Whether you are a photographer, a painter, or a collector, understanding the history of picture frames and the art of framing can help you make more informed decisions about your art.

At Tribeca Printworks, we have over 40 years of combined experience helping artists tell their stories. With our own in-house framing experts, we know how to create framing that aids a narrative. Explore our handmade framing styles and find the perfect one for you.

The Origins of Picture Framing

Like many things we appreciate today, the art of framing dates back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. In these eras, frames were not a separate object. They were integral parts of the art and architecture painted onto or built into the work itself. This approach continued well into the Gothic era, where altarpieces in European cathedrals featured frames.

However, as the elite of Europe sought to have art in their homes, the evolution of frames as we know them today began. The Renaissance era saw the first mobile frames. These frames were no longer a part of the building but could actually move with the art. The frames were designed in the same workshop as the art itself and became a way to celebrate each piece.

As the eras and design tastes changed, frames followed suit. Beyond encasing the art, frames became elaborate pieces featuring metal construction. They were still designed to protect artwork, but they also became miniature pieces of art in their own right.

Key Milestones in the Evolution of Frames

There are some historical milestones worth noting in the art framing history:

• The Renaissance: With the rise of mobile frames, the 15th to 16th century saw the birth of the cassetta. During this era, frame artisans also began experimenting with ornate gilded frames.
• 17th-18th centuries: In the late 17th century and throughout the 18th century, interest in art experienced a significant boom, and so did custom framing. Frames became an extension of the art’s emotion. They were dramatic with intricate carvings, while others featured asymmetrical shapes and delicate detailing.
• Industrialization era: With the Industrial Revolution came new methods of creating frames, enabling mass production. This shift made frames accessible to the middle class. And as photography grew, so did the demand for framing. Although elaborate designs were still popular, manufacturers produced them using more affordable materials.

A Visual Guide to Historical Frame Styles

How did historical evolution translate into actual designs? Here is a brief rundown of some of the most popular types of picture frames history has seen:

• Baroque frames: Originating from Italy, Baroque frames commanded attention. With their deep, ornate carvings, swirling motifs and heavy gilding, these frames were perfect for oil paintings. They embodied the more-is-more philosophy of the Baroque era.
• Rococo frames: A successor to the Baroque frames, Rococo frames abandoned the strict symmetry and cold grandeur of classical designs. Instead, they featured a playful aesthetic. They were asymmetrical and often used lighter palettes. Their fondness for S-scrolls and C-scrolls, along with shell-like shapes, added to their light-hearted appeal.
• Neoclassical frames: Seeking to return to the basics, neoclassical frames were born out of a need to simplify art. Drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture, they abandoned the excesses of the Rococo and Baroque to offer cleaner designs. Neoclassical frames were characterized by straight lines, geometric patterns and symmetrical motifs.
• Victorian frames: The Victorian era saw a surge in the popularity of mahogany and walnut frames. To keep up with the elaborate designs appreciated during the era, they still featured ornamentations. However, unlike the older frames, the ornaments were often added after production, sometimes using resins instead of real gold.
• Modern and minimalist frames: The 20th century brought a new philosophy that celebrated the idea that less is more. Frames during this century were simple. They focused on clean lines, thin profiles and light wood or metals, channeling the viewer’s attention solely to the artwork.

The Evolution of Framing Materials

Throughout different eras, the framing materials have remained largely unchanged. From the Renaissance era to modern day, wood has dominated the framing space. The one notable change across time has been in the type of wood. Earlier frames favored hard-carved woods, while modern designs lean toward milled, sustainable options. Metal made a strong appearance with the Art Deco and Modernist movements when it was prized for its sleek and industrial aesthetic.

How to Choose the Right Frame Style

Choosing the right frame style for your artwork depends on several factors, including the type of art and its hanging environment. If you have a classic oil painting, it may need an ornate wood or gilded frame. You can use a Neoclassical or Baroque frame to match the art to the era or period in which it was created. However, if you have modern giclée prints, consider using a floating mount within a white or maple frame to emphasize them effectively.

Where you hang the art also influences the framing you should choose. Select a style that complements the room’s aesthetic for a cohesive design. For example, avoid using overly ornate frames in an industrial-forward room, as it can disrupt the design. A perfect frame for such a space would be made of metal.

Why Custom Framing Matters

Your art is an extension of your artistic expression, and so should be your framing. Your keen eye and inspiration are not off-the-shelf, meaning a ready-made frame cannot accurately tell your story. When you choose custom framing, you get:

• Perfect fit and proportions: Custom frames are designed precisely for your art. We use the dimensions you choose to create a frame that fits your art perfectly.
• Unmatched craftsmanship: All our frames are handmade in our NYC studio. We put a level of quality and attention to detail into every frame that big-box stores cannot replicate.
• Character fit: With our industry expertise, we can help you design a frame that complements your art. Our framing techniques are narrative aids you will love.

Complete Your Vision With a Custom Frame

From ancient times to the present day, frames continue to be a powerful storytelling tool. Whether you are looking to match your space’s aesthetic or create a focal point, we can help. With decades of experience and a fully outfitted studio, we are your guide to custom framing.

Upload your artwork and let us bring it to life with custom framing. Need help deciding on a style? Schedule a consultation today and let our experts guide your framing choices.