Philadelphia Museum Frame Exhibition
Philadelphia Museum of Art spotlights picture frames' role in art with curator Tara Contractor and conservator Chris Ferguson leading the exhibition. The show focuses on overlooked histories and how frames shape our perception of artwork. A video segment explores this often-ignored aspect of art presentation.
The exhibition, titled "Framed! European Picture Frames from the Johnson Collection," delves into the artistry of frames, showcasing them as significant artworks in their own right. The installation runs through April 20 and features 13 distinct frames sourced from the museum's extensive Johnson Collection. Viewers can trace the evolution of frame design, from ornate, altar-like structures of the Renaissance to the more experimental styles conceived by artists in the late 19th century. The selection highlights the immense craftsmanship and stylistic diversity of European frames across several centuries. Assistant Curator of European Painting and Sculpture, Tara Contractor, lends her expertise to the exhibition's narrative. Her previous work includes co-curating an exhibition on the influential 19th-century art critic John Ruskin and projects involving 18th-century neoclassical interior architecture. Joining her is frame conservator Chris Ferguson, who provides insight into the structural integrity and preservation of these historical objects. The exhibition emphasizes the often-overlooked role of conservators in maintaining and revealing the history embedded within the frames themselves.
