Antique Wood Picture Frames for sale
Antique wood picture frames for antique paintings aren’t just frames. They are an extension of the artwork itself, reflecting the era and style of your most valued pieces. Our selection of wood antique picture frames is designed to complement the unique characteristics of antique paintings. If you prefer the authentic Baroque look of old wood picture frames or the classic allure of Renaissance antique wooden frames, we have a variety of options and styles to elevate your artwork, turning your space into a gallery of timeless beauty. Down Below we talk about the different kinds of woods we use, their pros and cons, and the difference between our category prices. Moreover, we give more details about how we manufacture our collection of antique wood picture frames and the kinds of tools we use for it.
Usually, we use Swiss pine, limewood, and ayous to realize the profile of the frames because they are softwood and easy to work. Under a specific request, we can change the type of wood but that implies a new calculation of the final price with an inevitable raising of it. For this reason, we strongly recommend making us use our wood.
ANTIQUE CARVED WOOD PICTURE FRAMES IN SWISS PINE
Why the majority of Italian antique wooden frames are in Swiss pine? Because Swiss pine was a softwood abundant in North Italy and northern European regions. Even though it is tender, it’s significantly resilient at the same time. For example, it hardly gets attacked by woodworms.
Poplar is another wood for antique wooden picture frames quite common in the above mentioned regions. But poplar was more used for cabinets and other types of furniture so it does not have the primacy of most used wood for framing paintings. For instance, a high number of antique chests of drawers are in poplar. In addition, it is not bad for carvings but it is more susceptible to woodworm. With that said, we can say that antique wood frames made of poplar are generally more damaged by woodworms than the ones made with other types of wood.
Of course, there is a treatment for woodworms. So, I wouldn’t worry too much about it as it is not a big deal. In our workshop, before carving, we treat any wood with chemical agents. Even after the carving process, we use a type of gesso with a specific product inside of it to prevent woodworms.
tulipwood for old wood picture frames reproductions
We usually use in our antique wood picture frames more than one wood. As we love to build solid reproductions we put on the back of the frames tulipwood. The front could be in another kind of wood as ayous for example, just to keep the structure not too heavy.
The tulipwood, indeed is a compact and resilient wood. It makes the entire structure of the frames significantly robust. Even though is quite tough to work compared to other woods, still it can be carved. Its strength allows us to craft frames that can travel overseas without risk. Therefore, it seems to be the right compromise to have robustness and handling at the same time.
Custom antique hand carved picture frames
We realize antique carved wooden picture frames of any size. Indeed, our reproductions are suitable for paintings in all dimensions. Remember that the available models are customizable for any type of artwork. For example, you could change the section width of any profile frame at your wish. Some people like them wider while others prefer them smaller. Usually, this kind of opposite choice depends on the type of painting. On the one hand, some paintings need a broader profile because they display tough subjects. On the other hand, some need a narrower frame because they show significantly detailed scenes. In other words, everything comes down to the characteristics of the artwork.
In essence, any modification we need to apply implies a recalculation of the final price. So, if you want to keep the price at a low level, you should buy our standard models. Calculate the price on your own by clicking on the green button: “CALCULATE PRICE”. You will find that button on any product page.
SEveral techniques for old wood picture frames
Realizing reproductions of antique hand carved frames takes a long time. We have spent more than a century carving antique wood frames. Our workshop was born in 1905, and since then, four generations of master carvers have dealt with a lot of reproduction of old wood picture frames. Also, we have worked for the most important museums all over the world to accomplish their specific needs. Between them, we like to mention the MET, where one will be able to see one of our most prestigious model of antique wood frames. That is our cod. 062.
More details about our sophisticated models of antique carved frames
Watch a video on our YouTube channel showing a typical carving process: carving an Antique Frame. In the video, you will see Massimiliano Gurrieri Master Carver at work. He is patiently realizing a replica of a Bolognese frame. You can see more videos related to him working at this link: more videos.
Making reproductions of wood antique picture frames is a tough task. If you do it by hand it is going to be a long work because you have to carve any single ornate detail one by one. Master carvers used to work that way in the past centuries. That is the reason why we do the same nowadays, especially when it is a matter of replicating our most expensive models. We need to conserve the traditions that matter, above all when they matter a lot to our clients. In other cases, we can just offer less sophisticated models, with less work to do, but still top-quality wood antique picture frames. See some of them following this link: Affordable frames.
It is very important for us to have different price categories to allow everyone to buy according to their budget. This purpose, of course, is achieved by keeping our products affordable, durable and high aesthetic quality products. In other words, you will not find low-quality frames on our site just because they are inexpensive.
Affordable vs expensive antique wood frames
The majority of the frames shown above are realized by mixed techniques. In other words, we realize certain models using wood and wood pulp together. Why do we mix up different materials? We do that to lower the prices. That way we can reach a broader number of collectors.
The good thing is that you can always choose your preferred work technique or material. For instance, you can ask for a rigorous hand-carving technique. Be aware that if you go for this last solution the final price is going to rise a lot.
What we want to make clear is that any solution is going to be fine. Either expensive or affordable frames are very well made. The final result won’t change that much because our replicas of antique wooden frames are all astonishing. The differences in the price of our three main categories of frames don’t segregate the one at lower price to the more expensive because even for the most simple work we pay a lot of care and attention. It is just a matter of different techniques in place: Some are easier than others.
Modern tools to realize antique wood picture frames
The art of crafting antique wood picture frames has evolved with the advent of modern tools, blending tradition with technological innovation. Today, artisans utilize state-of-the-art equipment to replicate the intricate details of historical designs with unmatched precision. One such tool is the CNC router, which allows for the delicate carving of patterns that were once painstakingly done by hand. This machine not only ensures accuracy but also significantly reduces production time, making it easier to create detailed antique wood picture frames efficiently.
Our workshop uses less sophisticated machines because some of our more complicated models would cost more if made with CNC rather than by hand. Therefore, we have opted to use pantographs that only take care of roughing out the wood. In this way, the accurate finishing work of the carving is strictly necessary, allowing us to give the human touch to the coldness of the machine.
Laser engraving machine is another modern marvel, providing the ability to etch intricate designs into wood with fine detail. This tool is particularly useful for adding decorative elements. Additionally, 3D printing technology is revolutionizing the industry by enabling the creation of custom molds and embellishments.
Again, our use of lasers is very limited because it is difficult to apply to our type of work. Engravings with an antique character are rarely achievable with such modern tools. Therefore, manual work is essential to obtain a product with an artisanal character.
So which tools do we use to realize our wood antique picture frames?
Using the above mentioned modern machines, artisans can create antique wooden frames that capture the essence of history, while meeting contemporary demands for precision and quality. The problem, however, arises when it is necessary to produce only one frame. The cost of production would become higher than the one needed for one handmade creation. These types of machines are efficient when working in series realizing a massive amount of products.
For this reason, the best possible solution is to use tools that are not so sophisticated. For example, a simple power chisel. This is a tool that makes the work much easier while leaving to the carving the same sense of handcrafted antique wood picture frames.
In essence, we try to combine modernity with antiquity without ever losing focus on the artisanal character of our frames. In this way, we can offer our customers the highest quality in craftsmanship combined with an affordable price and in tune with modern times.
Modern materials for antique wood picture frames for sale
In the field of antique wood picture frames, tradition often meets innovation. A fascinating material gaining traction in this space is wood pulp. While it may seem unconventional, wood pulp has become a game-changer for creating intricate frame designs that replicate the charm of bygone eras. This versatile material allows artisans to mold and shape frames with precision, capturing the fine details that are synonymous with antique craftsmanship.
What makes wood pulp particularly appealing is its sustainability. As a byproduct of the paper industry, it offers an eco-friendly alternative to natural wood, reducing the need for logging while still delivering a product that is both lightweight and durable. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to invest in wood antique picture frames that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.
Moreover, wood pulp can be finished with a variety of techniques to enhance its appearance, giving it the rich texture and patina that one would expect from authentic antique frames. This modern material is proving to be a valuable asset in preserving the beauty and elegance of antique wood picture frames while embracing sustainable practices. Remeber that wood pulp is made 99% by recycled woods mixed by 1% of solvent. That is the reason why frames made of it are not that different from the ones entirely made by wood.
Wood pulp: a way to speed up the realization of the most surprising carvings
Wood pulp decorations are made using silicone molds that allow for detailed and balanced carvings. We talk about carvings because, in the end, the decorations are finished with chisels, giving the shapes the typical taste of the ornaments of the original antique wood picture frames. See below a video showing the marvelous technique of carving our mode cod. 04 made with ornaments of wood pulp.
In essence, the difference between wood pulp and wood decorations is given by the absence of veins. While on the one hand, they can contribute to giving a certain character to the wooden finishes, they turn out to be rather useless for artifacts that will have to be gilded. Gilding, indeed, will cover every specific characteristic of the wood.
In conclusion, wood pulp is useful, eco-friendly, less expensive, easier to work with, and at the same time makes it possible to create resistant and low-cost hand-carved frames.
authentic antique wood picture frames vs replicas
For over a century, exactly since 1905, our atelier has manufactured antique wood picture frames for old master paintings. We have worked for major museums worldwide solving their problems. Museums buy exclusive reproductions of wood antique picture frames because there is a lack of the originals.
It is quite common nowadays to own a frameless masterwork. When that happens our services become indispensable. That is the time when people need us. Sometimes museums just go for one of our standard models. On the contrary, they can go for one of our more sophisticated models, and usually, that happens when the artwork is been made by a master painter.
Why do museums buy reproductions of wood antique picture frames?
Museums and collectors of masterworks buy reproduction frames because the originals are scarce, expensive, and most of the time never fit the paintings they own. So, after a long time of searching for authentic antique wooden frames to adapt to frameless paintings, collectors need us to come up with a great solution to solve their problem. We won’t let our clients in a never-ending search. Remember that it’s almost impossible to find in the market an authentic frame that can perfectly fit your painting. The size is always different. Therefore, to avoid complicated intervention on already made frames it’s better to go for a custom frame reproduction.
In conclusion, if you haven’t solved your problem yet, click the button below and you will find a lot of antique wood picture frames that can be customized for your masterworks at your need.