To mark the month of December, ChasingART traveled virtually to The National Gallery to view Stories of Gold. This marvelous collection of videos came out in 2017 to celebrate this special time of year.
The third video answers the question: How frames add beauty to an artwork?
Sebastiano del Piombo incorporating designs by Michelangelo The Raising of Lazarus 1517-19 Oil on canvas, transferred from wood, 381 x 289.6 cm Bought, 1824 NG1 https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/NG1
Gilding a frame is an art form. It is a time-honored technique used by the National Gallery, and one that requires careful preparation and patience. The National Gallery has a framing department that works tirelessly to find the perfect frame for the artwork. The frames are restored and repaired using the same techniques as 500 years ago. There are strict protocols for the care and maintenance of the frames.
Join me for a fascinating tour of the workings of The National Gallery framing department.
ChasingART 
You have found some amazing pictures to share, Rebecca, and the art of framing is fascinating. Choosing the right frame is vital even for artwork in the home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The art of gilding the masterpieces is indeed fascinating, an art form in itself. I often wondered seeing all the gold frames in our closest art museum if that was just paint. I can’t imagine how some smaller museums can afford the lengthy and expensive process for all those frames! I’ll certainly look closer the next visit. I was quite taken with Piombo’s Lazarus, so I watched the curator’s entire video about it. An art history lesson in itself, which includes the masters’ rivalries and techniques. Thank you!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great post on framing, my dear Rebecca! Indeed framing art is an …art itself! Finding the right size mat and frame can take hours! Sending many hugs your way!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for another fascinating visit to the National Gallery and its gold! I loved watching the framer at work as she explained the process of gilding a frame.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I knew that you would enjoy this video, Liz. I watch this “Gold at Christmas”collection every Christmas since it first came out in 2017. It has become a tradition. What happens behind the scenes at an art gallery is fascinating!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I had no idea what goes on behind the scenes in an art gallery!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! Merry Christmas Rebecca to and your family! 👼🎅🤶🦌⛪🌟🔥🎄🎁
LikeLiked by 1 person
All the very best to you and yours, Cindy. Looking forward to connecting in 2023. Sending hugs!!!
LikeLike
Well, this is fabulous! I hadn’t thought about framing all of the masterpieces.
This would be a great craft/career area to go into in the future. I doubt that AI or robots would have the subtleties of the abilities needed.
Robots don’t have hair… that secretes just enough oil to begin the gilding.
What a fabulous & honourable profession.
Thank you, Rebecca!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Robots don’t have hair!!!” So true. I loved that part when the artist used her face oil to begin the gilding. I am delighted that you joined me, Resa, at the National Gallery. Your thoughts on AI resonated. I have been reading a great deal about AI in art as well as AI in science, medicine and in general. This will be a debate that will be front and centre in 2023 and beyond. Technology offers us benefits, but also challenges us to engage in a spirited and honest debate about human creativity.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Makes me think of the Terminator movie, when machines and AI take over the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person