Twee rechthoekige omlijstingen 1784 - 1785

Augustin Foin created these two rectangular frames using pen and black ink, and they are now held at the Rijksmuseum. The focus here is on pure design. Foin imagines two potential frames for prints or paintings. The designs are highly ornamented, with shell motifs, festoons, and what appear to be classical urns. This is all very much in keeping with the Louis XV style, popular in France at the time. But it is worth reflecting on the techniques involved in realizing such a frame in three dimensions. These would have been carved of wood, likely linden, a fine-grained timber favored by sculptors and furniture makers alike. The process would be labour-intensive, a highly skilled activity with a great deal of hand work. The value of the finished product would depend not only on the design, but on this investment of expertise. When we consider this drawing, we should remember that the finished frames would have been luxury goods, requiring great skill to produce, and significant resources to purchase.