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La cornice non è un semplice bordo ma una parte integrante del quadro. E' importante perchè senza quest'umile oggetto non è possibile capire dove finisce l'arte e dove inizia il mondo vero.
- Provasi Luca Cornici

In a Frame

“Frames give paintings majesty, allowing them to almost see through a window”.

This is a well-known statement by Antonio Mancini, Roman restorer, framer and frame seller from the 16th century.

Dutch culture

We could use a little spice when it comes to picture frames. Although we spend a lot of money on our house, art, furniture, the kitchen, the bathroom and the garden, the feeling of the majesty of a beautiful frame around a work of art is not yet in our DNA. Where in Italy a frame is seen as the right item of clothing for a painting, a piece of furniture that has a soul and intrinsic value in itself, the average Dutch person is blind to it. We often mindlessly go for the aluminum frames in which galleries and the art library often sell their art.

The history of European frames

European picture frames originated within sacred medieval art. In the early Middle Ages, frames were not so much used as a decorative element, but more to reinforce wooden panels. Moreover, these were not only made from new materials, but also from old cabinet parts or chairs. In the Gothic period, the frame takes on a more important value and function. Paintings are no longer considered an integral part of the wall. The new painting techniques and the nature of the sacred spaces lead to paintings on windows with a frame. This frame is enriched with ornamental motifs and precious materials. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, art continued to transform and there was not only ecclesiastical, but also secular art in palaces and aristocratic residences. Wood and metal, as well as Carrara marble, are among the most commonly used materials for frames. The cutting and decoration techniques are continuously refined. Even today, in the 21st century, the lists of the Florentine and Senese masters of the 16th century are sold in Italy. In this case, the buyer must buy a painting from his/her frame and not the other way around.

How do you choose the right list?

A frame can change the whole atmosphere of your home, emphasize the rest of the furniture and create evocative references. For the choice of color and style we can choose "harmony" or "contrast". That is, if the style of our house is warm, rich and traditional, then the choice can fall on frames in natural or dark wood. These go well with the rest of the colors and do not contrast with upholstery or other decorative elements.

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The original frame may have been designed by Michelangelo himself. The refined carving is attributed to Marco and Francesco del Tasso ( 1503 - 1504)

If the furniture is minimalist, with monochrome trends, you can be a little more daring, for example with golden or colored frames. Try a little daring to give it a pleasant character and lighten up the walls a bit. Our frames are handmade and stand on the shoulders of 800 years of Italian mastery.

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An open or a closed list?

Handmade frames are made in Italy especially for the buyer, so that they are involved in the process. This allows them to choose between an open and a closed list. With an open frame, the seams in the corners are visible and with a closed frame, these are finished invisibly.

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Open frame where the seam between the two parts is visible.
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Closed frame in which the seam between the two parts is finished with a finish. 

Luca Provasi Cornicic

Luca Provasi Cornici is a medium-sized family business in Bovisio Masciago, north of Milan, led by Luca Provasi and his brother. Luca's mother also works as an administrative assistant.  

The craft of frame making has been passed down here from father to sons. This craft does not consist of the constant manufacture of an identical product, but is a constant reinvention of something that should complement and enhance a two-dimensional work of art. New designs and techniques are constantly being developed in this company. Newly designed patterns and finishes are regularly presented to relations. Luca, together with other leading Italian framers, organizes an annual international event to share designs and knowledge with enthusiasts, professionals and other experts in the field. Luca's company is known in this industry for its creativity and painted finishes.  The story of this company begins with the employment of father Provasi with his aunt. After learning the craft there, he started his own business in the 1970s in a cantina, a wine cellar. Father Provasi made molds for frames at the time and sold them to local framers.

 

Over the years, the company has taken various forms, depending on the needs of customers. The company is currently medium sized and does business with both local and international framers. Although the company has the potential to become much bigger, this is not the ambition of Luca and his family. The organization would like to remain medium-sized and serve only a limited number of customers. Creativity and quality are paramount here.

In our custom made collection we offer these handmade Italian frames. These frames are custom made, come complete with museum glass and are intended for galleries, art dealers and other professionals. We advise enthusiastic home collectors to use this package only for works on paper. This includes: lithographs, serigraphs, etchings, diplomas and watercolors. Our custom-made DIY frames come with extensive instructions for use so that you can frame them yourself without any problems. You can choose from an open or closed list from the 54-page catalog. You are free to create unique combinations of existing color palettes and frames.  For an overview of our collection and prices, you can request a quote here .  On our store page  we have made a selection for you with standard sizes.

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