Friday, October 8, 2010

Thanhardt-Burger: Deluxe Hand-Crafted Frames Made in the U.S.A.

Another of ArtFinders’ favorite framing partners is Thanhardt-Burger. Thanhardt-Burger is one of the few framers that still builds, carves, and embellishes historically accurate American and European frame styles using centuries-old, traditional techniques. Each frame is itself a work of art.

handcarving01

Thanhardt-Burger frames are perfect for heirlooms, fine paintings, photographic or painted portraits, fine prints, and stately decorative custom mirrors.

Unlike length moldings, these frames are crafted to minimize any seams at the corners. Many times the corners are embellished and ornamented to disguise any seam. Some of the unfinished ornamental detail castings can be seen in the photo below:

ornamental detail

Once the frame and ornament is complete the frame is then hand finished with an under coat of color (rub), metallic leafing, and then the frame undergoes treatment with various patinas and treatments to achieve the desired surface finish.

Since each frame is hand-crafted from scratch it can take up to 8 weeks to complete this labor intensive process.

You can see Thanhardt-Burger frames for yourself on several paintings at Walter E. Smithe’s Oak Brook furniture store or you can call ArtFinders to make an appointment to see some samples in your home or office.

Below is a series of paintings featuring Thanhardt-Burger frames:

Antiqe Floral By Albert 28x32 Framed

Above and below are two paintings by Albert with very ornate frames with lots of detail.

Antique Floral By Albert 36x40 Framed

Canal a Amsterdam By Chapaud 41x48 Framed Sm 

Above: An ornate frame for a painting by Chapaud. 

Garden Landscape By Raffandre 35x47 Sm

Above: This Raffandre painting has a more classical and simple frame with only subtle acanthus leaf motif at the corners.

Garden Steps By Young 39x49 Framed Sm

Above: “Garden Steps” by Young features a frame with a nice balance between simplicity and ornamentation.

Landscape By Tonin 35x35 Framed Sm

Above: Another frame with minimal ornament.

Still Life By Hollo Nelly 29x35 Framed 

Above: White gold patina perfect for French-inspired interiors.

Twilight Zone By Dvornik 25x31 Framed Sm

Above and below: Hand-crafted frames featuring clean lines perfect for contemporary styles.

Venice By Dvornik 22x26 Sm

Monday, October 4, 2010

Tally ho!

This piece just missed getting into the equestrian art post from a couple of weeks ago. hunt-scene
Here in suburban Chicago we are located near some areas that are known for their horse breeding and equestrian sports. At this time of year the Wayne-DuPage Hunt in Wayne, IL just a few miles from ArtFinders HQ holds drag hunts that don’t involve chasing live foxes. The painting above is by Riedmann.