Vintage silver Hallmarked 925 Art Deco design picture frame possibly French ? This very decorative silver picture frame has a beautiful velvet back with a stunning art deco design to front. Half beaten silver, half plain.
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Some minor age related wear.
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Size: 10 cm wide 14 cm tall frame size. 6 cm wide 9 cm tall picture size.
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No date letter si difficult to age but I would say mid century shown with another picture frame for sale separately may sell together please contact us for pricing etc
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925 silver" refers to sterling silver, which is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This mixture is used because pure silver (99.9% or fine silver) is too soft to be used for jewelry and other functional objects. The 7.5% alloy, often copper, adds strength and durability to the silver, making it more suitable for crafting.
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Art Deco emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, flourishing between the two World Wars, particularly in France and spreading globally. It is a decorative style characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and opulent ornamentation, reflecting a sense of luxury, glamour, and faith in technological progress. The style's name is derived from the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris, which showcased its distinctive aesthetic.
Origins and Influences:
Post-WWI Optimism:
Art Deco emerged from the optimism and desire for a fresh start following the end of World War I.
Industrial Revolution:
Advancements in technology and manufacturing played a crucial role in shaping the style's embrace of new materials and techniques.
Reaction to Art Nouveau:
Art Deco can be seen as a successor to and a reaction against the earlier Art Nouveau style, which was characterized by flowing lines and naturalistic motifs.
Diverse Inspirations:
Art Deco drew inspiration from various sources, including ancient Egyptian art, Aztec and other Mesoamerican cultures, the design of modern transportation (ships, trains, cars), the Bauhaus movement, and the work of architects like Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe.
Key Characteristics:
Geometric Shapes and Patterns:
Art Deco prominently features geometric forms like zigzags, chevrons, and stylized floral or sunburst patterns.
Rich Colors and Materials:
The style often utilizes vibrant colors like gold, black, and deep jewel tones, along with luxurious materials like chrome, lacquer, and exotic woods.
Ornamentation and Embellishment:
Art Deco is known for its lavish ornamentation, often incorporating stylized figures, abstract patterns, and motifs inspired by ancient cultures and modern technology.
Influence of Cubism and Futurism:
Art Deco design also incorporated elements of Cubism, with its fragmented and geometric forms, and Futurism, with its celebration of speed and technology.
Impact and Legacy:
Global Influence:
Art Deco's influence extended beyond architecture and decorative arts, impacting fashion, jewelry, graphic design, and even cinema.
End of an Era:
The Great Depression and the outbreak of World War II led to a decline in Art Deco's popularity, as tastes shifted towards more subdued and functional designs.
Rediscovery and Revival:
Art Deco experienced a revival in the 1960s, and its influence can still be seen in contemporary design, architecture, and fashion.