Figure 1.-- This is Bert and Gayle Rhoads from Marshalltown, Iowa. They had their portrait taken at thec Smoth Studio in 1934. Notice the classic art deco frame. There is even an art deco backgriound. The art deco frames were popular in the early-20th century through the 1930s. The art deco background, however, is unusual.

we notice paper frames for photographic portraits in a wide variety of styles. The first one were very simple frames done more as holders for tin-type portrait in the 19th century. Theu might have coloed rules. Frames were not very common because most portraits were done as CDVs and cabinet cards. After the turn-of-the 20th century cabinet cards declined in popularity. We begin to see postcard back photograpgs, including some portraits. We also begin to see all kinds of paper frames, especially by the 1910s. We notice these frames done in different styles. We have just begun to develop information on the different styles. Some were very simple, often done with embossed rules simulating frames. Another popular style was a parchment effect with jagged edges. Art deco styling was also very popular. The frame type information is useful because it can help date the portraits.

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Created: 7:25 AM 3/19/2007
Last updated: 4:42 AM 3/6/2008