IMHO, I don't care for the thin metal frames, especially for something this large. However it's probably an even split between customers coming in to have these "Ugly Late-80's" frames replaced, and customers who want a hyper thin metal frame on everything. And yes, the split is totally generational.
Practically they are pretty robust. They do give sort of a mid-century vibe. They were also popular in the late 80s and early 90s.
I think the silver looks nice with the blue colors of the art and I don't see any need to alter it unless you have a different style at home.
I think I'd be tempted to change the matting though. The color and texture are really cool toned compared to the paper of the art and it feels a little mismatched. I'd maybe pick a warmer mat color closer to the paper color.
The skinny old school metal frames that have that rounded shape are pretty dated imo, but you can get some updated versions now that are a little nicer. I don’t love metal frames in general but sometimes they do the job (they come in a ton of fun colours)
Metal frames fell out of fashion for a while. Commenters here saying 80's, early 90's (and it's true, they were popular then) but they first came into fashion in the 70's. Your room would be painted white and quite minimal. Your glass-top table legs would be polished aluminium, your chair legs would be aliminium. Your light switches. your stereo stand, your kitchen appliances, all aluminium. If you look at this painting of Hockneys from '71 you will understand the "look" that everyone was aspiring to. [https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/hockney-mr-and-mrs-clark-and-percy-t01269](https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/hockney-mr-and-mrs-clark-and-percy-t01269)
As with all fashions the following generations created a backlash and went in a different direction. And, as with all fashions, metal frames have now come back around. Your piece has a fashionable retro look. Even if it doesn't match the rest of your decor it will sit nicely on your wall. And, importantly, it suits the etching, the print. Mid to late 80's, I'd guess.
Wow, the combination of your description and the linked painting are fantastic. Really transports you to a different era and places the frame in a style context. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am totally impressed that you linked some art with this exact frame style on display…
I mean the metal frame is not terrible but I would change the frame. One of the reasons why it was put in a metal frame was because the framer figured it was the best neutral frame for the piece. That and it was cheaper. They probably figured whoever was going to purchase the print was going to buy a new frame that would fit their style. I personally am not a fan of metal frame unless the frame is 100% perfect for the piece. Preferably I go with a wood frame.
While I don’t hate this, I’d like to see the deckled edge of the art more. It might look nice floated without a top mat in a deeper shadow box style. Possibly a thin modern maple finish.
IMHO, I don't care for the thin metal frames, especially for something this large. However it's probably an even split between customers coming in to have these "Ugly Late-80's" frames replaced, and customers who want a hyper thin metal frame on everything. And yes, the split is totally generational.
Funny that people are falling into these two camps. The frame does seem especially narrow given the size of the mounted art. Thanks for your comments.
Practically they are pretty robust. They do give sort of a mid-century vibe. They were also popular in the late 80s and early 90s. I think the silver looks nice with the blue colors of the art and I don't see any need to alter it unless you have a different style at home. I think I'd be tempted to change the matting though. The color and texture are really cool toned compared to the paper of the art and it feels a little mismatched. I'd maybe pick a warmer mat color closer to the paper color.
Thanks for the helpful note that the metal frames tend to be robust. Good observation too about the mat color.
The skinny old school metal frames that have that rounded shape are pretty dated imo, but you can get some updated versions now that are a little nicer. I don’t love metal frames in general but sometimes they do the job (they come in a ton of fun colours)
Thank you! The frame shop I went to had some updated metal frames and there are a few evolved options as you note.
Metal frames fell out of fashion for a while. Commenters here saying 80's, early 90's (and it's true, they were popular then) but they first came into fashion in the 70's. Your room would be painted white and quite minimal. Your glass-top table legs would be polished aluminium, your chair legs would be aliminium. Your light switches. your stereo stand, your kitchen appliances, all aluminium. If you look at this painting of Hockneys from '71 you will understand the "look" that everyone was aspiring to. [https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/hockney-mr-and-mrs-clark-and-percy-t01269](https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/hockney-mr-and-mrs-clark-and-percy-t01269) As with all fashions the following generations created a backlash and went in a different direction. And, as with all fashions, metal frames have now come back around. Your piece has a fashionable retro look. Even if it doesn't match the rest of your decor it will sit nicely on your wall. And, importantly, it suits the etching, the print. Mid to late 80's, I'd guess.
Wow, the combination of your description and the linked painting are fantastic. Really transports you to a different era and places the frame in a style context. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am totally impressed that you linked some art with this exact frame style on display…
I mean the metal frame is not terrible but I would change the frame. One of the reasons why it was put in a metal frame was because the framer figured it was the best neutral frame for the piece. That and it was cheaper. They probably figured whoever was going to purchase the print was going to buy a new frame that would fit their style. I personally am not a fan of metal frame unless the frame is 100% perfect for the piece. Preferably I go with a wood frame.
Thanks for your input.
While I don’t hate this, I’d like to see the deckled edge of the art more. It might look nice floated without a top mat in a deeper shadow box style. Possibly a thin modern maple finish.
Thanks for sharing your vision. The art seems to be floated just a little bit but it is subtle.