Mat (picture framing)

A Passepartout ( [ paspaʁtu ː ], French passer, pass ' and partout, everywhere ') referred to in the art a paper or cardboard framing for graphics, photos and paintings.

Mounts on the one hand used to set up the viewing of the work of art by being deflected from the photo frame on the other hand, it is possible thereby also to fit a work of art in a frame whose size exceeds the dimensions of the artwork.

A further object of the mat is to protect the work of art before exhalations from the frame timber. The Passepartout binds the pollutants and they do not reach the work of art or in a lower concentration.

A good mat is made of acid-free material. In addition, it can still be buffered with calcium carbonate, so acids are bound as well as possible from the air. In some cases, such as when no calcium carbonate Cyanotypes may be used since this engages the work of art itself, instead of protecting it.

History

For the art lovers of our time so it is to place a matter of course, art on paper in the context of cardboard mounts. Precursors and role models for the mat as we know it today, were graphic Mounts in its various forms since the 16th century. In the early days they began timidly at first only to border graphics with ink lines and thus increase its value. To use glass for framing was initially uncommon. The graphics / drawing was trimmed and glued on the edge. They kept exclusively in folders and drawers. When they finally began glass to protect the valuable graphics, decorative elements were located on the back of the glass, then later on a frame of cardboard, which Passepartout. In the 17th century, more color came into play and the end of the 18th century, borders and golden strips the height of fashion - all these design elements that find themselves in the design of the French mounts of the 19th century ( French Passepartout ). Today there are very few original examples as in the two world wars many mounts were fired. After the World Wars, a general simplicity prevailed - mounts were only rarely decorated by hand.

Today

Lately mounts are again more involved in the creative concept of framing ( as in the days of hand-decorated mounts ). This means that the mat just is not a white or light cardboard with a rectangular opening, but one hand can be in color - ideally matched to the image and the frame - on the other hand of course, other cut-out shapes are possible. This particular through the use of modern computer-controlled Passepartout - cutters (CMC). Such precision devices, not only the opening at an angle ( usually 45 °) and perfectly cut into the miter, but are not limited to straight lines and circles. It can also form with corner ornaments, several layers of cardboard of different sizes ( depth effect ), or even the notch sections (V grooves ) are cut on the surface of the carton. The possibilities are almost unlimited.

Nevertheless, the Handverzieren is not forgotten, although only a few framer or bookbinder master this ancient and versatile craft and practice. Especially for antique graphics, drawings and watercolors, it is not to imitate to be essential and with computer technology.

Special forms

• English Passepartout
• French Passepartout
• Vienna Passepartout