Complete guide to the glossary of art framing: essential terms to know for amateurs and professionals.

Whether you're a passionate collector, an artist looking to showcase your work, or a decorating professional, understanding the specific vocabulary of art framing is essential. This glossary will not only allow you to communicate more effectively with framers, but also to make informed choices to enhance your artwork.

Here are the essential terms to know in the field of art framing.

1. Framework

Framing refers to all the elements that surround and protect a work of art, whether painted, drawn, or photographed. It fulfills both an aesthetic and a conservation role.

2. Passe-partout

A piece of cardboard with a central opening is placed between the artwork and the glass. It creates a visual margin around the image, adds depth, and prevents the artwork from touching the glass.

3. Marie-Louise

A thin strip of wood or cardboard inserted between the artwork and the main frame. It is often used to elegantly highlight the artwork, especially canvases.

4. Baguette

The frame's main component, the molding (made of wood, metal, or plastic) that surrounds the artwork, comes in an infinite number of styles, from classical to contemporary.

5. Glass

Protects the artwork from dust, UV rays, and humidity. Several types are available:

• Standard glass: simple protection.

• Anti-reflective glass: reduces reflections.

• Museum glass: maximum protection with exceptional transparency.

6. Backing board

A rigid layer placed behind the artwork to hold and protect it. It must be acid-free to prevent long-term deterioration.

7. Laminated

Paper or fabric glued onto a rigid backing, used especially for highlighting photos or drawings.

8. Chassis

A wooden structure on which a canvas is stretched. In the case of canvases on a stretcher frame, it is often referred to as a "rebated" or "floating" frame.

9. Rabbet

The inner rim of the frame into which the artwork, the mat, the glass, and the backing board are inserted. Its depth must be sufficient to contain all the elements.

10. Floating frame

Framing with no apparent contact between the canvas and the edge of the frame. Highly valued for modern canvases, it gives the impression that the artwork "floats" within its frame.

11. Assembly

The process of assembling all the elements (artwork, mat, glass, background) within the frame. It can be reversible (without glue) or permanent, depending on conservation needs.

12. Artwork under glass

A frame used for drawings, watercolors, engravings, or photographs. The artwork is protected by glass, often combined with a mat.

13. pH neutral / Acid-free

This refers to materials (paper, cardboard, glue) that do not alter the artwork over time. Essential for long-term preservation.

14. Custom framing

Unlike standard commercial frames, custom framing is made specifically to fit the dimensions, style, and value of each artwork.

Do you have a piece of art you'd like framed? Don't hesitate to consult a professional framer and speak their language! This guide is here to help you navigate the fascinating world of art framing.