An Overview of the History of Matting

1776   Map of America Hand-colored engraving,  published by Antonio Zatta,  Venice This map was originally bound in an atlas. In the years preceding its publication, Under George III ( 1759-1820 ), British attempts to control colonial trade and to tax the colonists to pay for the costs of colonial administration and defense clashed with traditions of local self government and eventually provoked the colonies to rebellion.  On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. England lost the war and “the colonies” in 1783, changing forever the mapping of America. In Europe shortly after the middle of the eighteenth century a reaction set in to the exuberant styles of Rococo. Inspired by the new scientific archeology ( the discovery of Herculaneum and Pompeii ), the Classic Revival ( 1750-1790’s ) is characterized by a return to straight line, symmetry and classic ornamental details.  This new style is often called Louis XVI  ( 1774-1792 ), although it was well under way before 1774. The mat is an eighteenth century Continental design, combining both French and Italian elements.  The frame is a  seventeenth century Franco-Italian design, amazingly in keeping with the lighter, thinner frames coming into use.

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