An Overview of the History of Matting

1778   Gladiola Tristis Varietas from Florae Austriacae, Volume 5, Hand-colored engraving, published by Nicolaus Joseph Von Jacquin, Vienna This elegant book plate, engraved by I.. Adam after a painting by F. Scheidl, epitomizes the “noble simplicity” of the Classic Revival style.  During the last half of the eighteenth century, explorations to discover of plant and animal life throughout the known world were encouraged and supported by European royalty. The results are the  finest examples of botanical and natural history illustrations extant. The straight, simple mouldings of Classic Revival frames were decorated with sharply defined foliage, pearls, bull’s eyes and ribbons.    The essentially pure lines of the Louis XVI style appealed to designers in other countries. In England, the Late Georgian style     (George III, 1760-1820 ) is epitomized by architects Robert and John Adam (1760’s - 1779 ) and furniture designers Hepplewhite and Sheritan. The mat replicates a French paper mat of the period .  The frame is a typical Louis XVI drawing frame moulding used throughout Europe.

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