FINISHING
What one will call finishing in the case of a tapestry, complying with the
code of practice, will limit to three things: To display, To relieve, To
protect.
But above all let us talk about the framing of a tapestry because it is a
subject of great polemic to know if it is or not necessary to frame a tapestry
and thus, according to the answer, if the framing is either part or not of the
finishing.
FRAMING
The framing of a tapestry was practised from the end of the Middle Ages and
developed until the end of the XIXth century. However to preserve the main nature of this
Art (cf the chapter Use & Display) it is a woven framing which was essential.
The framing of a tapestry is thus of the same material, structure and nature as
the tapestry itself; it forms a whole with it. The woven framing even became at
certain times of a such importance that it could fill a third of the
woven surface. Without going to these exaggerations one can of course plan to
embroider on the edge a more or less broad part. According to the size, the
style and the scene this band could measure from two to twelve centimetres. The
pattern can be plain or repetitive as well such those obtained with a counted
stitch; it could also be more whimsical and represent a garland for example.
But, let us think, do has one just chating about finishing ? No, undoubtedly
since this framing, this edge, this border entirely forms part of the Art and of the
œuvre.
Foregoing -
Summary -
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