Doorframe 1840 - 1860

"Doorframe" is an anonymous work from the 19th century, currently residing at the Art Institute of Chicago. This carved wooden frame is an exemplary piece of American decorative art of the time. Its elaborate ornamentation, featuring stylized leaves, scrolls, and floral motifs, embodies the intricate aesthetic favored in the mid-19th century. The piece's size and meticulous detail suggest it was likely crafted for a grand home or public building, serving as a testament to the craftsmanship of the period. This exquisite example of woodworking exemplifies the grandeur and attention to detail characteristic of the 19th-century decorative arts.