Photo Frames 1900

This photograph frame was made by Ch. Ogerau, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, seemingly from a single piece of wood, possibly walnut or mahogany, chosen for its fine grain. The making of the frame involved careful carpentry. The woodworker used tools to cut, shape, and smooth the material, creating the rounded top and oval opening. The craftsmanship here is subtle and refined, with the frame's surface likely finished with varnish to enhance the wood's natural beauty and protect it. The frame is modest but attractive. What's interesting is how this object sits at the intersection of industry and artisanship. Although it is possible that the frame was handmade from start to finish, it's also possible that some parts of the process, like the initial cutting of the wood, were aided by machine. By understanding the processes of making, we can appreciate how this frame connects to broader issues of labor, skill, and the changing nature of craft in an industrial age.