Hanging Artwork: Modern next to Masters

11 years ago

I live in an 1862 brownstone, with all the classic moldings, woodwork, and ceiling height. As an artist, I also collect artwork. Until now the collection has mostly been modern art from contemporary artists. Well, now I have inherited four substantial classic paintings that are framed traditionally. Until now, I've been the decorator, and the one friends come to for advice. Now, I find myself looking for inspiration on how to hang the modern with the masters. Do you have an article you can point me to that addresses this dilemma? Or post photos, please.

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apple_pie_order

11 years ago

You might study some photos of the Barnes Foundation.

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Comments (20)

Erica Veil
Original Author
11 years ago
Waiting anxiously for the shipments to arrive, today and tomorrow.
This pic of a Barnes room confirms my suspicions, I will have to stack up the wall. My wall color in the room I want the old paintings to go in is a brighter yellow than in this pic, so I hope they'll look good. Not in the mood to repaint the room, but will if I must.
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Erica Veil
Original Author
11 years ago
So this is the room I want to start with. This time of year there are more things going on in there than other times, and in winter there are all the houseplants that sit outside all summer.
Erica Veil
Original Author
11 years ago
One big diff I see right off is few of my modern pieces are framed. That may be one way to help them tie in.
apple_pie_order
11 years ago
Lovely room. You might consider rotating the artwork every 4-6 months. Some pieces do better when displayed individually. Museums often have much more in storage than on display at one time.

Picture frames are a good idea for the modern pieces. Adding formal frames (i.e., not plexiglass or barnwood or pink-matted plastic) would lend some gravitas.
Erica Veil
Original Author
11 years ago
Yes, definitely would go the formal frame way, especially with the details of the house anything rustic would be silly looking.
I wish I had the time, energy, and storage space, to switch artwork often.
Here are the two pieces that arrived today, dated 1893, but not signed. The frames need to be repaired. Fortunately, I know how to do that.
marilynellis
11 years ago
Don't feel obligated to display and/or keep what you inherit. You can take photos and then sell or even donate. Unsigned art does not hold a lot of value no matter how old it is. Sounds like you are going to a lot of trouble and expense for stuff you really don't like. Take pictures of the pieces and then find them another home. If you feel pressured by family to keep, offer it to them!
Erica Veil
Original Author
11 years ago
Actually, it's the opposite. I grew up with these pieces and love them, much sentimental value. To me they are beautiful. I love that they are in my home again after so many years.
Erica Veil
Original Author
11 years ago
Last piece arrived today. So no one assumes, let me just say now, I love this portrait, and can't wait for it to hang on my wall. I am not sure what I said earlier that was misconstrued to sound like I was putting a lot of effort into pieces I don't like anyway.
Darzy
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
What beautiful art! I say just hang them as they are in a pleasing gallery effect. I think mixing classics and modern art together looks beautiful. Art doesn't even have to "match" the décor, when it's beautiful.
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printesa
11 years ago
Those are beautiful. What matters is that you like them and they are special for you. From looking at their size, I think you could display them next to each other, with the smaller one one on top of the other.
Erica Veil
Original Author
11 years ago
Okay here is the first stab at arrangement. Thank you everyone for your feedback. The portrait is my dad at 12yo. A LOT of sentimental value.
Erica Veil
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok, the electrical cord to the left of the tree needs to go.
Darzy
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I'd break up the single art vs double. Meaning, flank the left of the FP with the two pieces on the far right wall in the first picture. That way, from left to right you'll see two pieces, then one piece, two pieces, then one piece on the far right wall. .
Darzy
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I think I'd trying swapping out the art on the door with the mirror behind the tree. That way, you can use the mirror to see yourself too. Maybe use the oval mirror that was above the FP to mimic the arch of the door instead of the mirror by the tree? Love that fun lamp. :)
Darzy
11 years ago
BTW...I think the framed photos on the table on the right of the FP is taking away from the wall art. Is there another wall you can hang them all together in a collage?
Erica Veil
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you Darzy, these are all very helpful suggestions. Lots going on over the next couple of weeks, so I will be back on here after I do some more editing in the room.
Erica Veil
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok, now that the room is post-holiday, photos taken yesterday. I took the suggestion to move the family framed photos, so switched places with my husbands medals and awards. Much cleaner looking.
Darzy
11 years ago
I think I'd swap the two pieces on the right wall with the large piece on the left of the fireplace. I'd also put the larger piece (of the two on the right) on the bottom and centered with the top one so it doesn't look "top heavy". The two large art pieces above and on the left of the fireplace are too similar in size so they compete for attention. I love the art above the FP! Perfect spot for it!
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Design Professionals
9 years ago
Agree