American

Beginning with the simple colonial cove moulding, American frames were influenced by European style and architecture. Decorative early American frames were European imports. Later, we see the neoclassical influence of the Empire period in the Federal and Hudson River School styles using infinite combinations of composition ornament creating lavish frames for the new American prosperity. In the late 19th century, we see the creativity of Stanford White. Whistler frames employ the cassetta shape with multiple layers of reeds.