Passepartout

A passepartout is a framing component used to provide visual distance between an artwork and its frame. It is a thin, often rectangular plate that is placed between the artwork and the glass in the frame.

The purpose of a passepartout is to highlight and protect the artwork while creating an aesthetic presentation. The passepartout can be made of cardboard, acid-free paper or other similar material and is available in different colors and thicknesses.

When using a passepartout, you gain the following benefits:

• Visual distance: The passepartout creates a space between the artwork and the glass, providing a visual distance. This also prevents the artwork from coming into direct contact with the glass, which can prevent damage such as condensation or adhesion.
• Focus and Emphasis: Framing the artwork with a passepartout can help create a focal point. The mount can create a contrast between the colors of the artwork and the frame, which can highlight its details and bring attention to the artwork itself.
• Protection: The passepartout acts as a barrier between the artwork and the glass in the frame. This can help protect the artwork from moisture, condensation, direct contact and dust that can accumulate inside the frame.
• Flexibility: By using a mount, you can adjust the size of the frame to the size of the artwork. This allows you to place smaller pieces of art in larger frames or resize the opening in the mount to achieve the desired presentation.
• Mounts are commonly used in the art world for framing paintings, photographs, prints and other works of art. They can be bought pre-cut in standard sizes or cut to fit individual measurements by professional framing companies.

See the handmade and elegant frames with passepartout from Mette Handberg here.

Advantages of a passepartout

A passepartout can add an elegant effect to framing artwork. Here are some of the ways a passepartout can contribute to this aesthetic appeal:

• Visual purity: The passepartout creates a clean and sharp edge around the artwork. The white or neutral color of many mats gives a clean and minimalist look. This visual purity can help highlight the details of the artwork and make it more eye-catching.
• Contrast: A passepartout can create a contrast between the artwork and the frame. The space that the passepartout creates acts as a buffer between the artwork and the frame, and it can provide a visual separation between the two elements. This contrast can add depth and interest to the framing.
• Focal point: By using a passepartout you can create a focal point around the artwork. The surrounding passepartout can help direct the eye towards the artwork itself and give it space to be viewed and appreciated. This can be especially effective if the artwork has fine details or a complex composition.
• Luxurious: The use of a passepartout can help give a sense of luxury and elegance to the framing. It can give the impression that the artwork has been carefully handled and presented with care. The clean and sophisticated look of a passepartout can enhance the perception of the artwork's value and importance.
• Durability over time: Mounts are often made from acid-free paper or cardboard designed to protect artwork from harmful substances over time. This extra protection can help preserve the artwork in its original state for longer, which also contributes to a sense of elegance and dignity.

In combination with a suitable frame and the content of the artwork, a passepartout can help create a sophisticated and stylish framing effect that highlights the artwork in an elegant way.

See the entire collection of art posters from Mette Handberg here. You can advantageously choose an A3 print that fits a frame with passe partout in size 40x50 cm, which is the size shown in the picture above. Choose between frames in oak, black-painted oak or gold.