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Detail of the frame for Tintoretto's The Muses
Frames in the Royal Collection

A guide to the history of frames in the Royal Collection

Terminology and Description

The usual profile of a frame projects outwards from the picture, creating the illusion of a window framing the scene depicted in the picture, while a reverse-section projects the picture out and reduces shadows cast onto the picture.

The areas of the frame that are most commonly described are the sight, scoop, knull and back edge. The sight refers to inside edge of the frame. The scoop is the hollow area on the front of the frame. If the scoop is ornamented and does not have a concave profile it is also be referred to as the 'panel'. The knull is the top edge of the frame, and the back edge is as the name implies.

Every frame is described in the same format; from the sight to back edge, with each style of ornament individually stated. While the exact pattern of ornament may not be identical for every frame of the same style the general description should be applicable to most frames.


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.