So I came across a rather fun plate at a brocante and it led me to delve into the history a bit. There were many aspects that I looked at and found that it took a look or time and reading. I have created a summary below. I hope that it covers all the areas you are interested in (I had to leave out a lot of information or this post would have turned into an entire book)
French paintings in circular frames, often referred to as tondi (the plural of the Italian word “tondo,” meaning “round”), hold a special place in art history and are associated with specific artistic traditions and periods. Here’s an overview:
Origins and Popularity
- Renaissance Influence:
- The tradition of circular paintings originated in the Italian Renaissance and later spread to France. French artists, inspired by Italian masters, adopted the circular frame for its aesthetic appeal and symbolic meaning.
- In the Renaissance, the tondo was often used for religious imagery, such as depictions of the Madonna and Child. This format symbolized unity, eternity, and perfection.
- French Rococo and Decorative Arts:
- During the Rococo period (18th century), circular paintings and frames became popular in France, especially for intimate and decorative works. These were often found in boudoirs or private salons.
- The circular format complemented the lighter, more playful style of Rococo art, with themes of love, nature, and mythology.
- Neoclassicism and Beyond:
- In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Neoclassical artists occasionally used circular frames for their works. The format suited the symmetry and balance central to the Neoclassical aesthetic.
Regional and Contextual Aspects
- Paris as a Hub: Paris, being the center of French art and culture, was the primary hub for tondi, especially during the Rococo and Neoclassical periods. The style was less about regional variation and more about alignment with courtly and aristocratic tastes.
- Provincial Adoption: Circular paintings were also created in provincial regions, often as part of decorative schemes in manor houses or churches.
Why Circular Frames?
- Symbolism:
- The circle is a universal symbol of completeness, eternity, and perfection, making it particularly suited for religious and allegorical subjects.
- Aesthetic Appeal:
- Circular frames focus attention on the central subject, creating a harmonious composition. They eliminate the corners present in rectangular or square formats, which can sometimes detract from a work’s flow.
- Versatility in Interior Design:
- Circular paintings were often used as part of interior decoration schemes. They fit well into ornate, curved architectural settings, such as ceilings, domes, or niches.
- Association with Prestige:
- Circular paintings and their frames were considered luxurious and sophisticated, reflecting the tastes of wealthy patrons.
Examples and Notable Works
- Rococo Examples:
- Artists like François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard occasionally used circular compositions for mythological or pastoral themes.
- Religious Works:
- While less common in French art than Italian, religious tondi appear in church settings or private chapels.
- Portrait Miniatures:
- Small-scale, circular portraits were a popular trend in the 18th century, often encased in ornate frames for personal keepsakes.
Legacy
Circular frames and tondi remain admired for their uniqueness and elegance. While their popularity waned with the rise of modernist and abstract art, they continue to be appreciated for their historical and aesthetic significance.
