Foyer Update: Antique Fish Prints
Hi! How was everyone's (hopefully) long weekend? The weather was GORGEOUS here in Massachusetts, it felt like summer:)
Last week, I posted about how I finally painted the inside of our front door black. Over the weekend, I hung up the four antique fish prints that I got at the Brimfield show this May (hand colored engravings from 1827-1834, done by French naturalist and zoologist Baron Georges Cuvier ). I bought them specifically for the foyer, to go on either side of the front door.
On one side of the wall we have this pesky light switch. It pretty much dictated where the prints would go. I framed and hung them horizontally, because the light switch is fairly low on the wall and I was worried that if I went with vertical frames, the one under the light switch would start to get really too low on the wall. Plus maybe it helps to balance out all the vertical planes of the door, side window panes, etc.? (Please answer yes.)
If anyone is really paying close attention, you'll notice I did not use all of the original prints I bought at Brimfield. I actually cut up some of the pages to frame bits and pieces of them separately. Is that a big no no? Probably, but I thought it was better than abandoning the whole project and having these beauties sit in a box somewhere because I didn't like how some of the pages were cropped when trying to fit them into my mats.
The gigantic fish eye isn't buggin' anyone out, is it? I think this kind of stuff is so cool...as an illustration major in college I appreciate the technique and they kind of remind me of the technical drawings I used to have to do both as a product designer and a 3d animator.
Just for kicks, here's the foyer before before before (going way back to before we had the cherry floors sanded and restained in dark walnut, before the door went black and before said fish art):
And here's the after, as seen from the upstairs landing:
Last week, I posted about how I finally painted the inside of our front door black. Over the weekend, I hung up the four antique fish prints that I got at the Brimfield show this May (hand colored engravings from 1827-1834, done by French naturalist and zoologist Baron Georges Cuvier ). I bought them specifically for the foyer, to go on either side of the front door.
On one side of the wall we have this pesky light switch. It pretty much dictated where the prints would go. I framed and hung them horizontally, because the light switch is fairly low on the wall and I was worried that if I went with vertical frames, the one under the light switch would start to get really too low on the wall. Plus maybe it helps to balance out all the vertical planes of the door, side window panes, etc.? (Please answer yes.)
If anyone is really paying close attention, you'll notice I did not use all of the original prints I bought at Brimfield. I actually cut up some of the pages to frame bits and pieces of them separately. Is that a big no no? Probably, but I thought it was better than abandoning the whole project and having these beauties sit in a box somewhere because I didn't like how some of the pages were cropped when trying to fit them into my mats.
The gigantic fish eye isn't buggin' anyone out, is it? I think this kind of stuff is so cool...as an illustration major in college I appreciate the technique and they kind of remind me of the technical drawings I used to have to do both as a product designer and a 3d animator.
Just for kicks, here's the foyer before before before (going way back to before we had the cherry floors sanded and restained in dark walnut, before the door went black and before said fish art):
And here's the after, as seen from the upstairs landing:
Love love the fish prints. I was just talking with some friends about my attraction to fish prints and plates. Not sure where it comes from but I do seem to be attracted to them. Yours look wonderful in your entry and the black door looks perfection. Kathysue
ReplyDeleteThey look great! I love the subtly colours they bring into the space. And the graphic black frames are awesome with the door. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThe fish prints are perfect for your foyer! And I like that you hung them horizontally, now that light switch virtually disappears.
ReplyDeleteCathy
The "after" look must really make you happy - one of those things you just smile at when you are walking towards. It's such a clean, balanced, classic look - and I like that the art has personal meaning for you too. Very cool Sarah!!
ReplyDeleteOhhh I'm a huge sucker for dark hardwood floors, black doors AND illustrative drawings, so this I really like =)
ReplyDeletexox Linda
Those look perfect in that space!!! Love it!
ReplyDeleteYou go, girl! The black door is awesome (and still on my to-do list) and I adore the fishes, bug-eyes and all. Perfection.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this! Seriously makes such a difference doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteSaw this and just had to say something. I absolutely LOVE those fish prints. I'm about to update the prints above my sofa and have been leaning towards vintage fish lighographs.
ReplyDeleteKristine
You did it! The door looks just FANTASTIC! It has such presence and character now. I absolutely love the prints, they are the perfect touch :)
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of paint did you use on the door? Is it semi- gloss?
ReplyDelete