WO2000074956A1

WO2000074956A1 - 3-d art reproduction and method of displaying same

Info

Publication number: WO2000074956A1
Application number: PCT/CA2000/000644
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harvey Kalef
Original assignee: Atelier America Inc.
Priority date: 1999-06-04
Filing date: 2000-06-01
Publication date: 2000-12-14
Also published as: AU5377500A

Abstract

An art form comprises: i) a support frame having two side members, a top member and a bottom member; and ii) an artistic reproduction of an image mounted on the support frame; wherein opposing members have corresponding curves.

Description

TITLE

3-D ART REPRODUCTION AND METHOD OF DISPLAYING SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to art reproductions as well as original paintings and methods of displaying same to enhance the feeling of depth perception. Paintings and reproductions are presented on various types of curved forms to provide novel art forms. The art forms include, for example, free standing tabletop forms, book ends, concave, convex or concavo-convex wall hangings, triptex forms and large murals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although we live in a three dimensional world much of the art that we enjoy is presented in a two dimensional manner. Many different techniques have been used to enhance a feeling of three dimensions when viewing a two dimensional work of art. These include shading, the use of linear perspective and other graphical techniques as well as more complex options such as holography. In addition, there is a large demand for traditional works of art that have been updated to reflect recent home decorating trends. Traditionally, original paintings and reproductions of them are displayed on a flat surface in ornate frames . Yet such frames may be costly and may not compliment all types of decor. Thus, there is a growing demand for art forms which allow one to enjoy the experience of the art presented in novel, image enhancing formats.

U.S. Patent No. 5,667,747 discloses a vacuum forming process and apparatus that molds a thin sheet of thermoformable plastic into a relief reproduction of an original artistic work such that the brush strokes, shades and colors are accurately recreated. The reproduction may be further enhanced by the addition of actual oil paint applied by hand by master artists.

U.S. Patent No. 5,721,041 discloses flexible art reproductions which have a substrate such as woven fabric, paper or polymeric film which can impart a canvas-like texture to the art reproduction. This sheet is adhesively bonded to a thermoplastic layer which is printed to form an image.

The presentation of art work has long been recognized as an image enhancing factor. U.S. Patent No. 2,184,121 discloses a process for making unitary constructions having an integral art work area and frame portion and provides for the products of such a process. The art work is treated by lamination with hardenable transparent resinous materials and hardened into a shape having an art work area and a frame area .

It has been recognized in the photographic arts that a desirable effect may be obtained by displaying a picture on a curved surface. For example, U.S. Patent No. 2,971,282 discloses a picture frame adapted to receive an inwardly curving picture bearing member and U.S. Patent No. 3,041,761 discloses a picture display ensemble including a frame and a flexible picture assembly supported in the frame so that portions of the picture surface are flat or planar and other portions are non-planar or contoured together. As well, U.S. Patent No. 2,961,789 discloses a picture frame which has a radius back for the purpose of giving the picture a three dimensional effect and U.S. Patent No. 5,617,663 discloses a photograph stand which maintains a photograph in a curved condition.

Another picture display format is disclosed in Canadian Design Registration No. 40212 which illustrates a picture support frame having a rectangular front surface of concave curvature, the angle of curvature being parallel to the two opposed side edges of the rectangle.

A more complex approach which attempts to create a 3-D visual effect is disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 2,007,313 which relates to the creation of a 3-D visual effect through the use of an array of faceted sections formed in a surface. The facets are coated with a reflective material and are angled at various angles to simulate a 3-D scene. This involves an expensive, complex procedure including determinations of the maximum diameter of the sections to be used for a particular scene, calculations of the appropriate slope of the facets and determining the type of reflective medium to be applied to the facets. Thus, there remains an unmet need for feasible methods of presenting artwork to enhance a sense of three-dimensional perception.

Most of the above-mentioned previous attempts to display pictures in a three dimensional format have had two things in common. First, they are all directed to relatively small sized photographic prints having smooth surfaces and secondly, they all rely on a traditional photographic mounting techniques in which a photograph is mounted behind a viewing window. Canadian Patent No. 2,007,313 is directed to a very complex method for achieving a 3-D effect. Thus, it has not previously been possible to provide, in a consistent quality and quantity, art forms including oil or acrylic paintings or reproductions thereof, in a curved format. This is partially due to the fact that artist reproductions tend by nature to be inconsistent and expensive. It is further due to the simple physical fact that a canvas-like reproduction, as opposed to a photographic print, is flexible, is usually stretched, and will not normally remain in a curved position. The present invention provides for the surprising advantage of being able to display a canvas-like art form in a curved format and in the absence of a conventional frame. The present invention is particularly suitable for paintings or reproductions which have a high degree of surface texture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of one aspect of the invention to provide a system for displaying a painting or an art reproduction in a manner that enhances the relative position of objects in the image. This includes all types of reproductions such as printed reproductions, oil or acrylic copies and canvas transfers. Preferably, an artistic reproduction is shaped to enhance depth perception of the image and to provide novel art forms.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided an art form comprising: i) a support frame having two side members, a top member and a bottom member; and ii) an artistic reproduction of an image on a canvas backing mounted on said support frame; wherein opposing members have a corresponding curvature .

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a free-standing curved art form for display on a horizontal surface comprising an artistic reproduction mounted on a support .

In a further aspect, there is provided an art form comprising: i) a top frame member, ii) a bottom frame member, iii) two side frame members interconnecting the top member and the bottom member thereby defining a frame, iv) a rear mounting platform having a rear viewing window therein, and v) an artistic reproduction having an image side and a canvas backing side, said reproduction being mounted onto said rear platform whereby said image side is viewed within said frame and said canvas backing side is seen through said rear viewing window.

In a preferred embodiment the art reproduction is adhesively mounted onto said rear mounting platform.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a framing system for display of an artistic reproduction comprising: i) a top frame member, ii) a bottom frame member, iii) two side frame members interconnecting the top member and the bottom member thereby defining a frame, and iv) a rear mounting platform adapted to fit into channels in each of said top member, said bottom member and said side members, wherein an artistic image is adhesively mounted onto said rear mounting platform. There is also provided a method of displaying art comprising mounting an artistic reproduction image on a curved support member .

In a preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a frameless art form which comprises an image which is wrapped around the sides of a mounting frame to create a continuous image perception, wherein the image is on a flexible substrate most preferably on canvas .

In a further aspect of the invention an image on a flexible substrate, preferably canvas, is mounted into a frame which is curved to hold the image in a particular shape. In a preferred embodiment, the frame has a base which enables the frame to be freestanding. In a more preferred embodiment the base is angled relative to the sides such that the image is tilted to face slightly upwards.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided as an image, a painting or a reproduction with a textured relief image that is curved to give the viewer the impression of bringing forward objects in the foreground and causing objects in the background to recede. In a preferred embodiment the image is concave about a vertical axis. In yet another aspect of the invention, the degree of curvature of an image is based upon the width of the image. In a preferred embodiment, the curvature is also dependent upon the natural proportions or contours of the components of the image. The degree of curvature is selected to enhance the subject matter and to provide for novel art forms .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described with respect to the drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the viewing surface is concave; Figure 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment in which the sides of the reproduction wrap around the art form;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the embodiment of Figure 2 when assembled;

Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment which may be used as a bookend;

Figure 5 illustrates yet another embodiment which may used as a tabletop accessory;

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment that has a partially convex and partially concave surface; Figure 7 is another view of the embodiment of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a further view of the embodiment of Figure

6;

Figure 9 illustrates an example of a type of support over which the reproduction could be mounted; Figure 10 is a perspective view of another type of support member that may be used to display a curved art reproduction;

Figure 11 is a side view of the support member of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a partial exploded view demonstrating how an art reproduction may be mounted in the support member of Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a partial view of a 3-D relief image art form;

Figure 14 is a partial view of a canvas transfer image according to the present invention;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of an aspect of the invention which comprises a visible frame; Figure 16 is a top view of the frame of Figure 15;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 17; Figure 19 is a rear view of the embodiment of Figures

17 and 18;

Figure 20 is a sectional view taken at the line 20-20 of Figure 19;

Figure 21 is a sectional view taken at the line 21-21 of Figure 19; and

Figure 22 is an enlarged view of a section of the support structure of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to translating art and reproductions in terms of proportion and perspective which enhance depth perception. When one looks at a painting, light rays are reflected from the surface. The light rays are focused on the pupil and so-called view rays are directed from the eye to the painting. The view rays form a cone, the base of which is elliptical in nature. The present invention uses curvature as a tool to achieve thematic and compositional objectives by altering the optical beam pathways .

Referring now to Figure 1, an art form 10 is provided which includes an artistic reproduction 12 on a canvas backing. The art reproduction is displayed such that there is a concave viewing surface 14. The curvature and the image are selected such that the foreground objects 16 (e.g. trees) appear to be forward of the background objects 18 (e.g. mountains) . The central region 20 of the viewing surface 14 is recessed relative to the forward edges 22.

Figure 2 illustrates how this effect can be achieved. A support 26 is provided which comprises a top support member 28, a bottom support member 30, a first side support member 32 and a second side support member 34. Opposing members (i.e. the top member 28 and the bottom member 30 or the first side member 32 and the second side member 34) are correspondingly curved. Each of the support members has a front face or edge. The top member front face 36, the bottom member front face 38, the first side member front face 40 and the second side member front face 42 together define a front curved face 44. The curved front face 44 provides support for the artistic reproduction 12 which, by virtue of its sheetlike nature, follows the curvature of the top member front face 36 and bottom member front face 38. The top 46 of the reproduction 12 is flush with the front edge 48 of the top member 28 and the bottom 50 is flush with the edge 52 of the bottom member 30. The artistic reproduction 12 is mounted onto the support frame 26 with the sides 54 wrapped around the side members 32,34 for a frameless appearance.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the top support member 28, the bottom support member 30 and side support members 32, 34 each have a rear face 58, 60, 62, 64, respectively. After wrapping the sides 54 of the artistic reproduction 12 around the side members 32,34, the edges 68 are affixed to the rear faces 62, 64 of the side members. The edges 68 can be affixed by a fastener 70 such as staples, tacks, nails or other types of fasteners or by way of an adhesive. The top member rear face 58, the bottom member rear face 60, and the side member rear faces 62,64 together define a rear viewing window through which the canvas backing 66 of the reproduction 12 can be seen. While an embodiment, in which the curvature is concave about a vertical axis, has been used as an example, it is clear that depending upon the composition of the art work, it may be preferable in some cases to present the image on a surface that is concave about a horizontal axis, a convex surface or a combination of concave and convex surface. For example, some landscapes may be particularly adaptable to a concave surface while a still art such as a vase of flowers may be more adaptable to a convex surface. The terms " concave" and " convex" are used herein according to the definitions in the Shorter Oxford Dictionary. " Concave" means having the outline or surface curved like the interior of a circle or sphere. " Convex" is the opposite. In other words, ^Λv convex" means having a curvature that bulges toward the point of observation and " concave' means having a curvature that recedes away from the point of observation. The extent and direction of curvature may be adjusted in order to enhance the relative positioning of components in a composition. Curvature may also be used to enhance shadowing in an image and thus accentuate the perception of depth.

Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the side support members 74 are curved. When the artistic reproduction is mounted on the support frame a curved image surface 76 is achieved. Preferably, the image is wrapped around the top member 78 and the bottom member 80. The top member 78, bottom member 80 and side members 74 may be configured so that the art form can function as a book-end 82.

Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment in which a quonset shaped support structure may be used. The ends 82 of the quonset define the curvature of the top surface 86 around which an artistic reproduction may be mounted.

It is clearly apparent to one skilled in the art that other curved structural forms could also be used in the manufacture of free-standing art reproductions. Such free-standing works of art are suitable for display on table tops, office desks, etc. The image and the structural form to be used are selected to synergize image perception and functionality.

Figures 6 to 9 illustrate another embodiment in which the curvature has been selected to accentuate the relative positioning of components of the image. The art form 88 has a convex region 90 and a concave region 92. Thus, in the illustrated example, the artistic reproduction image is displayed so that the mother in the foreground 94 is on the convex area 90 and the child in the background 96 is in a relatively concave area 92. The top of the image 102 is flush with the front edge 104 of the top member 98 and the bottom 106 of the image is flush with the front edge 108 of the bottom member 100. More light will be reflected from the convex portion making it appear that the mother is closer than the child. As shown in figures 7 and 8, the sides 110 of the canvas wrap around side members 112. This provides for a smooth flowing, more realistic presentation as the picture is not abruptly terminated at the sharp edge of a frame.

An exemplary support for this type of presentation is illustrated in Figure 9. The support 118 has a top member 120, a bottom member 122 and two side members 124,126. Each of these members has a front face,

128,130,132,134, respectively. The front faces provide a support for the reproduction. When the reproduction is affixed to the support frame 118, the reproduction will, by virtue of its flexibility, follow the curvature of the top member front face 128 and the bottom member front face 130. It is clearly apparent to one skilled in the art that various other support structures, such as a sheet of flexible wood, may be used to achieve this type of curved art form.

An alternative embodiment of the art form of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 10 to 12. A support frame is provided which has a top member 140, a bottom member 142 and side members 144. The top member 140 and the bottom member 142 are curved thereby providing a top member front face 146 and a bottom member front face 148 that each have a concave middle portion 150 and convex side portions 152. An artistic reproduction image 154 on a canvas backing is included which follows the curvature of the front faces 146,148 such that the artistic reproduction image has a concave area 156 and convex areas 158.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrates how this can be achieved. Both the top member 140 (not shown in Fig. 10) and the bottom member 142 include an extension 160 which extends beyond the side support members 144. The top member 140 and the bottom member 142 also include complimentary channels 162 which follow the curvature of the front faces 146,148. The artistic reproduction 154 is fed through the channel 162 as indicated by the arrow 164. In this manner, the canvas backed reproduction which is flexible in nature assumes the curvature of the support members 140 and 142.

While a concave surface forming structure is illustrated in these figures, it is clearly apparent to one skilled in the art that the top and bottom frame members could be shaped to accomodate channels which would hold the picture in a variety of positions, e.g. convex or partially concave and partially convex. In such a support structure, the picture wraps around the sides to present a more realistic and appealing view. The orientation of the support members may be altered to provide a different effect. For example, the side members could be curved and provided with channels to define the shape the image assumes.

Figure 13 is a partially cut-away section of an art form according to the present invention which illustrates the surface 170 of an oil painting, acrylic painting or reproduction which has a degree of texture or 3-dimensional relief. The image is wrapped around the sides 176. When an artist applies paint using a brush or a spatula a certain degree of roughness is applied to the surface. This results in a number of surface peaks 172 and valleys 174 being formed. Images which have a significant degree of roughness or so called surface peaks and valleys are particularly suitable to the present invention as discussed further below.

Figure 14 illustrates a canvas transfer image 178 which has a degree of surface texture (indicated at 180) which is implied by the canvas texture being imprinted in the image. Such canvas transfer images may also be enhanced by introducing curvature to the image in accordance with the invention. The sides 180 of the image 178 may be wrapped around side members 182 and the bottom 184 of the image may may be wrapped around a bottom support 186. The image may also be wrapped around a top support (not shown) to achieve a frameless display.

Figure 15 illustrates another aspect of the invention which includes a framing system 190. The framing system 190 comprises a top member 192, a bottom member 194 and two side members 196. Each of these members have a front face, 198, 200, 202, respectively, which together define a front frame. In combination with the framing system, the inclusion of an artistic reproduction 204 provides for a novel art form 206. In the example illustrated, the frame formed by the front faces is concave, such that the centre 208 of the image is recessed relative to the point of observation. However it is clearly apparent that the top member and the bottom member need not be curved. The framing system as described above and in more detail later may also be used to display planar images.

The bottom member 194 preferably includes a rearwardly extending base portion 210. This base portion 210 enables the art form 206 to be free-standing with surprising stability.

Figure 16 is a top view of the art form 206 which illustrates the rearwardly extending base portion 210 of the bottom member 194. The concave curve 212 of the top member 192 is also clearly apparent.

The framing system may be designed in either landscape or portrait format. While Figures 15 and 16 illustrate a landscape format, Figure 17 illustrates the framing system in a portrait format . The framing system includes a top member 204, a bottom member 216, and side members 218. Each of these members have a front face, 220, 222, 224, respectively, which together define a front frame 226. An artistic reproduction 228 is mounted in the framing system to achieve a novel art form 229. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 18, the bottom member 216 includes an integral extended base portion 230. Because the extended base 230 is integral with the bottom member 216, the art form is surprisingly sturdy and stable when placed on a horizontal surface 232 such as a desk or table. Preferably the base 230 together with the side members 218 define an acute angle 234. This results in the artistic reproduction having a rearward tilt which enhances display of the artistic reproduction when the art form 229 is placed on a horizontal surface 232, such as a table, desk, bookshelf or the like. This also has the unexpected advantage of reflecting more light back toward the viewer's eyes thus enhancing perception of the image. The rearward tilt in conjunction with the extended base results in a surprisingly rugged and stable art form.

Figure 19 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment described with respect to Figures 17 and 18. In this view we can see the top member 214, the bottom member 216 and the two side members 218 as well as the rear face of each, 240, 242, 244, respectively. The art form also includes a rear mounting platform 246 which comprises a top element 248, a bottom element 250 and two side elements 252 each having an inner edge, 254, 256, 258 , respectively . The top element 248, bottom element 250 and side elements 252 of the mounting platform 246 define a rear viewing window 260 through

If which the canvas backing 262 of the artistic reproduction can be seen. The rear mounting platform 246 is curved in the same direction and to the same degree as the top 214 and bottom 216 members. The artistic reproduction 204 is adhered to the rear mounting platform 246 and assumes a corresponding curvature .

Figures 20-22 illustrate how the framing system and art form are assembled. The top member 214, the bottom member 216 and the side members 218 each include channels 264, 266, 268, respectively. The edges 270 of the side elements 252 of the mounting platform 246 fit into the side member channels 268, the edge 272 of the top element 248 fits into the top member channel 264 and the edge 274 of the bottom element 250 fits into the bottom member channel 266. An artistic reproduction 204 is adhesively mounted onto the front side 276 of the mounting platform 246 such that it is surrounded by a frame comprising the top member front face 198, the bottom member front face 200 and the side member front faces 202. An enlarged view of the edge 274 of the bottom element 250 of the platform 246 in the channel 266 with the artistic reproduction 204 adhered to the front side 276 of the mounting platform 246 is illustrated in Figure 22.

In a preferred embodiment the top member and the bottom member are curved and the channels follow the curvature of the members. The platform is preferably made from a sheet of flexible, yet sturdy material such as wood. Because the platform is flexible it will follow the contours of the channels. When it is adhered, the artistic reproduction assumes the curvature of the platform as clearly illustrated in Figures 17, 19 and 20.

By adhering the artistic reproduction to the mounting platform, the impression of a stretched canvas is surprisingly achieved without the need for a stretcher. It would appear that by curving the canvas backed sheet when adhering it to the curved platform, the sheet becomes taught and gives the appearance and feel of stretched canvas. Furthermore, the adhered canvas acts as a web between the platform elements providing additional surprising stability to the framing system. There is no need for any additional support.

While several exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described with respect to the Figures, it is clear to one skilled in the art that the present invention has many other applications. For example, the art work may be shaped to fit into a corner or may comprise a free standing sculpture. The technology also allows for the preparation of large curved wall murals for office buildings, hotels, museums, malls, etc. The curved artwork concept may also be applied to pieces of furniture. For example, a coffee table may be provided which has a curved artwork base which may be viewed either from the side or from the top through a transparent top surface. Likewise, the present invention offers the possibility of designing a novel type of desk whereby someone entering an office, views a curved artistic reproduction on the front of the desk. In an alternative embodiment, they may be provided a room divider or screen. The screen may be alternatively concave and convex to allow it to be free standing or the artistic image may be presented on several separate panels which when viewed together provide a curved image. Another alternative comprises a greeting card which has a textured three-dimensional image on the front cover. Means are provided with the card to cause the sides to curve in thus providing a concave surface. This has the dual advantage of allowing the card to be a free standing art form and it enhances the three-dimensional perception of the artistic image.

While not wishing to be bound by any scientific explanation of the surprising effect that is achieved by the present invention, it is thought that depth perception is particularly enchanced when the image is curved and has a decided 3-D relief surface texture. Images with surface texture that simulates brush strokes or acrylic spatula strokes are especially effective in the practice of the present invention. Although the reasons for this are not fully understood, the effect appears to be based on optical effects. It is well known that light travels in a straight line unless it is bent by passing through a transparent material of a different density such as water or glass or a lens. It is also known that the eye perceives light which is reflected from a surface. The angle at which the reflected light hits the eye is directly proportional to the angle at which it was reflected from the surface. Thus, the flatter a surface, the more uniform the angle at which the light will be reflected to the eye. On the other hand, a very textured surface will reflect light back to the eyes at a much wider range of angles and will thus provide a more complex image for the brain to process. The perception of light and dark areas is also enhanced. Another point to consider is that due to the fact that we have binocular vision, the images received by the two eyes are different. It is this binocular parallax that gives a person significant depth perception. The present invention may be exploiting this parallax by causing incident light to be reflected at different angles from different areas of a painting to each of the eyes. The human brain uses learned images to reconstruct images from the reflected light. The complexity of the image reconstructed is likely relative to the complexity of the reflections processed and images which have a significant amount of surface texture will be perceived as more realistic, hence having greater depth. This effect is further enhanced by the application of the present invention since curving of an image will further affect the way the light is reflected to each of the eyes. In addition, an image can be curved to differentially reflect light and to take advantage of the perception that objects which are in shadow tend to appear more distant.

The present invention also provides the effect the curved surface tends to collect or diffuse the light depending on its curvature orientation and hence enhance the shading of the textured surface. Contrary to this, a flat image causes increased glare which detracts from the image. When the image is a three dimensional relief image, this collected or diffused light reflection has the surprising result of enhancing the textural effect of the image.

Although preferred aspects of the invention are described with respect to the drawings, it is understood that variations made be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims :

1. An art form comprising: i) a support frame having two side members, a top member and a bottom member; and ii) an artistic reproduction of an image mounted on said support frame; wherein opposing members have corresponding curves.

2. The art form of claim 1 wherein said image has at least one foreground component and at least one background component and said image is curved so as to bring forward toward a viewer said foreground component and to cause said background component to recede.

3. The art form of claim 1 wherein said image is concave or convex.

4. The art form of claim 1 wherein said image is mounted on a canvas backing.

5. The art from of claim 1 wherein said image is concave in a first region and convex in a second region.

6. The art form of claim 1 wherein said image is wrapped around said side members.

7. A free-standing curved art form for display on a horizontal surface comprising an artistic reproduction mounted on a curved support .

8. The art form of claim 7 adapted for use as a book- end.

9. An art form comprising: i) a top frame member, ii) a bottom frame member, iii) two side frame members interconnecting the top member and the bottom member thereby defining a frame, iv) a rear mounting platform having a rear viewing window therein, and v) an artistic reproduction having an image side and a canvas backing side, said reproduction being adhered to said rear platform whereby said image side is viewed within said frame and said canvas backing side is seen through said rear viewing window.

10. The art form of claim 9 wherein said art reproduction is adhesively mounted onto said rear mounting platform.

11. The art form of claim 9 wherein said said top frame member, said bottom frame member, and said rear mounting platform are correspondingly curved.

12. The art form of claim 9 wherein said bottom frame member extends rearwardly to form a stabilizing base for a free-standing art form.

13. The art form of claim 9 wherein said stabilizing base forms an acute angle with said side frame members.

14. A framing system for display of an artistic reproduction comprising: i) a top frame member, ii) a bottom frame member, iii) two side frame members interconnecting the top member and the bottom member thereby defining a frame, and iv) a rear mounting platform adapted to fit into recessed grooves in each of said top member, said bottom member and said side members, wherein an artistic image is adhesively mounted onto said rear mounting platform.

15. The framing system of claim 14 wherein said top member and said bottom member are curved.

16. The framing system of claim 14 wherein said rear mounting platform has a rear viewing window disposed therein.

17. The framing system of claim 14 wherein said bottom member extends rearwardly to form a base whereby the framing system is free-standing.

18. A method of displaying art comprising mounting an artistic reproduction image on a curved support member.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said support member is concave.