Wallace Nutting Library

Large Format - Close Framed Pictures

( Photos courtesy Jake & Claire Holmes )

Large close framed pictures will have the pen and ink signature applied directly to the picture. The style of the signature along with other elements can date the production of a picture. In some cases a copyright date will also be visible. This will indicate the date of the master plate.

( Photo courtesy Zoe Bongarzone )

It is unusual to find large close-framed photographs in the portrait format as in the picture to the left. It is also difficult at times to see the signature. In the picture at left the signature was on the lower right of the photo, applied in pen and ink, but because of the details of the flowers the signature was hard to discern.

The Nutting studio made large, close framed hand colored pictures in 20" x 24" as in the picture above; in 20" x 28"/30" as in the picture to the left; and in a larger 20" x 40." size. It was also possible to purchase large format photos mounted on a signed and titled mat. The Nutting Studio sales catalog list select pictures in sizes as follows:

"T"   12" x 20"   photo on a 22" x 30" mat
"G"   16" x 20"   photo on a 26" x 30" mat
"H"   20" x 24"   photo on a 29" x 36" mat
"J" 20" x 28/30" photo on a 29" x 40" mat
"W"   20" x 40" photo on a 30" x 52" mat