<p>
	The wooden frame appeared for the first time&nbsp; in churches surrounding&nbsp; religious paintings.&nbsp; In the 15th C they appeared in the homes of the nobility.&nbsp; During the Renaissance frame workshops flourished, frames were made in all shapes and sizes and they became works of art&nbsp; in themselves. Frames differed from one country to another, 17th C frames in Protestant Holland were plain and in dark wood whereas in France under Louis XIV the baroque style in giltwood prevailed. This was followed by the rococo Louis XV style and the neo-classic Louis XVI style.&nbsp; During the 20th C simpler frames were preferred but the end of the century saw a renewed interest in the antique French frame in carved giltwood.</p>