Bete Noire

Franz von Stuck was an artist who understood paintings and their frames as unified works of art. Although the artist was foremost a painter, he was also a graphic artist and sculptor, and was instrumental in the design of frames for his works. The actual execution of the frames was completed by cabinet and frame makers. In the work Bete Noir, it is framed in a design that was produced often by the artist for works at this time. The frame is decorated with winding curves that run parallel to the frame's edge. The frame is original to the painting, designed by the artist to complete the sensual harmony of the picture.