TRAMP ART FRAME

Tramp art frame.

A tramp art frame with a religious painting depicting Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Tramp art, also known as “hobo art,” was popular from the 1870s to the 1940s. No one knows exactly when it began, but the materials used, especially wooden cigar boxes, became standard around the 1850s. Smoking cigarettes was very popular at that time, and by law, cigarette manufacturers could not reuse boxes, making them an excellent source of material. Tramp art is believed to have developed from the folk art tradition of wood carving. Cigar boxes and pieces of wood from dismantled wooden crates were carved and assembled together, creating frames for pictures, decorated boxes, and even pieces of furniture. The style is thought to have originated from Germany and Scandinavia but can be found in all industrialized countries. The name comes from the myth that tramp art was created by hobos who would usually exchange their products for food and shelter. While there is some truth to this myth, many tramp art creators were skilled craftsmen who dedicated a lot of time to their creative endeavors. Most tramp art pieces are not signed or dated, adding to the mystique that surrounds them.

Dimensions: 60.5 x 41.5 x 3 cm

Weight: 2.6 kg

The frame is in excellent condition.