Italian frames have a long history in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Wooden frames gained great popularity in Italy. These frames were often made of poplar wood. Italian craftsmen excelled in carving and gilding frames.They did this to make the art look even better.
Poplar wood was easy to work with. Craftsmen could carve it easily. It was also stable, which was important for making good frames. Italian frames often had designs like leaves, scrolls, and religious symbols. These designs made the frames special.