Video

Behind the Scenes: The Mount Maker

Hidden among thousands of great works by famous artists in the National Gallery of Art is the work of a different artist, whose presence is not intended to be noticed. A mount maker meticulously creates small brass fittings by hand. This intricate process enables works of art to hang weightlessly from exhibition walls or appear to float in space. Mount makers’ work is ever-present but never noticed. Take a glimpse behind the scenes to see a museum mount maker at work.

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Sydney J. Freedberg Lecture on Italian Art presented by Emanuele Lugli (2026)