Google’s doodle on Altina Schinasi: A Pioneer in Window Dressing and Interior Design

Google Doodle honored Altina Schinasi, the inventor of the Harlequin frame, on August 4, 2023. Schinasi was a window dresser and interior decorator who invented the Harlequin frame in the early 1900s. The Harlequin frame is a type of picture frame that is made up of a series of geometric shapes, such as triangles, squares, and circles. It is often used to frame art that is abstract or geometric in nature.

Schinasi was born in New York City in 1882. She began her career as a window dresser in the early 1900s. She was one of the first women to work in this field, and she quickly became known for her innovative and creative designs. In 1912, she invented the Harlequin frame. The Harlequin frame was an instant success, and it quickly became popular among artists and interior decorators.

Schinasi’s Harlequin frame was more than just a decorative frame. It was also a functional frame that helped to protect art from damage. The geometric shapes of the Harlequin frame helped to disperse the weight of the art, making it less likely to warp or crack. The Harlequin frame was also lightweight and easy to transport, making it ideal for traveling exhibitions.

Schinasi’s Harlequin frame had a major impact on the art world. It helped to popularize abstract and geometric art, and it made it easier for artists to transport and display their work. Schinasi was a visionary designer who helped to change the way we look at art.