How do I identify a true Georgian portrait?

Look for stylistic cues such as costume, wig styles and painting techniques characteristic of the eighteenth century. Attributions are often supported by period inscriptions on the reverse of the canvas or frame. Examine the materials used, as genuine works typically feature period-appropriate stretched linen canvases, handmade wooden strainers and traditional oil or watercolour pigments.

What is a portrait miniature?

A portrait miniature is a small, highly detailed painting usually executed on a thin slice of ivory, vellum or card. These portable artworks were commissioned to commemorate family members and milestones. Artists used fine brushes and magnifying glasses to achieve remarkable facial detail, frequently housing the finished work in protective glass cases or hinged leather travel folding frames.

How should I care for these paintings?

Keep oil paintings and works on paper away from direct sunlight, high humidity and sudden temperature fluctuations. Stable indoor environments prevent the canvas from slackening and the wood from warping. Dust giltwood frames gently with a soft, dry brush and avoid applying liquid cleaners to the painted surfaces or exposed ivory miniatures.

Why are some sitters unidentified?

Many historical canvases lost their documentation over successive generations as families dispersed and estates were sold. Sitters were sometimes recorded only by family surname or through partial inscriptions. Researching costume history, heraldry on frames and the working methods of contemporary artists occasionally helps specialists reunite a portrait with its family history.