How do I care for antique oil paintings?

Keep religious canvases away from direct sunlight and dramatic shifts in household humidity to protect the paint layer. Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush and avoid using liquid cleaners on old varnish.

Were these pieces made for churches or homes?

Devotional art served both public worship in chapels and private prayer in domestic spaces. Smaller panels and miniatures were designed for personal contemplation, while larger processional figures and altarpieces belonged to parishes.

An ex voto is a devotional offering placed in a sacred space to give thanks for a miracle or recovery. These items reflect deeply personal acts of faith and local religious traditions across Italy.

How can I tell a school piece from a master?

Paintings attributed to a school or follower were created by artists working within the style or workshop of a major master rather than the master's own hand. These works still display high technical skill and adherence to period composition rules.