How do I date an oil portrait?

Dating relies on the sitter's costume, hairstyle, and the stretcher construction of the canvas. Painters often signed and dated the works directly on the front or reverse. Period frames also offer clues, though they can be later replacements. Comparing the brushwork style to known works from specific centuries helps narrow down the decade.

Were these portraits painted from life?

Many formal commissions required the sitter to sit in a studio for multiple sessions. Painters used preparatory sketches to capture exact likenesses before completing the canvas. Some later or decorative pieces were painted after earlier historical originals or from imagination. Attribution notes often clarify whether a piece is a direct life study.

How should I hang an oil painting?

Oil paintings require stable wall fixings that can support the weight of heavy wooden frames. Use picture hooks rated well above the weight of the piece. Position paintings away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent the canvas and paint layers from drying out or cracking over time.

What is the difference between canvas and panel?

Canvas consists of woven fabric stretched over a wooden frame, offering slight give and a textured surface. Panels use solid wood boards, providing a rigid support for detailed brushwork. Panel paintings often date to earlier centuries, while canvas became the dominant support from the 18th century onward.