How do I clean an antique oil picture painting?

Surface dust can be gently removed with a very soft, dry brush, avoiding any pressure on the paint layer. Professional restoration is required for deep cleaning or repairing aged varnish to prevent damage to the original pigments.

Are these paintings supplied in original frames?

Many works retain period surrounds such as carved gesso or giltwood frames that match the era of the canvas. Some pieces are reframed over time to suit interior decor changes, which is typically noted in individual descriptions.

How can I tell the period of a painting?

Dating relies upon costume details in portraits, stylistic markers of regional schools, and the physical composition of the canvas or wood panel. Signatures, inscriptions, and historical framing techniques also provide concrete evidence for chronological placement.

What is the difference between canvas and board?

Canvas provides flexibility and texture through its woven textile support, while wood panels and boards offer a completely rigid surface. Earlier European works frequently utilised timber panels, whereas nineteenth and twentieth-century pieces commonly employed stretched canvas or board.