How do I date an antique child portrait?

Dating relies on costume, hair styling, and the materials of the support and frame. Written inscriptions on the reverse often provide further clues. Comparative analysis with dated works by the same school or artist helps narrow the decade of creation.

Are these portraits of real children?

Many depict specific children from aristocratic or middle-class families commissioned by parents. Others represent idealized figures, genre subjects, or religious icons. Religious examples explicitly portray the Madonna and child within traditional theological contexts.

How should I care for oil paintings on canvas?

Keep works away from direct sunlight and extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Dust gently with a soft, dry brush without applying pressure. Avoid using water or chemical cleaners on the paint surface or antique frames.

What is the difference between oil and watercolour?

Oil paintings utilise pigment suspended in drying oils on canvas or wood panels, offering rich textures and deep tones. Watercolours use water-soluble pigments on paper, creating translucent effects. Watercolours require glass protection to prevent environmental damage to the paper.