How do I identify the period of a portrait?

Clothing, hairstyles, and framing styles offer the most reliable clues to a painting's era. Examining the canvas preparation and stretcher construction provides additional chronological evidence. Comparing the sitter's dress against historical fashion plates helps narrow down the decade of creation.

Were these portraits always commissioned?

While formal eighteenth and nineteenth-century works recorded wealthy patrons and nobility, many nineteenth and twentieth-century paintings depicted anonymous models or genre figures. Artists often painted domestic scenes or local women as studies without a specific commissioning client.

How should I care for an oil painting?

Keep paintings away from direct sunlight and dramatic temperature fluctuations to prevent canvas warping and paint cracking. Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush without applying moisture or cleaning agents. Consult a professional conservator before attempting any surface cleaning or varnish removal.

What is the difference between an oil and a watercolour?

Oil paint utilises a slow-drying medium that allows artists to blend colours smoothly and build rich, textured layers on canvas or wood. Watercolour employs a water-soluble binder on paper, resulting in a lighter and more translucent finish. Watercolours require glass protection in their framing, whereas oil paintings on canvas remain exposed to the air.