How do I date a framed portrait?

Examine the sitter's clothing, hairstyle, and collar style, which shift noticeably across decades from ruffs to cravats. Inspect the construction of the frame and the backing boards for signs of age, such as hand-cut nails or early fixings.

Are silhouettes considered portraits?

Yes, silhouettes served as an accessible form of likeness before photography became widespread in the nineteenth century. Artists cut these profiles freehand from black paper, sometimes adding highlights in watercolour.

How should I hang these artworks?

Hang paintings away from direct sunlight and damp walls to protect the canvas, paper, and gold leaf. Ensure the wall fixings match the substantial weight of timber frames and plaster mouldings.

What is a mezzotint portrait?

Mezzotints are tonal prints created from copper plates that reproduce famous oil paintings for wider distribution. Publishers issued these prints throughout the eighteenth century to record notable figures of the era.