How do I care for an antique oil painting?

Keep paintings away from direct sunlight, extreme temperature shifts and high humidity to prevent canvas slackening and pigment cracking. Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush and avoid using water or chemical cleaners on the paint layer.

What is the difference between oil and watercolour wall art?

Oil paintings utilise viscous pigments on canvas or wood panels, allowing for thick impasto and deep tonal blending. They are robust enough to hang without glass protection. Watercolours use translucent pigments on paper and require framing beneath glass to protect the delicate medium from moisture and atmospheric dust.

How can I tell the century of a painting?

Clues lie in the preparation of the canvas or panel, the style of the stretcher, the formulation of the pigments and the costume of any figures depicted. Inscribed signatures, dates, exhibition labels and historical provenance notes on the reverse provide further confirmation of the period.