How do I date an old canvas?

Dating relies on examining the weave and weight of the canvas fabric, the construction of the wooden stretcher frame, and the chemical composition of the pigments. Stylistic clues in costume, hair and framing also offer reliable chronological markers. Historical labels, stamps from nineteenth-century colourmen, and handwritten inscriptions on the reverse often provide direct evidence of a painting's origin and timeframe.

Where should I hang an oil painting?

Oil paintings require stable environments away from direct sunlight, high humidity and sudden temperature fluctuations. Placing a canvas near a working radiator or in direct conservatory glare can cause the paint layer to crack and the canvas to warp. Interior walls with indirect ambient light and good air circulation help preserve both the canvas support and the delicate balance of the oil pigments over time.

What is the difference between a school piece and an original?

An original painting is executed entirely by the named master's own hand. A school piece or studio work is produced by trained followers or assistants working in the manner of that master. While master-signed works command higher regard, studio pieces and school paintings from the same era often display exceptional technical skill and historical value.