Are these paintings original?

The selection includes original oil paintings executed by hand on canvas or wood panels during various historical periods. Many retain their period frames and contemporary signatures or attribution records. Buyers should examine the medium specified in each listing, as print reproductions occasionally appear alongside unique painted works.

How do I date a frame?

Frame dating relies upon the moulding profile, the composition of the underlying gesso, and the type of gilding used. Earlier frames often feature hand-carved wooden ornament, whilst later Victorian versions utilise moulded composition applied to timber. Matching the wood shrinkage and wear patterns of the frame to the age of the canvas helps confirm whether the housing is original to the artwork.

What is an English School painting?

An English School designation refers to an anonymous artwork produced in Britain during a specific century. These pieces reflect the prevailing academic and regional styles of British artists active at that time. Such works often lack a recorded signature but demonstrate technical traits associated with known artistic circles of the period.