What does European school mean?

The designation refers to paintings created in continental Europe where the specific individual artist remains unknown or unrecorded. These works are instead categorised by their regional tradition or stylistic period. Such attribution groups together pieces sharing common technical methods and artistic influences from specific countries or historical art movements.

How do I care for an oil painting?

Protect the canvas from direct sunlight and maintain stable indoor humidity to prevent the paint layer from cracking or warping. Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush without applying liquid cleaners. Ensure the artwork hangs away from direct heat sources and damp walls to preserve the integrity of both the support and the frame.

How can I tell the age of a painting?

Dating relies on examining the stretcher frames, the weave of the canvas, and the types of pigments used across the composition. Costume details, hairstyles and sitter accessories also provide reliable clues for historical context. Stylistic markers associated with specific regional schools help narrow down the decade or century of creation.