How should I display a watercolour?

Hang paintings away from direct sunlight to prevent the pigments from fading over time. Maintaining stable indoor humidity also protects the fragile paper and prevents the wooden frame from warping. Ensure the piece remains sealed behind glass to block dust and airborne pollutants. Professional framing using acid-free materials safeguards the margins and backing of the artwork.

Are these paintings signed?

Many works bear the artist's signature or initials, typically placed in one of the lower corners. Signatures often appear in pencil, ink, or a darker watercolour pigment that matches the palette of the scene. Unsigned pieces rely on stylistic evidence, period framing, or contemporary inscriptions on the reverse to identify the origin and date. Dealers often attribute works by comparing brushwork and subject matter to documented examples.

What is the difference between watercolour and gouache?

Watercolour relies on translucent washes where the white of the paper illuminates the colours beneath. Artists build depth by layering thin, transparent glazes across the sheet. Gouache includes an added white filler that creates an opaque finish, allowing painters to apply lighter tones directly over darker areas. Artists frequently combined both mediums to achieve varied surface textures.

How do I date an antique watercolour?

Dating relies on visible clues including costume styles, architecture, and recorded dates inscribed by the artist. Notes written on the reverse of the paper or frame often supply additional historical context. The materials themselves, such as the weave of the paper and the construction of the gilt frame, offer further indications of the period of manufacture.