How do I care for wood panel paintings?

Wood panels react to changes in humidity and temperature by expanding and contracting slightly. Keep these artworks away from direct sunlight, radiators, and damp walls to prevent the wood from warping and the paint layer from cracking.

Are all panel paintings from the seventeenth century?

While wood panels were the primary support for European artists during the Renaissance and seventeenth century, painters continued using them into the twentieth century. You will find examples spanning from the Dutch Golden Age through the Georgian and Victorian periods up to mid-century modern works.

Why use wood panels instead of canvas?

Wood panels offered a rigid, completely flat surface that allowed artists to apply fine, detailed brushstrokes without the bounce of a stretched fabric. This stability made them the preferred choice for detailed portraiture and miniature work across multiple centuries.