What periods do these child portraits span?

The pieces extend from sixteenth-century Renaissance works up through Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras into the twentieth century. This broad timeline reflects changing artistic conventions in portraying youth. Buyers encounter everything from classical religious interpretations to nineteenth-century folk art silhouettes and advertising prints.

How were these framed portraits originally displayed?

Historic portraits hung in domestic parlours, drawing rooms, and family galleries to commemorate lineage and childhood milestones. Wealthier households commissioned oil paintings, while others collected silhouettes or engravings. The original frames, often fashioned from giltwood or rosewood, were selected to complement the interior decor of the period.

How do I care for antique paper and canvas portraits?

Protect works executed on paper, pastel, or canvas from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the pigments and discolouration of the support. Maintaining stable indoor humidity levels ensures the wood panels and canvases do not warp. Keep framed pieces away from excessive moisture and heat sources to preserve the integrity of the original materials.

How can I distinguish between an oil painting and a print?

Examining the surface under magnification reveals the brushstrokes and raised texture characteristic of oil on canvas. Prints and advertising reproductions display dot patterns or smooth, flat ink applications beneath the glass. Checking the backing and frame construction also helps determine whether the item is an original hand-executed work or a later reproduction.