What periods do these paintings cover?

The works span primarily the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, encompassing the Georgian, Regency, and Victorian eras. Artists of these times produced both large-scale canvases and intimate portrait miniatures. Specific styles also draw on eighteenth-century classical and French traditions, alongside later revivals stretching into the twentieth century.

How do I care for an oil painting?

Keep canvas works away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity to prevent cracking of the oil paint and warping of the wooden stretcher bars. Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush. Avoid using water or chemical cleaners on historic painted surfaces or fragile giltwood frames.

Are all the sitters identified?

Many portraits record named individuals, such as nobility, landowners, or family members noted in historic inscriptions and provenance records. Other subjects remain anonymous, often titled simply as a lady or a country girl. Researching costume, hairstyles, and framing styles frequently helps narrow down the decade in which an unknown sitter was painted.