What periods do these portraits date from?

The selections span the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, encompassing the Georgian and Regency eras. While the majority originate from the 1700s and early 1800s, some pieces reach back into the seventeenth century or extend into later revival styles.

Are these portraits painted by hand?

Many examples are original hand-painted works in oil, pastel or watercolour on canvas, panel and paper. Other pieces are period mezzotint engravings and hand-cut silhouettes produced during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Each medium employs distinct techniques, from brushwork on canvas to inked copper plates and precision paper cutting.

How were framed silhouettes created?

Artists cut profile likenesses from black paper using small scissors, often mounting the silhouette against a light card background. Some makers added delicate touches of watercolour and gold ink to define hair and clothing details. These cut-paper portraits were then protected beneath glass within timber or papier-mâché frames.

How should I care for antique portrait art?

Protect works on paper and canvas from direct sunlight to prevent the fading of inks, watercolours and oil pigments. Maintain a stable indoor environment away from excessive moisture and sudden temperature changes. Avoid hanging pieces in damp spaces or near direct heat sources to preserve both the artwork and the original frame.