How do I identify the period of a canvas?

Examine the style of dress, hair and subject matter depicted in the painting, alongside the construction methods of the stretcher bars and canvas weave. Matching these visual clues with the historical context of the artist or school provides a reliable indication of the date of creation.

Are the frames original to the paintings?

Many older paintings have been reframed over the centuries to match changing interior tastes, while others retain their period-correct surrounds. Looking at the fit of the canvas within the rebate and the ageing of the giltwood helps determine if they have remained together.

How should I care for an oil painting?

Keep the canvas away from direct sunlight, damp environments and extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent the paint layers from cracking. Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush and avoid using chemical cleaning agents on either the canvas or the gilded wood.

What subjects are most common?

Portraits of individuals, pastoral landscapes and maritime scenes dominate the historical inventory of these works. These subjects reflect the artistic commissions and popular tastes of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.