How should I hang an ochre portrait painting?

Hang these works away from direct sunlight and damp environments to protect fragile canvas, paper, and wood supports. Ensure secure wall fixings suited to the weight of the heavy frames typically found on these historic artworks.

How do I identify the period of a portrait?

Examine the materials of the stretcher, frame, and backing board alongside the clothing and hairstyle of the sitter. Stylistic movements such as impressionism or mid-century modernism also offer clear chronological markers for dating the work.

What is the difference between canvas and panel?

Canvas consists of woven fabric stretched over a wooden frame, offering slight give under the brush. Panels provide a completely solid, rigid wooden foundation. Artists chose panels for smaller, highly detailed works, while canvas suited larger compositions.