How do I date an old painting?

Dating relies on stylistic clues within the clothing, hairstyles, and framing techniques typical of specific historical periods. Pigment analysis and examination of the canvas weave also provide reliable chronological markers. Signatures, inscriptions on the reverse, and recorded exhibition histories further narrow down the exact decade of creation.

Where should I hang my artwork?

Paintings require stable indoor environments away from direct sunlight, which can fade organic pigments over time. Maintaining consistent room temperature prevents the wooden stretcher and textile support from warping. Interior walls free from dampness and drastic humidity swings ensure the longevity of both the canvas and its decorative frame.

Why do some paintings have craquelure?

Craquelure describes the fine network of microscopic cracks that forms naturally as oil paint hardens and loses flexibility over centuries. This ageing process affects genuine historical works as the underlying layers contract at different rates. Rather than a structural fault, a stable pattern of craquelure often serves as a helpful indicator of authenticity and age.