How do I hang antique art safely?

Support heavy oil paintings on canvas using secure wall anchors rated for the weight of the piece and its wooden frame. Hang works on paper away from direct sunlight to prevent the fading of delicate watercolours and inks. Maintain stable room temperatures to protect organic materials like wood, paper and canvas from warping or cracking over time.

What is the difference between an oil painting and a watercolour?

Oil paintings utilise pigments suspended in drying oils applied to canvas or wood panels, allowing for thick impasto and deep, blendable colours. Watercolours combine water-soluble pigments on paper, producing translucent effects and lighter compositions. Oils are generally more robust and traditionally require frames with glass only if unvarnished, whereas works on paper need glass protection.

Are these artworks entirely original?

The listings include original hand-rendered works such as oil paintings, sketches and watercolours created directly by the artist. They also feature original period engravings, which are authentic printed impressions pulled from plates in the era. Descriptions specify whether a work is an original creation from the period or executed by a later follower after an earlier master.

How can I tell an 18th century frame from a later copy?

Period frames display hand-carved wooden ornament, traditional gesso application and signs of age such as shrinkage cracks in the gilding. Modern reproductions often show uniform composition materials or machine-tooled uniformity. Examine the back of the frame for old fixings, hand-cut joinery and signs that the artwork has remained in its housing for generations.