Are these paintings in original frames?

Many listings specify when a piece retains its original frame, such as regency or Victorian gilt wood settings. These frames show appropriate age wear that matches the artwork. Some works may have been reframed later in their history to suit changing interior tastes. Check the individual description for details regarding frame originality.

How can I tell the period of a painting?

Dating relies on stylistic clues, artist signatures, subject matter, and the physical materials of the support and frame. Clothing styles in portraits and architectural details in townscapes often point to a specific decade. Stretcher construction, canvas type, and handwritten notes on the reverse provide further historical evidence. Comparing known works by recorded artists helps narrow down the timeline.

What is the difference between oil and watercolour?

Oils use pigment bound in slow-drying oil, allowing artists to build thick textures and rich, opaque layers on canvas or wood. Watercolours use water-soluble binders on paper, creating light, translucent washes. Oils are traditionally displayed without glass protection, whereas watercolours require framing behind glass to shield the paper from moisture and dust.