How should I display an antique watercolour?

Hang the artwork away from direct sunlight and sources of extreme heat to prevent the paper from yellowing and the pigments from fading over time. Ensure the room maintains a stable humidity level to protect the paper support and prevent mould growth behind the glass.

Are these works signed by the artist?

Many watercolours from this period feature the artist's signature, initials or monograms, often placed discreetly in one of the lower corners of the sheet. Unsigned works do appear frequently, attributed instead through stylistic comparisons, gallery labels or inscriptions on the reverse of the frame.

What is the difference between a watercolour and a print?

An original watercolour is a unique, hand-painted work created directly on paper using liquid pigment and brushwork. Under magnification, the individual brush strokes and pigment granulation remain clearly visible. Prints reproduce an existing image mechanically or through etching plates, showing dot patterns or uniform ink application rather than layered washes of pigment.

Why are some watercolours painted on tinted paper?

Artists sometimes selected grey, buff or blue paper stocks to establish an immediate mid-tone background for the scene. This technique allowed them to apply dark washes for shadows and white bodycolour for highlights very rapidly.