Why are these works kept under glass?

Glass protects the vulnerable pigment from touch, airborne dust, and atmospheric moisture that causes degradation over time. Because pastel has no wet binder to permanently seal it to the paper, any physical contact removes the fine dust.

Are pastels considered drawings or paintings?

Art historians and makers classify them as both, since the medium bridges the linear quality of drawing with the colour coverage of painting. Many listings use both terms interchangeably depending on how heavily the artist layered the pigment.

How do I date an antique pastel?

Dating relies on the framing materials, paper types, artist signatures, and stylistic traits typical of specific decades like the Edwardian era or the nineteen-fifties. Examine the backing boards and inscriptions left by the artist or previous galleries for clues to the exact period.