What is restoration period fine art?

Restoration period fine art consists primarily of oil paintings and portraits created during the seventeenth century and the Bourbon Restoration. These works record the likenesses of nobility, military officers, and notable figures in formal attire or armour. Subjects range from individual lords and ladies to children with pets, produced by established studios and regional schools across England, Ireland, and France.

How do I identify seventeenth-century portraits?

Seventeenth-century portraits are identified through sitter costume, including lace collars, velvet doublets, armour, and elaborate wigs or flowing hair. Inscriptions, heraldry, and attribution to recorded painters also help date the canvas. Many works originate from specific circles, such as the studio of Mary Beale or Sir Peter Lely, which display characteristic handling of light and fabric.

How should I display these oil paintings?

These oil paintings require stable indoor environments away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity to protect the canvas and paint layers. Hanging them on interior walls helps prevent warping of the timber stretcher frames. Matching the painting with a period giltwood frame enhances the visual impact and maintains the historical context of the artwork.

What materials were used for these frames?

Frames from this era are typically constructed from timber and finished with gold leaf or giltwood. Craftsmen carved the wooden profiles before applying thin metallic leaf to achieve a reflective, luxurious surface. Original frames complement the oil on canvas works and often show age-appropriate wear that aligns with the seventeenth-century origin of the art.

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Restoration Period Fine Art

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Restoration period fine art comprises striking oil paintings and portraits capturing figures from the seventeenth century and the Bourbon Restoration.