How do I clean an old oil painting?

Surface dust can be removed gently with a very soft, dry brush, taking care not to pressure the canvas or disturbed flaking paint. Professional conservation is required for deeper cleaning, as household solvents or water can permanently damage the oil layers and underlying ground.

Are these paintings supplied with their original frames?

Many listings feature period-appropriate frames, such as gilt gesso surrounds matching the era of the canvas, though some have been re-framed later in their history. The description notes whether a frame is original to the artwork or a subsequent replacement.

How can I tell a canvas from a wood panel?

Canvas yields slightly to gentle pressure and exhibits a woven fabric texture visible beneath or through the paint layers. Wood panels provide a completely rigid, unyielding surface and occasionally display wood grain or vertical joins on the reverse.

What causes craquelure on oil paintings?

Craquelure develops naturally as oil paint loses its elasticity over long periods, causing the upper layers to contract at a different rate than the foundation. This network of fine lines serves as a reliable indicator of age and genuine material composition rather than a structural fault.