How do I clean an oil painting?

Surface dust can be removed gently with a soft, dry brush, taking care not to touch exposed canvas edges or flaking paint. Professional conservators should handle any deeper cleaning or removal of discoloured varnish to protect the underlying pigment layers.

Should oil paintings be kept out of direct sunlight?

Direct sunlight accelerates the fading of delicate pigments and can cause canvas materials to dry out and become brittle over time. Placing traditional artwork on interior walls away from direct windows preserves both the colours and the structural integrity of the canvas.

How do I identify the period of an antique painting?

Dating relies on examining the construction of the wooden stretcher, the weave of the canvas, the composition style, and any signatures or inscriptions. Examine the reverse of the frame and canvas for old labels, stamps, or dealer marks that often record historical exhibitions or previous ownership.

What is the difference between oil on canvas and panel?

Canvas paintings utilise a flexible woven textile stretched across a timber frame, which yields slightly to pressure and responds to atmospheric humidity. Panel paintings use rigid wooden boards or metal sheets as a support, offering a completely flat ground that prevents the cracking associated with sagging textiles.