How should I hang oil paintings?

Hang oil paintings away from direct sunlight and steady heat sources to protect the canvas and pigment. Use sturdy picture hooks rated for the combined weight of the artwork and its frame. Ensure paintings sit at eye level on structurally sound walls. Avoid damp rooms like unvented kitchens or bathrooms where moisture harms canvas and gesso.

Are pastels safe under glass?

Pastels require glass protection because the dry pigment rubs off easily upon contact. Ensure the glass does not touch the paper surface directly by using a mat or spacer. Trapped moisture causes mould growth on paper substrates. Keep pastel portraits in stable, dry environments to preserve the delicate pigment.

How can I date a portrait?

Examine the clothing, hairstyle, and surrounding props of the young subject for clues. Children's fashion changed noticeably between the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. Inspect the back of the canvas, framing materials, and stretcher bars for maker stamps, dates, or old labels. Material composition often narrows down the manufacturing decade.