History Of Art

19th century art is most easily categorised by the era in which it was created, whether this is the beginning of the century under the Prince Regent, later King George IV, known as the regency period from 1795 to 1837, or the latter half under the reign of Queen Victoria.  Above: a detail from a… Read more »

In the hierarchy of genres, as was developed over centuries, the highest form of oil painting depicted historical or allegorical subjects. As epic poetry was upon the highest pedestal of literature, as was the display of epic narratives on canvas. Often referred to as ‘the grand genre’, history painting established itself through the use of… Read more »

Many of the 18th century oil paintings which come to our team at Fine Art Restoration Company are portraits. In 18th century Britain, portraiture became a profitable business for many artists, who depicted not only private sitters but also famous faces, as the idea of celebrity began to take shape. The commercial dominance of portraits… Read more »

The ocean has always inspired the imagination, creating ideas of the great unknown, the power of nature, and the possibilities for exploration and domination. Nautical themes in oil paintings may commemorate naval battles, embellish metaphorical ideas, form the backdrop to grand mythological scenes, or simply capture the beauty of a seascape. With so many possibilities… Read more »

Our equine friends have always been a vital part of history, in war, commerce and companionship. From the 17,000 year old Lascaux cave paintings, to the Victorian scenes of hunting and racing, horses have also been a recurrent character in art history, appearing in more paintings and sculptures than any other animal in the world. … Read more »