Case Studies, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Many of the paintings that we receive in our studio are copies of some of the greatest paintings in human history. This was very much the case for a recent conservation project that would reveal hidden figures in a darkened copy of Rembrandt’s De Nachtwacht – also known as The Nightwatch or it’s much longer,… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Restoration stories, Useful articles
This beautiful Dutch painting by Johan Barthold Jongkind was passed down to our client by their father. It had originally belonged to their great aunt, who was part of the resistance during World War II. Little is known about how this painting came to her, but it is believed that it may have been given… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
The key to understanding an artwork beyond the figurative context is to look for the signs and symbols of a deeper allegorical meaning. As well as the use of particular flowers, memento mori and references to Greek mythology, artists may also use animals to portray a theme. This allows them to achieve a greater depth… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles, Works On Paper
Our team is often asked whether a signature can be restored or made to stand out further, this answer to this is one of conservation ethics. The tampering of an artist’s name or an autograph can in fact de-value an artwork or item, as it alters the integrity and genuine nature of the work. However,… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Flowers have always been a popular subject for still life paintings, as well as making a symbolic appearance in many other genres. Understanding the significance of floral choice and the story behind these beautifully composed details may help you to unlock the true themes and meaning of your artwork. Above: a detail from Vase of… Read more »
Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
There are many aspects of an oil painting that may be able to give you an idea of their age. This is often an important process to establish whether a painting is antique or contemporary. Our studio often comes across paintings that may appear to be genuinely of their era upon first glance, but following… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Paintings often have symbols within their composition, whether this is the metaphor of a wilting rose or a bold reference to classical mythology. Some of the most complex and interesting symbols can be found in the depiction of Christian saints, where many pieces may appear to be inaccessible unless you have a prior understanding of… Read more »
Antique Furniture, Artists, Ceramics, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
The rococo period is known for its extravagance, standing out as the crescendo of the baroque era before neoclassicism put an end to its unblushing display of affluence. From the pastoral scenes of Watteau to the ribband furniture of Thomas Chippendale, rococo can be found in all aspects of mid to late 18th century design. … Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles
In churches, manor houses and museums across the United Kingdom you may come across heraldic paintings with an antiquated yet fascinating purpose. Often ignored or simply blending in with the backdrop of a historic setting, funerary hatchments once served an important role in the mourning and remembrance of dead noblemen and women. The symbolism of… Read more »
Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Our clients always want to discover more about the history of their painting, whether this is through technical analysis or the uncovering of an artist’s signature during restoration. Whilst some artworks have a title or inscription on their frame, many historic portraits will list the title and status of their sitter on the canvas itself. … Read more »
Artists, Artwork Analysis, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Chiaroscuro (noun) the use of areas of light and dark in an artwork to create dimension One of the most effective and technical uses of colour in oil painting is known as chiaroscuro. This illuminating technique allows the artist to portray a sense of realism within their canvas, often focusing on a subject that allows… Read more »
Artists, Contemporary Art, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Whilst older artworks may face age-related vulnerabilities, their painterly style – that is the purposeful view of brushstrokes or impasto – can often hide a great array of old damages and alternations for centuries. By contrast, modern photorealistic paintings rely so heavily on their clear and smooth visual impact that even the slightest stain, dent… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
From a bright day in the lake district to the clouded Scottish highlands, British landscape paintings can be diverse in their visual tone, often capturing idyllic conditions that inspire the imagination or memories of home. This precise and often clear style makes any distraction – such as tears, scratches, stains or overall discolouration – a… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
As the Tudor dynasty came to an end, Britain went through a period of upheaval with events such as the execution of Charles I and civil war, through to the great fire of London and glorious revolution which saw William and Mary ascend to the throne in place of James II. Just as Dutch royalty… Read more »
Case Studies, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Specialist Items, Useful articles
Art is an important feature for many masonic lodges, whether this is an oil painting or unique item which can aid the continuation of masonic studies, advancement ceremonies and rituals throughout the world. Masonic tracing boards are one of the most significant pieces of a lodge’s historic collection, but like many art forms they can… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Still life is a popular and much admired genre, it can be found in many homes around the world in a wide variety of styles. From antiquity to contemporary art, still life has never ceased to be the jumping off point for in depth artistic endeavours – however, there are many who admire it for… Read more »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
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 »
Artists, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
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 »
Contemporary Art, Guides and Advice, History Of Art, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
Sometimes it is not the age of a painting which leads to deterioration, nor is it the environment or accidental damage. Paintings can be innately flawed by their production process, in which the artist may not have properly prepared the base or the materials, such as the canvas. The same can be said for all… Read more »
Case Studies, Collection Care, Guides and Advice, Latest News, Oil Paintings, Useful articles
St Mary’s Church in Wreay, Cumbria is a unique piece of ecclesiastical architecture which is locally, nationally and internationally renowned. Constructed in 1842, it was designed and funded by a local patron named Sarah Losh. The church is now protected by the Friends Of St Mary’s Church, who contacted our team about a beautiful portrait… Read more »
