Antique Art
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Sell with us →About antique art
Antique art includes oil paintings on canvas and panel, watercolors, drawings, original prints such as etchings, engravings and lithographs, miniatures, and sculpture in bronze, marble, wood and other materials. Collectors buy by period, school, subject, region or artist, and many simply buy what they love for their walls.
Attribution is the central question. A work may be signed and documented, attributed to an artist, described as from an artist's circle or school, or simply by an unknown hand. Original prints are distinct from later reproductions. Condition topics include craquelure, relining, overpainting, retouching, foxing on paper and damage to frames.
For significant works, ask about provenance, exhibition history and any expert opinions, and consider an independent appraisal or conservation report. Frames can be valuable too, and shipping art safely requires proper crating.
Buying antique art
- Ask how the work is attributed and what evidence supports the attribution.
- Check whether a print is an original impression or a later reproduction.
- Ask about restoration such as relining, retouching or cleaning, and request photos under raking light.
- Request provenance details and any condition or expert reports.
- Confirm how the artwork will be packed and crated for shipping.
Questions about antique art
What does attributed to mean?
It generally means the seller believes the work is by that artist but lacks full certainty. Terms like circle of or school of indicate more distance. Ask the seller exactly what they mean.
How do I know if a print is original?
Original prints often show plate marks, ink texture and period paper. Reproductions may show dot patterns under magnification. Ask the seller and compare with references.
Should I get an appraisal?
For valuable works, an independent appraisal or specialist opinion is worth considering, particularly for insurance.