With the diversity of antique oil paintings originating from different countries, time periods and artists out there, it could be difficult to ascertain their value without going to a professional appraiser. At Wm. Roland Appraisers & Estate Advisors, we are dedicated to appraising your antique oil paintings accurately and advise you on the best outcome when it becomes time to sell.
About Antique Oil Paintings
The earliest known forms of oil paintings can be traced back to the 7th century in Afghanistan. Oil painting comprises of color pigments infused with the medium of a drying oil as a binder. Some commonly used drying oils are poppy seed oil, linseed oil and safflower oil. The type of drying oil used will affect the paint’s characteristics such as the viscosity, extent of yellowing and the drying time. The oil is boiled with resin to create a varnish that will preserve the quality of the work.
Antique oil paintings are usually identified by a few factors – the color of the canvas, the appearance of craquelure, minute details like the quantity of dots under a magnified view and even the extent of the raised paint on the artwork.
Popular Types of Antique Oil Paintings
Oil painting is an art form rich with history. It is made up of many artistic nuances and influences. While there is a plethora of oil paintings out there, they are usually identified by the types of artistic techniques used to create the painting.
Some techniques commonly used by some of the world-renowned artists are chiaroscuro, which refers to the contrast of light and the shadow in the painting; alla prima, which involves painting thick, “wet-on-wet” layers without letting the base layer fully dry to create depth; and impasto, a common technique featured in many of Van Gogh’s works using deliberate strokes of thick paints to create texture in the painting.
Appraisal Process for Antique Oil Paintings
The first thing that appraisers will do once they receive a painting is to check on its condition. This fdgfgincludes examining it for any damage that can negatively affect the value or worth of the painting.
After appraising the painting’s condition, they will then consider the artist behind the painting. This is usually inferred from the artist’s signature that is usually located at the bottom corners of the artwork. Using this information, the appraiser will be able to find out more details about the artist like their reputation, past works, and their commercial success in auction houses.
One detail you might overlook at first glance but is also a determining factor in the value of the painting would be the frame of the painting. 19th century frames are known to be more intricate and can carry more value. Depending on the quality, composition and material used, the frame can take up the bulk of the painting’s value.
Why Choose Wm. Roland Appraisers & Estate Advisors to Appraise Your Antique Oil Paintings?
At Wm. Roland Appraisers & Estate Advisors, we understand and appreciate the value of antique oil paintings. Following and adhering to the strict code of ethics set by the Appraiser Association of America (AAA), our dedicated team of seasoned professionals are committed to helping you appraise your antique oil paintings utilizing marketplace resources. If you have any questions about appraising your priced possessions, please feel free to consult us today.
