Expert: Jeni Andrews-Fraser - 3/23/2008

Question
I have an old canvas oil  painting  purchased at yard sale years ago. Measures 4-1/2' long and 3-1/2' tall .
Hand crafted wood frame . The painting is of two old schooner ships sailing  in the ocean.
Signed "JOSEPH" can send pic
thanks


Answer
Hello Kristy - and thanks for your question.  Without seeing the painting, I haven't any chance in helping you to identify it - so please, do send me a link to a picture.  The name 'Joseph' doesn't ring any bells at all - but perhaps there is additional information you could search for.  Do you know when it was painted (is there a date?), a dealer's mark (on the back, or on the frame?), are you sure it's an original and not a print (remove the frame and check the edges of the canvas - you should be able to see an uneven painting line if an original, if smooth and uniform, then it's a print.)  You can sometimes tell if it's a print without removing the frame -- if the surface of the canvas is uniform and smooth, it could indicate a print; if it has a surface texture created by accumulations of paint and cracked glazes, then it may well be an original (although there are processes by which prints can be manufactured to resemble original oil paintings - so beware!)

If you are looking for a history to the painting, or a valuation for insurance/re-sale purposes, then I advise you to take it to a local fine art dealer who should be able to provide information regarding the artist (maybe he's a local artist, or one that paints particular scenes etc.), its date, and its worth.  

I'm sorry I cannot be more help at this time - send me a link and I'll see what I can tell you about your painting.

Cheers
Jeni