Expert: J Heuman - 8/28/2004

Question
Hi,

I recently purchased an oil painting in a gorgeous Victorian frame. My husband is an artist, and I bought it for the frame. Upon closer inspection, I found that the painting had been restretched to fit the frame, and the "signature" was now on top of the stretcher bars. Problem is, it's either figural, or I just can't make it out.

I've searched on line for the names I thought that it could be. Are there any resources that might show figural signatures, or initials? I'm not hoping that i have a major work of art (tho' there'd be nothing wrong with that!), but am curious about the painter. It's a portrait, oil on cotton duck, dated 1946 .

Thanks
Shan

Answer
Greetings Shan,

The only artist signatures to be found are, normally, famous artists -- the Frans Hals, Rembrandts and Monets of painting.

Perhaps you might consider contacting an auction house -- Christie's, Sotheby's, etc.  You might ask if they could help by researching the artist if you were to take and send a digital picture of the signature.

Best wishes, sincerely,
J Heuman