You are here:
- Home
- Arts/Humanities
- Visual Arts
- Art/Technology
- Unsigned Oil Paintings
Art/Technology/Unsigned Oil Paintings
Advertisement
Question
I have a PAIR, of what are to my eye, impressionistic paintings
!["Blois On The Loire"](javascript:displayImg('http://0.tqn.com/w/experts/Art-Technology-2596/2011/07/blois-loire.jpg','"Blois On The Loire"','Oil Painting of Blois'))
titled "BLOIS ON THE LOIRE" as indicated by a written white chalk
inscription on the rear stretcher. The paintings are in excellent condition revealing two similar views of Blois from two different perspectives and by the light in the "sky" at diffent times of the day. They have been in the posession of my family for more than 60/70 years. In the archives of William TURNER one can find an almost identical subject matter,and I have seen another work Titled "Blois on the Loire" by the American painter Arthur Joseph Meadows. Having been an Art History Major, the syle is very much of SISELY. Is there a way to solve the MYSTERY ?? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I remain, Cordially, PAUL
This is not my period at all, but what I would do is first look for physical evidence of the artist. The inscription is in English so it either was sold in an English speaking auction or shop or was painted by an english speaker (or gifted to one). Are there any wax or paper stamps on the frame or reverse of the canvas? These often provide clues of sale houses. The stretcher bars often were stamped by the maker and you can trace the mark and get a year of production.
You could take it to a specialist. Find a gallery or museum in your area and have them help you. Many picture galleries in smaller centres will have someone that can get you started. I would not recommend going to the MET or MOMA as they tend not to see people off the street.
The photo is a little fuzzy but it does seem to be a fair to middle quality painter - but be warned as there are far more of them than museum class artists and there are countless artists that truly are nameless and unknown.
Best of Luck
- View Follow-Ups
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 8 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | There is one round numbered sticker on the reverse stretcher, other than that no indication as to maker etc, Sorry that the picture was a bit hazy, would you like another ? Thank you for your speedy response, Cordially Roger P. Stewart | ||
Related Articles
- Do You Varnish Your Paintings or Not?
- The National Museum of Women in the Arts - Family Guide to Washington D.C.
- Getty Museum - Visitor Guide to the J Paul Getty Museum - Los Angeles
- Free Things to Do in London - What's the Best Free Things to Do in London?
- Museum of London - Find Out More About the Museum of London
Tom Riddolls M.A.C.
Expertise
As a conservator my focus is on the preservation/care of art objects as opposed to their value. I may assist in the identification of materials used in art making and some of the techniques in traditional art production. Please do not ask me about non-traditional medias such as computer software used to create "modern art". My three areas of specialty are: -European painting and sculpture (1600-1800) -The artifacts and documents of United Empire Loyalist (1770-1850) -Classic Fishing tackle (1850-1960) anything outside these areas may receive vague answers that merely point you in a fruitful direction.
Experience
I am a practising conservator and curator
Education/Credentials
I have a Master's degree in Art Conservation
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.