Expert: Ben Mahmoud - 3/18/2008

Question
i have a oil painting signed P. MURPHY of some old sail boats on a harbor any info would be greatly appreciated

Answer
You have given very little information to work with.  At this point I could not be of any assistance to you.  However, it is possible that we can find something if I have more information.

I would like to know the size of the painting.  Is the painting on canvas?  Oil paint?  Any date?

Looking at the back of the work, if painted on canvas what do the canvas stretchers look like.  Do they seem hand-made?  Maybe they were purchased, and there is a company name stamped on the stretchers.

And, above all, I would need an image to proceed.  I don't think you can upload an image in this context, but surely can send me an e-mail with an image as an attachment.  My e-mail address is bmahmoud@niu.edu

If you photograph the work, do not use a flash.  Put the painting in shadow on a very bright day.  A shot of the back of the work might give a clue.

So, I look forward to additional information.

Regards, Ben Mahmoud