About Paul Herman Expertise I can answer many questions about art theory & history though my knowledge in certain areas of history go deeper than others. I can also confidently offer answers about technique & materials in most fine art methods except copper engraving where I am still learning.
Experience Being a second generation painter forms the greatest part of my education, I grew up in my parent's studios & by 16 was a professional painter/sculptor.
Publications A few articles about art theory & being an artist on my blog if you are interested in seeing a sample of my writing: http://www.HermanStudios.com/blog.html
Education/Credentials 'A' levels in London (Kingsway & Princeton) & an unfinished degree (3 years) at NYUB (state university at Buffalo, NY)
Past/Present Clients Some are mentioned on my site, several are European nobility otherwise I guess the most 'quotable in a blurb sense' were Saks fifth avenue both in NYC (where though many including, Andy Warhol & Jasper Johns, have appeared in their windows I was the first commissioned artist in their history) & Beverly Hills.
Expert: Paul Herman Date: 3/23/2008 Subject: sheep in barn paintings
Question QUESTION: have this oil painting from my great grandfather , i dont know any information about it , the painting is in fair condition , i dont see a signature on the painting I dont know if it is earased or it not signed.
there is only two stamps at the back of the canvas , i dont know what it means , if anyone have helpful information please respond.
here is an image of the painting http://www.sarket.com/new1.jpg
http://www.sarket.com/new2.jpg
Best Regards,
Amr
ANSWER: Hello AMR,
I would like to see better photos of this painting but I WILL say it is a very nice little painting- late 19th century, not terribly original but nicely executed- I would say both it & its frame are worth restoring either to keep it from deteriorating further or to add to its sale price. Since people are often unfamiliar with how to have something restored (you have to be careful of the unethical & incompetent in this field) as well as its costs, damaged paintings often sell well under their real value.
I hope this has been good news (what you wanted to hear) & if you get better photos I may be able to tell you more.
ANSWER: I have no idea what the stamp symbolizes though it logically insinuates a ship's doctor (anchor plus Aesculapius' rod). Where is the stamp? In the photo it appears to be pressed into wood, would that be the frame? The stretcher?
I could be wrong about the dating (though I doubt it!) & would need better photos for a more confident opinion. Is that really the best your camera can do? (No offence but my telephone takes better shots!) You might try taking the photos outside on a sunny day but with the painting sat in shadow (the day's indirect light still has more lumens than any artificial light & will minimize reflected light) a tripod will also help.
I could give you a fairly accurate estimate of the restoration (& cleaning) costs if I had better images to look at, especially since I can see various amateur attempts at restoration on the back of the canvas... I can tell they are amateur by the fact the patches haven't had their edges frayed before gluing- standard practice so as not to cause a bump on the painting side of the canvas when it is put in the press.
Please write to me again when you have better images...
Oh, & for a fairly accurate valuation you can pay one of the big auction houses (Sotheby's, Christie's or even Phillips- I wouldn't place as much weight on Bonham's who are, in a way, in the 'valuation business') or you can tell them you want to sell it & if they are interested they will tell you how much they think it is worth for nothing but what is more likely (especially in its present condition) is that they won't be interested in selling it & therefore, will not value it for you (unless you pay). Though it is no guarantee, their valuation will probably be more reliable than anyone else's.
Paul Herman
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QUESTION: Hello ,
Thank you for your support , i ll try to get more clearer images at daylight as soon as possible and will send them to you.
Best Regards,
Amr
Answer Hi again AMR, I'm writing this note though we already talked just because I don't know how else to remove it from my 'pending' list.
By the way, it seems no-one comes back after I answer their queries to give me a 'rating' which is a kind of thank you- unless I ask them to... (well, actually you're the first who I've asked so we'll see!)
