Buying a painting is the first step and can lead to having all sorts of questions – what its background is, who painted it, and what it’s worth. Whether the painting has been sitting in your family for so long that you don’t know where it came from, was chanced upon at the local thrift store, or just caught your eye, learning about the history of the piece can build an even more personal relationship with the work of art. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to find out about a painting you have, the story behind it, and maybe even its true value. From simple research techniques to complex tools, let’s embark on this thrilling quest that will walk us through in depth on all about your painting.

1. Begin with a Visual Examination of the Painting

Observe the painting very closely as you study every tiny detail that may reveal your painting’s origin. The subject, materials, colors, and style could all give away quite a lot of information. Here’s how to begin:

Tips:

• Identify the medium: oil, watercolour, acrylic, or mixed media and the type of canvas or paper used.
• Analyze the painterly style. Is it in the category of realism, impressionism, abstraction, or surrealism?
• Observe what the painting is about. Such works of art can give quite an idea about the time or context in which it was painted.

2. Look for Artist’s Signatures or Markings

Often, painters write their names on the sides of a painting, either front or back. In some cases, a date or distinctive mark is placed which may facilitate dating and investigating the painter. Look for the signature and/or initials of the painter and any inscriptions which might provide a title or location of the painting.

Steps:

• Check the bottom left and bottom right corners of the painting, as most artists sign their name here.
• Identify any signature, photograph it and comment on the style of handwriting because this sometimes gives a clue about the age of the painting.
• Examine the reverse side of the painting for stamps, labels, or inscriptions that could provide additional information.

3. Investigate the Frame and Mounting

Sometimes, it’s in the frame and mounting itself that one gets an idea of how old the painting is or where it comes from since frames are characteristic of the period and place where they were made, and some paintings even have gallery or framer labels that may provide further leads.

What to Look For:

• Does the frame style reflect a particular age, such as the Baroque, the Victorian or Art Deco?
• Check the back of the frame for stamps or labels from framers or galleries; sometimes these will include names, addresses, or catalog numbers.
• Discuss the method of mounting. For example, older canvases still mounted tacked into the frame, while new pieces mount in multiple ways.

4. Conduct Research on the Artist

If you found a signature, your next step is to research the artist. Start by entering the name into search engines and art databases. This can yield information about the artist’s background, period, and other works, which could help you place your painting within a larger context.

Suggested Research Resources:

• Online databases such as ArtNet or AskART provide extensive details about artists, including auction prices and exhibit history.
• Libraries and art history books can offer valuable biographical information, especially for lesser-known or regional artists.
• Consult local art experts or historians if the painting appears to be from a specific region or period.

5. Utilize Art Identification Tools and Apps

There are a lot of tools and apps developed in this current age that precisely have this purpose in mind: identifying an artwork based on its visual features. Upload an image and then view it against databases of known artworks.

Popular Apps and Tools:

• Google Lens: A free app that can identify similar images and provide links to information about the painting.
• Smartify: Designed for museum visitors, this app can identify certain famous artworks and may provide background details.
• Magnus: An app specifically created for identifying art, often used for contemporary works and popular artists.

6. Consult Auction Records and Art Price Databases

This is as complex if the painting is old or not so common. Online databases of auction histories show one of the best sources from which to gauge market history on works by a given artist or style.

Recommended Price Databases:

• ArtPrice: Provides detailed auction records, including images, for various artists and styles.
• ArtNet: Offers an extensive database of artworks and auction prices, useful for identifying trends in the art market.
• AskART: Focused on American artists, this site includes biographical information and auction records.

7. Seek the Help of Art Experts

However, if your research leads to nowhere, then it is time to solicit professional help. A museum’s professional appraisers, curators, or historians have access to many valuable documents that will lead you to know everything about your painting.

Options for Expert Consultation:

• Reach out to a certified art appraiser, ideally one affiliated with a recognized organization like the Appraisers Association of America.
• Contact local museums or art galleries that specialize in the period or style of your painting for possible referrals.
• Consider paying for a professional evaluation if you believe the painting may be valuable.

8. Learn About Provenance and Ownership History

Provenance is the art history of ownership for a painting which traces it from its inception. An ownership record can sometimes prove that the value and historical appeal of a painting increase with its ownership history. While it can be arduous to track the ownership history of a painting, it forms the basis for authenticity and historical context.

How to Trace Provenance:

• Review any documentation you have, such as receipts, appraisals, or insurance records, which might contain provenance details.
• If the painting has labels or stamps, they may link to a previous owner, gallery, or collection.
• Research local archives or historical societies for records, especially if the painting was passed down within your family.

9. Examine the Condition and Restoration History

Provenance is the art history of ownership for a painting which traces it from its inception. An ownership record can sometimes prove that the value and historical appeal of a painting increase with its ownership history. While it can be arduous to track the ownership history of a painting, it forms the basis for authenticity and historical context.

What to Look For:

• Check for visible cracks, discoloration, or signs of overpainting, which may indicate restoration efforts.
• Contact a conservator if you suspect the painting needs professional restoration, as they can provide both an assessment and historical insights.
• Research the common conservation methods for artworks of the same age or medium, as this knowledge can help you understand the painting’s current state.

10. Investigate Historical Context and Artistic Movement

If the style of subject matter of the painting appears to be taken from an artistic movement, it is worth researching. Whether it is either Impressionism, Surrealism, or Abstract Expressionism, in this case, it will peel more away at the artist and era.

Tips for Contextual Research:

• Explore art history resources, either online or in books, to identify traits of specific movements and styles.
• Compare your painting to well-known examples within the movement to determine similarities or distinctions.
• Consult art history experts or literature for deeper analysis if your painting appears to have significant historical or stylistic value.

Conclusion

Discovering the history of the painting, by whom it was painted, and its value is a very rewarding kind of discovery in itself, enhancing the respect you have for the art piece. Combining visual analysis, online research, professional consultation, and contextual study can give you all the answers you need about your painting. Some discoveries are more easy going; others will take a little time and effort. It is only by remembering the back-story behind your painting that it not only gets to be beautiful in a deeper sense but also makes it not just a piece of art but something treasured for history.