Whether you found it when sorting an estate or you bought it somewhere besides an antique dealer, an antique painting is a treasure. But, its value is dependent upon what’s known about it. Even if you don’t intend to sell it, knowing an artwork’s worth will make sure you take proper care of it and have it insured in case of accidents. Below are four tips for researching an antique painting.

How To Research an Antique Painting

1. Look for a Signature or Date

Almost without exception, an artist finishes paintings with a signature, which can be their full name, their initials, or a symbol. There’s often a date with it, too. If you can’t find an identifying mark, it may be under the frame. Until you know how fragile and valuable the painting is, you shouldn’t take it out of the frame, so try other methods of research or have a trusted expert do it.

2. Utilize the Internet

There are online databases where you can research paintings or artists by subject matter, time period, and other details. You can also browse online galleries of well-known paintings or artists, searching for your exact painting or an artist whose style is similar. Even if you don’t find your painting, it will provide an idea of its time period and its estimated approximate value.

3. Trace the Trail

If the painting belonged to a loved one, see if anyone in the family knows about it. Search for purchase records and certificates of authenticity if you’re able to. If you bought the painting, go back to the seller and ask them where they bought it, what they were told about it, and what they paid for it. Once you know who had the painting before the person you got it from, visit that source and ask the same questions. This will create a provenance, or chain of ownership, hopefully tracing it back to an auction, a museum, or another reputable source.

4. Visit an Experienced Antique Dealer

When all else fails, an experienced antique dealer will assist you. They’re trained in assessing a painting’s worth based on its condition, age, artist, subject matter, and other details. Even if you don’t know much about the painting, they should be able to gather a fair amount of information just from examining it. They’ll conduct an appraisal, too, which you’ll need if you want to insure or donate the painting.

If you’re looking for an experienced antique dealer to appraise a painting, visit Forsythe’s Antiques & Fine Art in Russellville, OH. With over 125 years of combined experienced in antique purchasing, they’ll determine the worth of your antiques, offering competitive pricing. They also specialize in antique collectibles, furniture, and fine art purchasing.  Learn more about their art interests online, and call (513) 791-2323 to speak directly with a skilled antique dealer.