Is it old? 9 visual clues paintings reveal up close
If you’ve inherited a painting (or spotted one at an estate sale), close-up photos can reveal more than a quick glance ever will. This grid highlights nine common “age and authenticity” tells—some point to time and handling, others point to repairs or later reframing. Use it as a checklist for what to photograph: front corners, the back, the signature area, and any labels. If you’re considering cleaning, document everything first—varnish and fragile paint layers can be surprisingly easy to damage.
Legend (tiles 1–9)
- Craquelure — natural surface cracking can hint at age and paint structure; capture straight-on and with soft side light.
- Stretcher-bar shadow + canvas sag — slight dips can show how canvas has tensioned (or relaxed) over time.
- Back tacks/nails + dust — hardware, oxidation, and grime patterns are useful evidence; take wide + close-ups.
- Frame corner wear — gilt rubs, chips, and joints can help date the frame (not always the painting).
- Impasto texture — thick paint ridges and bristle marks show technique; macro photos help compare surfaces.
- Overpainting/repair under raking light — uneven gloss and texture changes often reveal patches or touch-ups.
- Canvas weave + ground layer — the weave and priming can hint at materials and methods.
- Varnish yellowing — oxidized varnish can warm or dull colors; document before any cleaning.
- Label area (often missing) — old labels help when readable, but even blank remnants can be a clue.
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Start an appraisalFAQ
Does craquelure prove a painting is old?
No—some modern works develop cracking, and some fakes try to simulate it. Craquelure is just one clue; combine it with support details (canvas/board), back hardware, provenance, and evidence of repairs.
What photos should I take to help date or authenticate a painting?
Take a straight-on full front, all four corners, a full back (including frame back), close-ups of the signature area, and any labels or inscriptions (both wide and close). A raking-light photo can reveal texture and repairs.
Should I clean a painting with yellowed varnish?
Avoid DIY solvents or scrubbing—cleaning can lift pigment or disturb old varnish. Photograph first, then consult a conservator or appraisal expert for safer options.
Can a frame be older (or newer) than the painting?
Absolutely. Paintings are often reframed, and older frames can be reused. Treat frame wear as helpful context, but not definitive proof of the painting’s age.
Why are labels and stamps on the back so important?
A gallery label, framer’s stamp, exhibition tag, or shipping mark can anchor a timeline and location. Even when a label is unreadable, taking clear photos can help someone identify it later.