Artwork
Signatures legitimize art, giving any signed original the possibility of being collectable. Unsigned works are difficult to attribute to a given artist, date, and ultimately to market. Signatures however can be deceptive as signing art was not commonplace until the 17th century, when present the mark is not always conveniently located, and of course forgery is always an issue.
- Sell your antiques & collectables
- Experience the value of Performance Marketing
- All charges are based on delivery of service.
Looking for something specific? Click here to post an item wanted ad »
Click a subcategory below to view products.
Animation ArtOriginal animation art is artwork actually used in the production of a film. Most of the original cels used to make the early films were made of flammable cellulose nitrate and have long since vanished. After 1940 cels were created on a more durable cellulose acetate. Original production cels are colorful paintings on acetate, created by studio artists, then photographed and actually used in a film or television program action sequence.
Folk ArtFolk art can be defined as 'the art of the people'. Representing numerous artistic formats, and practical items from every period of American history. The variety of artistic mediums encompassed by antique folk art includes primitive paintings, baskets, weathervanes, quilting, and any other craft demonstrating the determination, resourcefulness, and pride of the people.
Frames The earliest antique frames were made of painted or stained oak in 16th century England, which remained popular for frame construction until the mid-17th century when supplanted by pine covered in gilt or finished in silver and lacquered. Producing ornament by pressing a pliable material into a mould then setting it on wooden framework was discovered to be an economical method of frame production. Papier-mâché was the first pliable material introduced for this purpose in the 17th century. Compo, a composition of whiting, glue, resin and linseed oil, became popular in the 1790s and dominated frame making in the 19th century.
Oil Paintings Painting is considered the pinnacle of artistic endeavor, in particular oil on canvas. Although the components of a fine oil painting have virtually no intrinsic value, some oil paintings are classified as "Fine" art, while most other artistic mediums such as silver, and ceramics are simply considered "Decorative" art. Antique oil paintings have issues with regard to maintenance. They are composite structures consisting of different materials that may result in a chemical reaction accelerating deterioration.
PrintsEtchings, engravings, woodcuts, and lithographs are all techniques that were used to print antique pictures. The use of lithographs to print vintage news media was replaced with the advent of photography but remains a collectible print and an art form. Examine the antique print for markings, these are usually authentic, and can identify origin of a vintage print.
Vintage PostersPoster art has evolved from Art Nouveau, Art Deco, to advertisements for just about everything. Vintage poster art has not only chronicled, but also helped to shape history since inception circa 1860 when posters introduced color to the advertising industry. Since its introduction poster art has been used to advertise products, services, performances, patriotism and travel. The posters available today are the survivors from the original printing run, and have become increasingly difficult to obtain.
WatercolorsWatercolor painting is generally applied to a fragile background such as paper, and remains on the surface with various degrees of bonding having an effect on longevity. Handling the fragile background of a vintage watercolor is not recommended. To determine weather the work is an authentic antique watercolor painting; examine the background under a magnifying glass. "Foxing" is a condition whereby paper develops brown spots, and can denote age. The magnifying glass will also help ferret out fraud, by revealing the telltale dots of photo processing.
