Featured Is it a print or a painting?

Hi,
This was my Mom's. It's unsigned. I always assumed it was a painting because it looks like canvas on the back. I always like the sitter's face.

But a friend said, there's no visible brushstrokes, maybe it's a print. That threw me for a loop, how could it be a print on canvas?

 

Seems strange that the canvas would be repaired if it was a print. It might be flat if the painting was re-lined or the painting stabilized. Do you have a magnifying glass? If so, see if you see any pixilation that would determine if it was a print.

 

Looks like a painting to me. 1860s-ish.

Debora

 

painting...& I think she has a glass eye !!

 

It's stretched a bit loosely on the frame, you can see the ripples. Is there anything I should do to protect or conserve it?

 

keep it out of the sun....
r u in a humid place..?... the dry air will stretch it somewhat..!

It's a fine painting and even from an artist who could paint hands...!!!

 

As above. The less fussing with it the better.

Debora

 

I think shes wonderful . If a tad wall eyed ! He might not feel strokes because its been varnished . Maybe more than once. Id guess 1840s maybe earlier. Where are you located? Just the state will do . It helps because a lot of things like this dont make it far from home. Id find her a lovely frame and hang her up and call her Aunt Eulalie !

 

It’s ‘well done’ and obviously very old.
I really like the hand. But I find her borderline creepy and won’t want it on my wall (I probably lack refinement in the appreciation of art) Anyway after Komo pointed out that eye, that’s all I see.

 

Nice quality painting, and I think she has a sweet face. The lace cap is ca 1850-60 imo.

Ditto.

 

Agree re date. The higher waist, the fuller sleeve...

Debora

 

Would be nice - why would someone not sign it, you'd think they would be proud of their work.

 

Good point - New York or Connecticut then. I think if she had bought a picture outside of that area she would told more stories about finding it.

 

My understanding is these portraits were often done by itinerant painters and can be identified by their treatment of certain areas such as hands, lace, etc.

Debora

 

you'd think......... but...... many portraits go unsigned..... & in this case the hand may have been an identifier..

 

You might want to contact a museum that has expertise in this type of work. Here's one in Connecticut:

https://florencegriswoldmuseum.org/contact/

And familiarize yourself with the word "limner" if you haven't already.

Debora

 

IMHO, after increasing 300% (more visible if you click on it), those sure look like "crackling" on a Nice painting with some definite age to it.......! But the 'ghosting' on her shoulders behind her the collar........????? Maybe from varnish?????

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