Isabella Flores
The verso, or the back of a painting, often contains valuable information that can enhance its worth. Artists may include their biography, a photograph, or a sticker with their contact information. They may also provide a certificate of authenticity, which is especially important for printmakers. Other essential details include the title, date, medium, size, and the artist's name and signature. Artists may also include their address, the location where the painting was created, and what inspired them to paint the subject. It is recommended to use a pencil or a fine-point Sharpie on the canvas's edge to avoid ink bleeding through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Title | E.g. "The Outdoor Wedding Dance" |
| Artist's name | E.g. Pieter Brueghel II |
| Date | E.g. 1617 |
| Artist's address | E.g. Ben Nicholson's Cornwall address |
| Artist's biography | |
| Artist's signature | |
| Manufacturer/supplier insignia | E.g. the brand of the city of Antwerp: a pair of hands above a castle |
| Notes/comments | E.g. inspiration behind the painting |
| Varnish type | E.g. Gamvar |
| Medium | E.g. oil on oak panel |
| Canvas type | E.g. canvas or wooden panel |
| Priming | |
| Solvent | |
| Certificate of Authenticity | |
| Database notation |
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What You'll Learn
Artist's name, title, date, signature, and rights
When it comes to writing on the back of a painting, there are several elements that can be included to provide important information about the artwork and its creator. Here are some detailed guidelines on what to include when focusing on the artist's name, title, date, signature, and rights:
Artist's Name:
The artist's full name should be clearly written on the back of the painting. This is essential for attribution and helps establish the identity of the creator. It is customary to sign your full name, as this adds a personal touch and provides clear information for buyers or art enthusiasts.
Including the title of the artwork is crucial, as it gives the piece an identity beyond its visual appearance. The title can be written directly on the back of the canvas or included on a separate label. Some artists prefer to keep the title simple, while others may choose a more creative or descriptive name.
Date:
Adding the date the artwork was completed is valuable information. It can be included in various formats, such as the month and year or just the year. Including the date helps specialists understand the context of the artwork, and it can even provide insight into the artist's creative process and evolution of style over time.
Signature:
A signature is an essential element on the back of a painting. While artists' signatures are often placed on the front of the artwork, having it on the back adds an extra layer of authenticity and can be crucial for provenance. Signatures can be written with a pen, pencil, or any suitable marking tool.
Rights:
Including a copyright symbol followed by the year and your name is a way to assert your rights as the creator of the artwork. This is often written as "(c) Year, Name. All Rights Reserved." This notation clearly communicates that you reserve all reproduction and distribution rights for the painting.
It is worth noting that while these elements are essential, you can also include additional information such as the medium, varnish type, inspiration behind the piece, or even your contact details and website. These details can enhance the painting's value and provide fascinating insights for art enthusiasts, buyers, and specialists.
Lastly, when writing on the back of a painting, it is crucial to consider the materials used. Avoid writing directly on the back of the canvas if there is a risk of the ink bleeding through. Instead, consider writing on the stretcher bars or the edge of the canvas that wraps around these bars. You can use tools like fine-point Sharpies or pencils, followed by a light spray of fixative to ensure the notations last.
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Medium, location, and printing method
When it comes to the medium, location, and printing method, there are several approaches that artists take when writing on the back of a painting. Some artists choose to include a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), which provides details such as the edition size, method of printmaking, type of ink and paper, and other relevant information. This practice is especially common among printmakers of woodcuts and etchings.
Another approach is to write specific details directly on the back of the canvas. Artists may use a Sharpie or a fine-point Sharpie to include information such as the medium, location of printing, and any other relevant notes. This ensures that the painting's history, or provenance, is recorded. It is important to write on the edge of the canvas wrapped around the stretcher bars to avoid the ink bleeding through to the front.
Some artists choose to write on the stretcher bars themselves, but this information may be lost if the painting is restretched. Alternatively, writing on the back of the canvas with pencil and then fixing it with a light spray of fixative can ensure the information lasts.
For those who repurpose canvases, it is important to sand down old paint and primer before adding new information. Artists who take their paintings to a professional photographer may include a notation of the date, and those who varnish their paintings may include the year and month of varnishing.
Overall, the medium, location, and printing method are essential details that can enhance the value of a painting and provide valuable insights into its history.
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Artist's biography and photo
When it comes to writing about an artist and their work, it's important to provide a combination of factual and engaging information. Here are some key considerations for the content and structure of an artist's biography and photo on the back of a painting:
Artist's Biography:
- Length and Readability: Keep the biography concise and engaging. Research suggests that readers tend to lose interest in wall labels after 150 words. Aim for a length between 80 and 140 words, with 120 words being ideal. This will provide enough information to capture interest while leaving the reader curious to learn more.
- Creative Introduction: Begin with an attention-grabbing first sentence that goes beyond a standard biographical introduction. For example, you could start with a unique detail about the artist's approach or a compelling description of their artwork.
- Medium, Themes, Techniques, and Influences: Include information about the artist's preferred medium, the themes they explore, their techniques, and any influences that inspire their work. This provides insight into their creative process and the underlying ideas behind their art.
- Date and Place of Birth, and Nationality: Mention the artist's date of birth (and death, if applicable) along with their nationality. This provides essential context for understanding their work within a specific time and cultural framework.
- Current Location and Background: Include the artist's current location or base. You can also add where they are from, their educational background (including any notable institutions they studied at), and whether they are self-taught. This helps establish the artist's roots and how their background influences their art.
- Artistic Style and Key Works: Provide a concise description of the artist's artistic style and mention a few of their key works that exemplify their style and themes. This gives readers a more tangible understanding of the artist's contribution to the art world.
- Position in Art History: Briefly reflect on the artist's position within the broader context of art history. Consider any movements or trends they are associated with and how their work fits into or challenges traditional categories.
- Contextual Influences: Position the artist within their cultural, political, social, or technological context. Discuss any relevant events or influences from their personal life that may have shaped their artistic perspective and the themes they explore.
- Quotes: If possible, include a short, relevant quote from the artist that supports the points made in the biography. This adds a personal touch and makes the biography more engaging and memorable.
Artist's Photo:
- Signature: Artists often sign their works, and while signatures are commonly placed on the front, they may also be found on the back, especially in more recent times. A signature can be checked against the artist's catalogue raisonné to authenticate the work and sometimes even help narrow down its creation date.
- Title, Date, and Address: In addition to their signature, artists may provide a title, date, and their address on the back of the painting. This information is valuable for specialists trying to build the story behind the artwork and understand its context.
- Marks and Stamps: Look for any marks, stamps, or labels from suppliers of materials used in the painting. These can include the names and addresses of businesses and may help establish the timeframe and location of the work's creation.
- Auction History and Provenance: Details about the auction history and provenance of a painting can enhance its value. These markings or notes can provide insight into the painting's ownership history and journey.
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Varnishing and other preservation methods
When it comes to preserving a painting, varnishing is a crucial step that not only enhances the visual depth and vibrancy of the colours but also provides a protective barrier. Varnishing a painting helps to unify gloss and shield the artwork from dust, abrasion, and minor environmental effects. It is important to choose the right varnish, as it can directly impact the appearance of the painting. For instance, a varnish can saturate colours by deepening hues and bringing out subtle details.
The Conservar™ line of varnishes from Natural Pigments is a popular choice as it offers pre-formulated solutions, eliminating the need for manually mixing resins and solvents. This range includes the Conservar Isolating/Finishing Varnish (Laropal A81), which can be safely removed without damaging the underlying paint. It is important to note that the drying times for varnishes may vary based on application method and environmental conditions, so it is recommended to evaluate by touch and visual inspection before proceeding with additional coats.
Before applying any varnish, it is essential to ensure that the painting surface is clean and free of contaminants such as dust, soot, or oils, as these can cause defects in the final varnish film. A sequential cleaning protocol is recommended, starting with dry dusting and progressing to appropriate dry or aqueous cleaning methods based on the condition and sensitivity of the surface.
In addition to varnishing, there are other preservation methods to consider. One example is the use of wooden strips or "battens" to counteract shrinkage and bowing in wood-panel supports, although this method has fallen out of favour due to the potential for internal stresses and distortion. Instead, a stable environment with controlled humidity is prioritised to foster preservation. Ideally, a relative humidity of about 55% is maintained to prevent cracking and other damage caused by variations in humidity.
Proper storage and handling of paintings are also crucial for preservation. This includes considerations such as rolling a canvas after varnishing and using archival pH-neutral paper and bubble wrap for protection. Additionally, writing relevant information on the back of the painting or the stretcher bars can aid in its preservation and provide valuable context for future conservation efforts. This information may include the artist's name, date, medium, solvent, canvas type, priming, and varnish type.
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Provenance, auction history, and value
The back of a painting can contain a wealth of information that contributes to its provenance, auction history, and value. Provenance, the record of a painting's history, is crucial for establishing authenticity and ownership. It can include the artist's signature, name, and contact information, either directly written or in the form of a business card or label. Some artists also include their biography and a photograph.
Notations on the back of a painting can provide valuable insights into its creation. Artists may indicate the title, date of completion, and any relevant inspiration or story behind the artwork. In addition, technical details such as the medium, solvent, canvas type, priming, and varnish type may be specified. For example, Michele Hausman notes that she varnishes her paintings and indicates the year and month of varnishing on the back. She also mentions that she repurposes canvases, so the presence of painted-over areas on the back may indicate previous usage.
The verso of a painting may also reveal details about the materials used and their suppliers. For instance, stamps or labels from suppliers can be found, providing the names and addresses of the businesses. In the case of Pieter Brueghel II's "The Outdoor Wedding Dance," the brand of the city of Antwerp, dating from 1617, was discovered on the back. Such markings can help establish the timeframe and location of a work's creation.
The auction history of a painting is another important aspect of its provenance. Details of previous sales, such as the date, location, and price, can enhance its value and provide a record of its ownership. For example, the auction history of Ben Nicholson's "1945 (still life)" includes its sale for £509,000 on 26 June 2017 at Christie's in London.
Lastly, any notes or inscriptions from the artist can be invaluable. These may include personal reflections, intentions, or additional information about the artwork. Such details can provide a deeper understanding of the painting and contribute to its overall value and significance.
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Frequently asked questions
You should include the title, year, your name, and signature. You can also add the medium, location, varnish type, and date of varnishing. If you're selling prints, you should also include the edition size and method of printmaking.
You can use a fine-point Sharpie or a pencil. If you use a pencil, be sure to spray the writing with fixative so that it doesn't get erased.
Write on the edge of the canvas that is wrapped around the stretcher bars, preferably on the part on the back of the bars rather than the side.
