How can I find out about old paintings?

Question

I have found old painting that hung in my gram's house years ago . The first one is a oil painting that is signed. it say's George Dull Jasper Park 1940. Behind this painting in the frame I found printings of three pictures so far I only can read one that say's Richard Wagners Dream painted by Schweninger can anybody tell anything about these paintings or how to begin searching I am new at this

Answer 1

There were a lot of artists called Schweninger. You may be able to find out if yours is by (or a copy of) one these by going to the hinks that I've attached to see if the styles match.

Link 1- Wilhelm Schweninger
Link 2 - Karl Schweninger II
Link 3 - Carl Schweninger
Link 4 - Rosa Schweninger

I don't have anything in my art directories for George Dull. I'm assuming that Jasper Park is the one in Canada? If so I'd try doing some local searches in art directories and auction directories.

Answer 2

If you are in the United Kingdom, you can take them to an art gallery, such as the municipal galleries in most cities such as Manchester, Birmingham or Bristol, or to an appropriate public gallery (e.g. Tate) in London. They will tell you what the paintings are and something about the artist, if appropriate, but they will not value them. Obviously you should get in touch first to make an appointment: you will hardly want to turn up with a big picture on the offchance.

Your other way forward is to go to an Auction House - again there is at least one in most towns and cities. They will value the paintings, for a fee which will be a percentage of the value. However, remember that the auction house really wants to sell your pictures. Also remember that there are different values for Probate (after death), Insurance and Sales purposes. As you do not wish to pay for unecessary valuations, you need to be clear before you see the auctioneer exactly what you want him or her to do (although they whould advise you according to professional ethics). If the paintings are originals, you will probably need to have them valued, but from what you have said I would be inclined to ask the museum expert first. Auctioneers do not always get it right!

If you live in the United Kingdom, watch an episode of "Antiques Roadshow" to see how experts go about appraising works of art.

P.S. I did a quick "Google" and discovered that there is an art house called Schweninger that hand paints reproductions, so don't raise your expectations. On the other had there appears to have been a C19 German painter called Schweninger. it is impossible to tell what you have without seeing. But do have a go yourself at using Google etc. to try and find out more. I haven't looked, but you might find some advice in the Antiques Roadshow bit of the BBC website (bbc.co.uk).