Art Stories Feb 2023

Let’s take a look at some fresh perspectives – consider the back of paintings, children’s eye level, and art sizes.

Looking at the back of paintings

The reverse back side of a painting with artist notes
The reverse of 1945 (still life), by Ben Nicholson, O.M. (1894-1982). Nicholson’s address in Cornwall has been added to the back of the picture, bottom left

Ever looked at the back of your paintings? Christie’s has created a guide to help you decode everything from materials to stamps to notes. Not only can it help enhance the piece’s value but it can also give you a better sense of the artist and their work.

Renaissance masterpieces at children’s eye level

Photo of a woman and three small children looking at a painting
In 2019, the Uffizi lowered the hang of Beato Angelico’s richly detailed Tebaide (around 1420) to children’s eye level

As part of an effort to make the Uffizi gallery more kid-friendly, the staff is placing art right at children’s eye level. Standing at 65 cm (25.5 inches) from the ground, Renaissance paintings like Beato Angelico’s detailed Tebaide can be enjoyed by even the youngest visitors.

Choosing the right sized art for your space

Photograph of a bedroom with a large landscape painting hanging above the bed
Image courtesy of Catherine Freshley Fine Art

Sometimes it can be hard to know what size of art will look best in your space. Catherine Freshley, an artist based in Portland, Oregon, created a guide for art sizing. With lots of photo references, you can easily see how pieces ranging from small to huge will look in a space.


If you have some favorite articles and stories about art, let us know! We’d love to feature them on our blog and newsletter.

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