How can we analyse the subtle stylistic features of a painting which might tell us who the artist is and when a painting is good, bad or a copy? How do dealers, auctioneers and museum staff determine whether a piece is by one painter or another? This study day will examine the clues and demonstrate some of the tricks of the connoisseur.

Lecture 1

Looking with the Eyes Wide Open 

We can stand for minutes in front of a painting and think we are seeing it, but how much have we actually noticed? How much more could we take in if we have a mental check list of things to look for, if we know how to know what is significant to notice. We will consider many of the basic stylistic features of a painting, from colouring to the uses of lighting, and analyse how different artists tend to use them at different times and in different art centres. What do the technical aspects of a painting tell us about where and when it was painted?   

 Lecture 2 

Family likenesses, significant characteristics

Instant recognition of an artist’s hand is the goal of a connoisseur, but how can the novice start to do this? This lecture will unpick some of the ways in which artists give away their identity, and demonstrate methods for learning to identify the hand of different artists.   

Lecture 3 

Practice Finding your inner connoisseur

This final talk will examine a specific group of artists, and give you a chance to try out your budding connoisseur skills of recognition.

(Booking Thursday 15 April)

Chantal Brotherton-Ratcliffe started her career by training as a paintings conservator, but she then moved into art history and began working for Sotheby’s auction house in their teaching department. She has been a lecturer in old Master Paintings at Sotheby’s Institute of Art for over 30 years, training over 1,000 students. She has also lectured widely including the National Gallery and  the Royal Academy.