What is the best way to label a painting? The best way to label a painting is to ensure all essential information is clearly and durably displayed, typically on the back of the artwork or a separate label attached securely. Can I label a painting myself? Yes, you can label a painting yourself, provided you have the necessary information and use appropriate archival materials. Who is responsible for labeling a painting? The artist, the owner, or a curator is typically responsible for labeling a painting, depending on the context.
Properly labeling a painting is crucial for its history, value, and future identification. It’s more than just a tag; it’s a preservation tool and a key to unlocking the artwork’s story. Whether you are an emerging artist, a seasoned collector, or managing a private collection, knowing how to label your paintings correctly is a fundamental skill. This guide will walk you through the essentials, ensuring your artwork is presented and protected for years to come.
Why Labeling Matters
Labeling a painting serves multiple vital purposes. It acts as a permanent record, a protective measure, and an informative aid.
- Identification: The most basic function is to identify the artwork. Without a label, a painting can become anonymous, making it difficult to track its origin or ownership.
- Authentication: Key information on a label helps authenticate the work, confirming its creator and authenticity.
- Historical Record: Labels contribute to the artwork’s provenance, detailing its journey through time, including ownership, exhibitions, and sales.
- Conservation: Correct labeling can inform conservators about the materials used and any prior treatments, aiding in future care.
- Appraisal and Insurance: Accurate labels are essential for insurance purposes and for appraisals, as they provide the necessary details to value the work.
- Exhibition and Presentation: For exhibitions, labels provide visitors with vital context about the artwork and the artist.
The Core Components of a Painting Label
A comprehensive painting label includes several key pieces of information. Each element plays a role in identifying and contextualizing the artwork.
Artist Name
This is the most critical piece of information. It attributes the work to its creator.
- Format: Use the artist’s full legal name. If the artist worked under a pseudonym, you can include that as well, perhaps in parentheses.
- Example: John Smith (also known as “The Brush”)
- Clarity: Ensure the name is spelled correctly and clearly legible.
Title of Painting
Every artwork should have a title, which often provides insight into the artist’s intent or the subject matter.
- Formatting: Titles are typically italicized or placed in quotation marks.
- Example: Sunset Over the Meadow or “Sunset Over the Meadow”
- Accuracy: Use the official title given by the artist. If there is no official title, you might use a descriptive title (e.g., “Untitled (Landscape)”) but clearly note that it is not the artist’s original title.
Date Created
This indicates when the artwork was completed. It helps to place the work within the artist’s career and art historical periods.
- Precision: Use the most accurate date available. This could be a specific year, a range of years (e.g., “1920-1925”), or a decade (e.g., “1930s”).
- Dating Ambiguities: If the exact date is unknown, use “circa” (c.) followed by the estimated date or period.
- Example: c. 1910, 1935-1938
Medium Used
This describes the materials and techniques the artist employed. It’s vital for conservation and understanding the artwork’s physical properties.
- Common Mediums:
- Oil on canvas
- Acrylic on board
- Watercolor on paper
- Mixed media (specify materials if possible, e.g., “Mixed media on paper with collage”)
- Oil on wood panel
- Tempera on canvas
- Ink and gouache on paper
- Support: Specify the surface the artwork is created on (canvas, wood, paper, etc.) and whether it is stretched or on a panel.
Dimensions of Artwork
Knowing the size of the artwork is essential for documentation, shipping, framing, and exhibition.
- Units: Typically measured in inches or centimeters. Be consistent with your units.
- Order: The standard order is Height × Width × Depth (if applicable, for sculptures or heavily textured paintings). For paintings, it’s usually Height × Width.
- Framed vs. Unframed: Specify whether the dimensions refer to the artwork itself or include the frame. It’s best practice to list the artwork’s dimensions first and then the framed dimensions separately if needed.
- Example (Unframed): 24 in x 36 in (61 cm x 91.4 cm)
- Example (Framed): Artwork: 24 in x 36 in; Framed: 30 in x 42 in
Signature Placement
The artist’s signature is a key indicator of authenticity. Noting its location helps in identification.
- Common Placements:
- Lower right corner
- Lower left corner
- On the back of the canvas or stretcher bar
- On the verso (the back of the artwork) of the paper
- Description: Briefly describe where the signature is located.
- Example: Signed lower right.
- Example: Signed on verso.
Inventory Number
For collections, galleries, and dealers, an inventory number (or accession number) is crucial for tracking and management.
- System: This is usually assigned by the owner or institution. It follows a specific cataloging system.
- Format: Can be alphanumeric and unique to each item.
- Example: GMS-1985-007, PK2345
Additional Information for Comprehensive Labeling
Beyond the core components, several other details can significantly enhance a painting’s record.
Frame Description
The frame is an integral part of how the artwork is presented and can also have historical or monetary value.
- Material: Wood, metal, gilt, etc.
- Style: Ornate, simple, modern, period-specific.
- Condition: Note any damage or significant wear.
- Attribution: If the frame is believed to be original or by a notable framer, mention it.
- Example: Original gilt wood frame, minor chips.
- Example: Contemporary brushed metal frame.
Provenance Record
Provenance refers to the history of ownership of an artwork. A detailed provenance record adds significant value and aids in authentication.
- Key Elements:
- Artist: (Already covered)
- Date Created: (Already covered)
- Original Owner: Who first acquired the work from the artist?
- Subsequent Owners: List each owner in chronological order, with dates of acquisition and sale.
- Dealers and Galleries: Note any galleries or dealers through whom the work was bought or sold.
- Auction Houses: Record the name of the auction house, date of sale, and lot number.
- Collection Names: If the work was part of a famous collection.
- Documentation: Keep supporting documents like receipts, invoices, and exhibition catalogues.
- Example Snippet:
- Acquired directly from the artist, 1955.
- Collection of Mr. Arthur Jones, London, 1955-1978.
- Sold at Sotheby’s, London, October 26, 1978, lot 45.
- Acquired by the current owner from a private collection, 2005.
Exhibition History
Knowing where and when a painting has been exhibited provides context about its significance and reception.
- Key Information:
- Exhibition Title: The name of the exhibition.
- Venue: The name of the museum, gallery, or institution.
- Location: City and country of the venue.
- Dates of Exhibition: The start and end dates.
- Catalogue Number: If the artwork was listed in the exhibition catalogue, include the catalogue number.
- Importance: An extensive exhibition history can increase an artwork’s desirability and value.
- Example Snippet:
- “Modern Masters,” The Tate Gallery, London, June 10 – August 15, 1965, cat. no. 32.
- “Abstract Expressions,” Museum of Modern Art, New York, March 5 – May 10, 1970.
Labeling Materials and Placement
The materials you use and where you place the label are critical for the artwork’s long-term preservation.
Best Practices for Labeling Materials
- Archival Quality: Always use acid-free paper or cardstock for labels. Standard paper will degrade over time, yellow, and potentially damage the artwork.
- Ink: Use permanent, pigment-based inks that are fade-resistant. Pencil can be used for very light labeling if it’s archival grade, but ink is generally preferred for legibility.
- Adhesives: Use archival glues or double-sided archival tape. Avoid rubber cement, standard tape, or any adhesive that can become brittle, discolored, or acidic.
- Tags and Ties: For labels that need to be attached without direct adhesion to the artwork, use archival string or ties made of cotton or linen.
Where to Place the Label
The back of the painting is the traditional and most recommended location.
- On the Stretcher Bar: Attach the label to one of the wooden stretcher bars that hold the canvas taut. This is a secure and stable location.
- On the Back of the Canvas: If there is no stretcher bar or if the stretcher bar is inaccessible, a label can be adhered to the back of the canvas itself, but with extreme care to use minimal archival adhesive.
- On the Back of the Frame: Labels can also be affixed to the back of the frame, especially if the artwork is very delicate or if space on the stretcher bar is limited. This is also useful for frame-specific information.
- Separate Label/Documentation: For extremely valuable or sensitive works, a separate archival document containing all the information can be kept with the artwork, with only a minimal identifying mark on the artwork itself.
How to Create a Label: Step-by-Step
Let’s put it all together. Here’s a practical approach to creating a professional and informative label.
Step 1: Gather All Information
Collect all the details mentioned in the previous sections. Ensure accuracy and completeness.
Step 2: Choose Your Label Medium
- Archival Paper/Card: Cut to a suitable size (e.g., 3×5 inches, 4×6 inches).
- Archival Pen: Use a fine-tipped archival marker or pen.
Step 3: Layout the Label
Organize the information logically. A common and effective layout is:
- Artist Name:
- Title of Painting: (in italics or quotes)
- Date Created:
- Medium Used:
- Dimensions of Artwork: (Height x Width)
- Signature Placement:
- Inventory Number: (if applicable)
- Frame Description: (if applicable)
- Provenance Snippet: (or reference to a separate document)
- Exhibition History Snippet: (or reference to a separate document)
Step 4: Write Out the Label
Carefully write or print the information onto your chosen medium. Double-check spelling and dates.
Example Label Content:
Artist Name: Eleanor Vance Title of Painting: Whispers of the Coast Date Created: 1988 Medium Used: Oil on canvas Dimensions of Artwork: 30 in x 40 in (76.2 cm x 101.6 cm) Signature Placement: Signed lower right. Inventory Number: AV-1988-001 Frame Description: Gilt wood frame with ornate carving. Provenance: Acquired from the artist, 1989. Exhibition History: “Coastal Visions,” Gallery 101, New York, March 15 – April 30, 1990.
Step 5: Attach the Label
Securely attach the finished label to the chosen location on the painting using archival adhesive or ties.
- For Stretcher Bars: Use archival tape or a small amount of archival glue to affix the label.
- For Canvas Back: Use very small, precise dots of archival glue or archival double-sided tape. Do not press too hard or use excessive amounts.
- For Frame Back: Use archival tape or glue.
Advanced Considerations and Best Practices
As you gain more experience, you might consider more in-depth methods for documentation.
Maintaining a Digital Database
For collectors or institutions with many works, a digital database is invaluable. This can include high-resolution images of the artwork, the label, and all associated documentation.
Separate Documentation Sheets
For complex provenance or extensive exhibition histories, consider creating separate, more detailed archival documents. These can be stored with the artwork or in a dedicated collection management system. The label on the artwork can then simply reference these documents (e.g., “See attached provenance document”).
Condition Reports
While not strictly part of labeling, maintaining a condition report alongside your label information is a good practice. This documents the artwork’s state at a particular time.
Security and Tamper Evidence
For valuable works, consider how your labeling system might be secured. Some institutions use tamper-evident labels or unique identifiers that are hard to replicate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a permanent marker directly on the painting’s canvas if it’s not signed?
A1: It is strongly discouraged to write directly on the painted surface of an artwork, even if it’s unsigned. This can damage the paint layer and is irreversible. Always use the back of the canvas, stretcher bars, or frame for labeling.
Q2: What if the artist’s signature is on the front of the painting? Do I still need to note the signature placement on the label?
A2: Yes, you should still note the signature placement on the label. The label provides a consolidated record. For example, “Signed front lower right.”
Q3: Is it okay to use a standard sticker label?
A3: No, standard sticker labels often use acidic adhesives that can yellow, become brittle, and damage the artwork or frame over time. Always opt for archival quality materials.
Q4: What if I don’t know the exact date the painting was created?
A4: If the exact date is unknown, use the best estimate possible. You can denote this with “circa” (c.) followed by the estimated year or period (e.g., c. 1930, or Early 1950s). It’s better to have an estimated date than none at all, as long as it’s clearly indicated as an estimate.
Q5: Should the frame description be very detailed?
A5: Provide enough detail to be informative but keep it concise. Mention the material, style, and any significant condition issues. If the frame is particularly important (e.g., original to the artwork, by a known framer), this is where you’d highlight it.
Q6: How do I handle labeling for unframed works on paper?
A6: For unframed works on paper, the label is typically attached to the back of the backing board or mat using archival methods. If the work is displayed without a mat or backing, a small, unobtrusive label can be attached to the back of the artwork itself with minimal archival adhesive, or a separate archival document can be kept with the artwork.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your paintings are accurately and permanently labeled, preserving their history and value for generations to come. This meticulous approach is a testament to your care for the artwork and its place in the art world.