Cracked-up Duck

Before we went on holiday, we bought a painting on ebay; it arrived just before we went, but today was the first chance we had to unwrap it and have a proper look at it.

It's a large study of two ducks, probably mid-1800s.

It's in far from perfect condition. The heavy gilt plaster frame has suffered a bit over the years, with decoration missing in a few places. A little more damage was done in transit, most of which I repaired this afternoon. I think if we can get a decent match of "antique gold" paint, though, it'll look fine.

The canvas has at some point been torn, and that's been somewhat inexpertly repaired and overpainted, but it's not anywhere prominent. And as you can see from the part I photographed, the old varnish is yellowed and there's cracking everywhere.

And I'm really pleased with it! I actually quite like the "old" look it has, and for me the imperfections make it more interesting. Looking at it close up like this, it could almost be a scene on a mural at Pompeii or somewhere. And the ducks are cute! Look at the glint in this one's eye :)

Take a closer look at the cracks and quacks.