What is about quality of your copies?

All hand-painted copies made by the artists/conservators of the Art Conservation Department of the State Russian Museum are carefully reviewed by the Russian Museum Expert Copy Commission. The commission compares the copy to the original painting and appraises the professional quality of the replica. Paintings which do not meet the rigorous standards of the commission are not approved for export. Works come with full documentation.

In the process of reconstructing the original technique of each individual painter, we do not use the fabric primed canvases sold in special artists' shops. We prepare each canvas individually, using 100% linen canvases in exact accordance with the texture and thread structure of the original. We stretch the canvas onto a wooden stretcher and paste it several times using special glue. After the glue has dried, we apply a prime coating based on historical methods. 

We try to make the surface identical to that of the original painting. In order to do so, we either create a thoroughly polished ground surface completely covering the structure of the canvas threads (particularly good when imitating works painted on wood) or a thin ground only partially concealing the texture of the canvas. The colour of the ground is also extremely important. It has to be identical to the original. We make it coloured if our investigations show that the painter did it this way.

It is also extremely important to follow the exact same order and procedure of work as the original painter. We do the drawing and touching exactly as it would have been done by the master. We first draw the whole picture, right down to the smallest details, in brown oils and white. The resulting picture looks like the finished work, only in 'black-and-white.' It is a pity that the observer will never see this part of work, which will later be covered with coats of paint. But we do it all the same, because this is the key to the accurate conveying of all the hues of the surface, based on an exact reproduction of every layer of paint applied by the master. A new layer of paint is often applied as a semi-liquid, transparent coat, in order to bring out the colour of the paint in the layer immediately beneath. Thickened linseed oil is used here, helping to recreate the depth and transparency of the layers of paint. The contrast between the textural and volumetric application of the paints on the light sections of the picture and the thin, semi-transparent shades creates a thrilling play of different tones. This is the magical moment when the lower layers of grisaille start to perform their role, creating the fantastic effects of luminescence and depth.

When all the upper layers of painting have completely dried, we apply a new semi-transparent coat of paint, making it look as if our painting was actually created many decades or centuries ago. The only thing we do not do is create artificial craquelure, as this would be going too far. We have to be very careful not to cross the thin line dividing a first-rate copy from a clever fake! Neither do we ever attempt to age the verso of the canvas or the stretcher. (back to top)

Who paints the copies?

All copies are painted by top artists/conservators employed at the Art Conservation Department of the State Russian Museum since 1978. All artists are highly skilled, with years of academic training in the different styles, movements and periods in the history of art. These expert technicians create the copies using only traditional artistic techniques and materials - many of which are no longer available, except to professional restorers. (back to top)

Can I see the process of making a copy?

Yes. You can monitor each stage in the process of copying your painting on your own online ArtsStudio Confidential Web Site (several images are posted every seven to ten days). In the meantime, view different online stories on the painting of recent copies by clicking here. (back to top)

How long does it paint?

Approximately six to ten weeks. It depends on the reproduction, the size and the quantity you want. Work begins right away, upon receipt of your instructions and 50%  advance payment. (back to top)

Do you make a picture look older?

Every painting demands an individual approach. When all the upper layers of painting have completely dried, we apply a new semi-transparent coat of paint, making it look as if our painting was actually created many decades or centuries ago. The only thing we do not do is create artificial craquelure, as this would be going too far. We have to be very careful not to cross the thin line dividing a first-rate copy from a skilful fake! Neither do we ever attempt to age the verso of the canvas or the stretcher. (back to top)

Do you reproduce the master's signature on the canvas?

No. Your copy will be completely identical to the original, except in two ways. It will not have the signature of the master (beautiful and faithful to the original as our replicas are, they cannot be forgeries!). The size must also vary slightly from the original (by about one inch). (back to top)

Do you have a collection of completed copies on sale?

No. All our copies are exclusive works and only made by special order.  All our copies are based on original masterpieces hanging in the museum, and not prints or slides. (back to top)

How I can order my favorite Old Master painting?

You can use our special order form. You will be amazed at how affordable they are. Let us know what painting you would like reproduced and the desired size. You can select any painting seen on our site or by selecting pictures from huge collections of the State Russian Museum and ask us for a quotation. We will respond to your e-mail as quickly as possible with a price and estimated delivery time. (back to top)

Is it possible to commission oil painting?

Yes, if you want to commission an oil painting based on a photograph, landscape or any other work, or perhaps a picture differing from the original size, contact us via special order form. You will be surprised how reasonable this can be. (back to top)

How will my painting be delivered?

It will be delivered to your home or business address by Federal Express, DHL or EMS Express. Shipping time usually takes between three to five business days to any country in the world. It is free for you. We will pay for all the shipping charges and custom taxes. When we dispatch your order, you receive a special tracking number by e-mail. You can monitor the delivery of the parcel with your painting online at the official website of the courier firm. Smaller paintings (less than twenty-four inches) will be shipped stretched onto their original wooden stretcher. Most paintings are delivered as rolled-up canvases in museum-standard quality shipping tubes, which are then packed in durable cardboard boxes. When you receive your canvas, it can be restretched by any professional framing shop. (back to top)

Where can you send work?

We can ship paintings anywhere in the world, to any country covered by such postal express companies as FedEx, DHL, UPS or EMS Express. (back to top)

What about your prices?

Our prices are very reasonable. Packing, export and import taxes and delivery by express postal service to your home or business address are FREE.  Let us know using a special order form what painting you would like reproduced and the desired size. You will be amazed at how affordable this can be. (back to top)

How do I pay?

We charge 50% payment when we process the order. The remaining 50% is charged when we deliver the finished product to you. We have two different payment methods:
Bank Credit Transfer:
We accept payments by bank credit transfer directly into our bank account. This is usually the fastest method of payment if you need the painting done quickly.
Checks:
Checks should be sent directly to our bank account. Unfortunately we do not accept credit cards. Contact us with any questions you may have regarding our service. (back to top)

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

If you are not fully satisfied with your oil reproduction, you may return it within fourteen days and we will refund the full amount of your purchase (less shipping and handling costs). You must pay for return shipping and all goods must be returned in perfect condition using the same postal express service, in its original packaging, to our registered office. (back to top)

What do your customers say?