Buying vintage art online is one of the best ways to find original artwork for your home. From antique dealers and auction houses to specialist galleries and marketplaces, there has never been more choice. But judging the quality, condition and authenticity of a painting from photographs alone isn't always easy.

I've bought and sold thousands of vintage paintings over the last five years, sourcing from dealers, auction houses and antique shops across Europe. Despite that experience, there are still a few things that catch me out far more often than I'd like.

These aren't the only things I check before buying vintage art online, but they are the three that have cost me the most time, money and frustration over the years. Hopefully they'll help you buy with a little more confidence.

1. Check That It's Really an Original Oil Painting

One of the biggest misconceptions when buying vintage art online is that the title or description tells you everything you need to know.

Unfortunately, it doesn't.

I buy from reputable dealers and auction houses, so this one genuinely surprises me. Yet it's not uncommon to see acrylics, mixed media and even prints described as original oil paintings.

A print arrived, not the oil painting I was expecting from an Auction House in Belgium.

I'm not claiming to be an expert with a formal art background, but this is something I come across more often than I'd like. I find it incredibly frustrating that it's this common amongst professionals.

Most of the time I don't believe it's deliberate. It may simply be a lack of knowledge. Either way, it's not okay, and I'd hate for you to overpay for something that isn't what you thought you were buying.

If I'm ever unsure, I'll always ask for close-up photographs of the paint surface. Brushwork, texture and the way the light catches the paint usually tell you far more than the written description ever will. Acrylic paint is often flatter, more matte and has a different surface quality to oil paint.

And don't let a beautiful vintage frame distract you. Always look closely at what's happening with the painting itself.

2. Check Whether the Painting Is Behind Glass

This catches me out surprisingly often.

Sometimes a painting arrives behind glass even though the listing never mentioned it. Other times the glass has been removed for the photographs, making it almost impossible to tell—which, if I'm honest, feels a little sneaky.

You might not mind. Personally, I don't like original oil paintings behind glass. Works on paper, watercolours and prints are a completely different story, but most oil paintings simply don't need it.

Occasionally you can remove the glass yourself, but more often I take it to my framer to do it properly. In some cases, removing the glass damages the frame, meaning it can't be reused.

I recently bought a painting from Sweden that arrived behind glass. The listing hadn't mentioned it, and the glass shattered in transit. Unpacking it was a nightmare. Broken glass everywhere, a ruined frame and a lengthy clean-up before I could even assess the painting.

Before buying, spend a minute studying every photograph.

Can you see reflections?

If you're unsure, send the seller a quick message. Most are more than happy to answer.

3. Inspect the Frame as Carefully as the Painting

This is probably the most common issue I come across.

If I had to guess, I'd say at least a third of the paintings I buy need some form of frame repair or, occasionally, a completely new frame.

Unfortunately, damage isn't always obvious in listing photographs and it isn't always mentioned in the description.

A few knocks and signs of age rarely bother me. They're part of the charm of buying vintage art. Significant structural damage is a different matter altogether.

Older frames can be surprisingly difficult to repair because of the way they were originally constructed, meaning replacement is sometimes the only realistic option.

If the frame matters to you, ask for additional photographs before buying.

Take a really close look at the corners.

If it's a decorative gesso frame, this is often where you'll spot chips, cracks or missing sections.

If it's a chunky wooden frame, check for loose joints.

If the frame has multiple moulded layers, make sure they're all intact. It's surprisingly common for one layer to lift away, and it's not always an easy repair.

Hessian mounts are beautiful, but they can also be filthy beyond a light clean.

The frame is often part of what makes a vintage painting so special, so it's worth spending an extra minute checking it carefully before you buy.

Vintage Art Buying Checklist

Before I buy vintage art online, I always ask myself:

• Is it definitely an original painting?
• Have I looked closely at the paint surface?
• Is the painting behind glass?
• Have I checked the frame for damage?
• Have I confirmed the dimensions?
• Have I asked for extra photographs if I'm unsure?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy vintage art online?

Yes, provided you buy from reputable sellers and don't be afraid to ask questions. A good seller will usually be happy to provide additional photographs, measurements or videos before you buy.

How can you tell if a painting is an original oil painting?

Look for visible brushwork, texture and variations in the paint surface. If you're unsure, ask for close-up photographs in natural light. They often reveal far more than the listing description.

Should vintage oil paintings be behind glass?

In most cases, no. Original oil paintings are generally intended to be viewed without glass. Works on paper, prints and watercolours are different and are usually glazed for protection.

Is frame damage a deal breaker?

Not necessarily. Minor knocks, wear and age-related imperfections are completely normal on vintage frames. Structural damage, loose joints or extensive losses are more likely to require professional repair or replacement.

Where can you buy vintage art online?

Some of my favourite places include specialist vintage art dealers, antique shops, auction houses and carefully curated online marketplaces. Wherever you're buying, take time to study the photographs and don't be afraid to ask questions before purchasing.

My Biggest Piece of Advice

Never feel awkward asking for extra photographs, videos or measurements.

A good seller would almost always rather answer a few extra questions than deal with a disappointed buyer later.

Buying vintage art online is still one of my favourite ways to source paintings, and I hope these tips give you the confidence to do the same.

If you enjoy articles like this, you'll find more buying guides, sourcing advice and vintage art inspiration over on The Trove, where I share everything I've learnt from buying and selling thousands of one-of-a-kind paintings across Europe.