Fine Art Investigations tells the stories of heirloom family portraits. Documented artist and subject identification increase the painting's artistic, historic and monetary value. The stories become a priceless family treasure. Click on the rotating images to the right to read a few of Fine Art Investigations’ portrait stories, recto and verso. (You'll find many more on our blog.)

The portraits of George Caleb Bingham initially enthralled Fine Art Investigations. Fine Art Investigations located more than 70 formerly “lost” paintings by the artist and re-discovered ten more. Telling a new history of the Midwest from the artist's portraits is a work in progress.

The passion for heirloom portraits spread to all 19th century American portraits. Fine Art Investigations compiled thousands of images chronologically and by artist in order to accurately date portraits and identify portrait artists. With detailed documentation, we have identified, the artists of over 100 paintings and verified the conclusions with other experts. We advise on best conservation practices and best conservators. We have sold portraits and lithographs to museums and private collectors. Fine Art Investigations delights in telling the individual stories behind the portrait, both front and back.

• The front, or recto side - the likeness of the portrait sitter
• The back, or verso - the painting’s support system, usually slaves