Porch Nook's "Object Lessons" is a series of short articles sharing my vintage and antique finds over the years, containing just enough information to make you dangerous at the local flea market*. Happy hunting!
20th Century - value as of 1/22/23, $800*. Julia Salt was a talented artist who made a name for herself in the Dayton, Ohio area. She was a member of several local art associations, including the Dayton Society of Painters & Sculptors, the Fairborn Art Association, and the Miamisburg Starving Artists. She even served as past president of the latter organization.
Salt was particularly known for her oil paintings, which were admired for their vibrant colors and attention to detail. She had a strong passion for animals and was a strong supporter of the humane society. This love for animals often found its way into her art, as she was known to paint portraits of dogs, cats and other animals.
Unfortunately, Julia Salt passed away on February 20, 2004 in Columbus, Ohio. However, her legacy lives on through her artwork, which continues to be appreciated by art lovers in the Dayton area and beyond. Her paintings remind us of her talent, her passion for animals and her dedication to the arts.
I was incredibly excited when I discovered this painting, “Lilacs No. 9”. The sight of the beautiful lilacs immediately brought back fond memories and a sense of nostalgia for me. I couldn't help but stare at the painting, admiring the intricate details and vibrant colors of the flowers. The urge to breathe in the fragrance of the lilacs was overwhelming, even though I knew it was just a painting. Right away I knew this was a treasure that would bring an abundance of joy to its next home. It could be used as a focal point in a dining room or as a complement to a living area with vibrant throw pillows and a shag rug.
If you find one of Julia Salt's paintings, you may want to consider doing a few things to properly preserve and protect it. Here are a few suggestions:
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Keep the painting in a safe place: Make sure the painting is stored in a dry, cool place that is out of direct sunlight. Avoid hanging it in areas with high humidity or where it may be exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures.
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Clean the painting: Gently dust the painting with a soft, dry cloth. If there is any dirt or grime on the surface, you can use a mild cleaning solution, such as a mixture of water and a small amount of mild soap. Be sure to test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the painting first.
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Consult a professional: If you are unsure about how to best care for the painting, it may be a good idea to consult with a professional art conservator. They can help you properly preserve and protect the painting, and may also be able to provide more information about the artist and the painting itself.
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Appraise the painting: It's also a good idea to have the painting appraised by a professional art appraiser, This can help you determine the painting's value and also provide you with a more detailed information on the artist, the painting, and its potential market value.
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Keep records: Keep records of the painting's condition, any repairs, cleaning or treatment that was done, and also any documents, receipts or other information that you may have about the painting
Disclaimers:
*For the sake of transparency, Porch Nook in not an antiquities dealer, nor do I specialize in antiques. However, for many years I've gained experience acquiring and selling old stuff and hung around a lot of people who also like to acquire and sell old stuff. I gotta tell'ya, they're my kind of people...smart, creative, not shy and will tell you what's what.
