Art Care | Gallery of Modern Masters

Moving Art

While moving your art, remember to use both hands while lifting or carrying it. Using both hands minimizes stress on a frame and your back, and the risk of accidents. Do not use gloves, especially if you are moving glass. It might slip out of your hands. Also, remove all jewelry on hands and wrists. Jewelry can scratch your frame or glass.

How to Hang Art Correctly

Hanging art is more than just putting a nail in the wall—it’s about creating balance, harmony, and impact in your space. Whether you’re displaying a single piece or curating a gallery wall, following a few professional guidelines will ensure your artwork looks its best.

1. Find the Right Height

The most common mistake when hanging art is placing it too high. The general rule:

Center the artwork so that the middle sits at 57–60 inches from the floor (average eye level).
In rooms where people are usually seated (like dining rooms or living rooms), consider lowering the artwork slightly for better viewing.

2. Scale and Proportion Matter

Your artwork should relate to the size of the wall and furniture:

Large walls can handle oversized works or grouped arrangements.
Smaller walls may be best suited for a single statement piece or a vertical arrangement.
When hanging above furniture, keep the artwork about 6 to 8 inches above the top edge and ensure it is not wider than the furniture beneath it.

3. Spacing Between Multiple Pieces

For gallery walls or diptychs/triptychs:

Leave 2–4 inches between each piece for breathing room.
Keep spacing consistent across the arrangement to create a cohesive look.

4. Use the Right Hardware

Protect your art (and your walls) by using appropriate supports:

Use picture hooks instead of nails for better weight distribution.
For heavier works, use wall anchors or professional hanging systems.
Always double-check weight limits for safety.

5. Lighting Enhances the Art

The right lighting brings artwork to life:

Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
Use soft, angled lighting to reduce glare.
Consider gallery-style picture lights or track lighting to highlight focal works.

6. Step Back and Adjust

Once your piece is on the wall, step back and view it from different angles. A slight adjustment can make all the difference in achieving balance and harmony.

Jamie Barthel Chandeliers

The outside of the bowl can be cleaned with any glass cleaner. If there are spots you cannot remove, “Armor All” cleaning solution can remove them. The inside of the bowl should be cleaned with a dry cloth. We use Swiffers at the gallery. Do not use anything wet on the inside painted surfaces.

Basic Maintenance
Bronzes that are placed indoors require minimal maintenance. Many newer bronze finishes have been sealed with a synthetic lacquer finish and subsequently sealed with a coat of wax, producing a shiny wax finish. A thorough dusting and wiping away fingerprints with a clean, dry, cotton cloth is usually the only basic maintenance required. Again, we use Swiffers in the gallery

Outside Maintenance

Outdoor bronzes require a maintenance program, which keeps their surfaces clean and waxed on a regular basis.

Different Climates
In a relatively dry climate, low in pollutants, a super thin coat of Trewax® Brand Paste Wax should be applied once a year, or even every other year. Never use spray or liquid furniture polishes to dust or clean a bronze sculpture. These polishes may contain oils which could damage the original patina finish. In climates with higher humidity, or if you live where there is a higher concentration of airborne pollutants, cleaning and waxing may be needed twice a year.

Applying Wax
All bronze darkens with age, however waxing may slow the process of oxidation. To apply the wax, you need a one to two inch natural bristle paint brushes that will be used only for cleaning your bronze. Do not use brushes that you have used for other purposes as chemicals may remain in the bristles and if transferred to the patina finish, may cause permanent discoloration. Wipe your bronze free of any dust and fingerprints using a clean, dry, cotton cloth. Use one of the brushes to remove dust from small crevasses or hard to reach places. When applying the wax to the second brush, use three or four, back and forth, sweeping strokes. Do not dab your brush in the wax. This could cause an abundance of wax to be applied to the bronze that could actually harm the patina surface. Dab your brush on the lid of the wax to remove any excess wax. Lightly apply a super thin coat of wax to the surface of the bronze using gentle sweeping motions. Apply more wax to the brush as described, working it down into crevices. It is very important not to apply too much wax or work it into the surface too vigorously. Cover the entire surface with wax and let it dry according to the directions on the container. Keep your brushes separated in labeled bags, free from other contaminants, for future use. Using a clean, dry, cotton cloth, gently rub in a circular motion, the dried wax from the bronze surface until you achieve the desired shine. To achieve a better protective coating, you may want to re-apply a second coat using the same technique.

Insurance

Most homeowner policies cover art, but there are limitations. We suggest you contact your agent for a special art and jewelry rider. They are relatively inexpensive, but have much better coverage for expensive art mishaps.

GET IN TOUCH

QUICK LINKS