Frequently Asked Questions

All artwork listed as Antique Original, are actual works of art from the 1600’s, 1700’s, or 1800’s. These are usually an original engraving, lithograph, mezzotint, or etching from that time period.

Joel Oppenheimer Gallery guarantees the authenticity of every original print we sell. You can expect to receive the artwork in excellent condition.  We only offer the finest quality examples of antique original prints.

All original Audubon Havell engravings, Audubon Bien chromolithographs, and Thornton prints are the actual print you will receive.  Stock images from our inventory may be used for other categories where we may have multiple images in stock. The print you receive will be an excellent example and we guarantee your satisfaction.  Please understand that these objects are centuries old, so some variation between impressions can be expected.

Established in 1999, our publishing company Oppenheimer Editions was developed in order to produce modern facsimiles of historic works of art. Marrying cutting-edge digital printing technologies with canonical works of art, Oppenheimer Editions has partnered with prestigious museums to make their holdings accessible to the public as fine art prints.  Click here to learn more about Oppenheimer Editions.

All Oppenheimer Editions Prints are limited edition.  Each print is stamped and signed on the back with it’s individual print number. The number of prints included in the edition is available on each prints specifications on the website.

Yes!  All Oppenheimer Editions prints are printed on high quality 308 gsm acid free watercolor paper with archival, light-fast pigments.  They will remain bright and beautiful for decades to come.

Shipping to the continental United States is complimentary for online orders over $375.  Expedited shipping is also available for an additional fee. Complimentary shipping is shipped by UPS Ground service.

Unframed artwork will be shipped flat.  There are two layers to the packaging: an archival inner folder which preserves the artwork and a sturdy outer packaging meant to protect the inner layer from damage.  If you want to learn more about our recommended packaging, click here.

Framed artwork is shipped in a sturdy triwall container or wooden crate depending on the framing materials and where it is being shipped to.  These packages are custom made to insure safe delivery of your artwork.

Head over to our fine art shipping page to learn more about recommended packaging techniques!

Art conservation is the stabilization of artwork or documents to prevent degradation and to preserve them for the future.  Art restoration is when the art is conserved, but also cleaned or restored to a more presentable condition.  Restoration can include cleaning, mending tears, deacidifying, filling voids and many other techniques.  If you want to learn more, head over to our main art conservation and restoration page.

As soon as your artwork is received and unpackaged, you will be notified of its arrival and the contents will be confirmed.  Your artwork will then be examined by one of our experts and a treatment proposal and quote will be sent to you.  When you approve the work, we will request a deposit to schedule the work.  Restoration work typically take 6-8 weeks, but can vary depending on the project complexity or size.  When the restoration is complete, our team will contact you to schedule return shipment.  The remaining balance is due prior to return shipment.

Joel Oppenheimer Gallery strives to offer only the best examples of natural history art.  Many of the original works of art available on our website are centuries old!  Sometimes these works do require some light maintenance or deacidification so they are ready to hang in your home and be preserved for generations to come.  This service is provided free of charge for artwork on our website over $300.

We accept all major credit cards on our website.  We also accept checks and wire transfers.  If you’d like to place an order on our website but would prefer to pay by check or wire transfer, we recommend you contact us and we will take care of the rest!

Not at this time, but we hope to have this option in the future.  If you’d like to make these payment arrangements, we suggest you contact the gallery at 312-642-5300, or email us at [email protected].

We accept returns within 2 weeks of delivery for a full refund.  Artwork must be returned in the same condition it was sent in for a refund.  Refunds will be issued to the payment method that was used to complete the transaction.