This is why everyone in so many old-master paintings is left-handed.

Ms. Lux often uses old-master paintings as sources.

(The heavy uniforms often seen on Russian soldiers in old-master paintings were made of English wool.)

"It's not complete, so in a sense it's already been broken up," said George Wachter, director of old-master paintings for Sotheby's worldwide.

Another example is the use of FTIR to characterize artistic materials in old-master paintings.

She showed us how to enjoy seeing the world, whether it was an old-master painting or a colorful pile of junk on the sidewalk.

Copies of old-master paintings made by Ms. Siroka hang throughout the house, typically wherever their colors and proportions best match the décor.

Prices here range from about $1,000 for a piece of majolica to as much as $4 million for an old-master painting or sculpture.

They also stock Renaissance and 17th-century furniture, old-master paintings and an interesting assortment of vintage objects.

In business since 1960, the dealer stocks unusual majolica, bronzes, furniture, decorations, marble works and old-master paintings.