Question 1

What dresses were popular in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

A number of dresses were popular during the 1940s. Many women wore short-waist dresses with button necks, collars, fitted waists and full skirts. The classic A-lines with knee-length hems in red, white and blue colors were also a trend. Shop a collection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What did Ladies Wear in the 1940s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1940s, ladies wore clothes defined by clean and slim silhouettes. The jackets, blouses and sweaters often featured shoulderpads and had somewhat of a military feel. Most dresses were quite casual and pants and playsuits became part of a woman's everyday style.

Question 3

What is a 1940s style dress?

Accepted Answer

The most popular 1940s-style dress was the shirtwaist dress. It had a front opening like a men’s shirt, but with large buttons in the front of the dress, which was practical and easy to wear. The sleeves were short and necklines varied from shirt style to sweetheart and other necklines. Antique and vintage dresses from well-known designers are available on 1stDibs.

Question 4

How do I identify an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

To identify an oil painting, look closely at its surface. Compared to other paintings, pieces produced in oils usually show off a variety of textures across the canvas, and the paint will appear layered on. If you're looking to determine the name, age or creator of a work, try snapping a photo with your smartphone’s camera and conducting a reverse image search online. Shop a diverse assortment of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Who is the father of oil painting?

Accepted Answer

Jan van Eyck is widely considered by art historians to be the father of oil painting. While the usage of oil paints dates back to 7th-century China, the Flemish painter popularized the material, using oils to produce highly detailed works such as The Arnolfini Portrait. The Northern Renaissance master also influenced many other artists, such as Hugo van der Goes and Gerard David. Shop an assortment of fine art on 1stDibs.

Question 6

When was oil paint invented?

Accepted Answer

Oil paint was invented during the 7th century A.D. The earliest examples of oil paintings have been traced to Afghanistan and depict scenes related to the Buddhist religion. Records dating back to the 12th century indicate that early Christian monks in Europe used oil paints to decorate furniture, and a century later, some artists began finishing tempera paintings with touches of oil paint. It wasn't until the 15th century that oil paints became a common medium for European painters, when Flemish artists like Jan van Eyck began favoring them over tempera. Explore a variety of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is abstract oil painting?

Accepted Answer

An%20abstract%20oil%20painting%20and%20an%20artwork%20that%20is%20made%20with%20oil%20paint%20on%20a%20medium%20like%20canvas%2C%20wood%20board%2C%20or%20other%20panels%20like%20canvas%20board.%20And%20the%20'abstract'%20term%20refers%20to%20the%20Movement%20%26%20Style%20of%20the%20piece.%20As%20abstraction%20indicates%20a%20departure%20from%20reality%20in%20the%20depiction%20of%20imagery%20in%20art%2C%20the%20artist%20creates%20a%20painting%20where%20the%20subject%2C%20shape%2C%20form%2C%20color%2C%20and%20line%2C%20is%20created%20with%20no%20particular%20references%20of%20the%20world%20but%20as%20a%20composition%20that%20may%20exist%20with%20a%20degree%20of%20independence%20from%20its%20vision.

Question 8

How do you maintain oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).

You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)

To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.

If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.

Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Can you use oil paint on wood?

Accepted Answer

You can use oil paint on wood as long as you prep the wood first. The first thing you should do is seal the wood with a primer. Ideally, paint two coats of sealer onto the wood so that the paint doesn't cause the wood to rot over time.

Question 10

Did Dali use oil paint?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dali did indeed use oil paint. Although he used oil paints in the traditional method, he would at times add natural resin or linseed oil to play with fluidity and texture. You can shop a selection of Salvador Dali’s pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How can you tell how old an oil painting is?

Accepted Answer

To tell how old an oil painting is, research the artist who produced it. You can use the mobile app Smartify to snap a photo of the signature on your painting and identify the artist. Read biographical information about the artist online and look at images of their work to estimate the age of your piece. Alternatively, you can get the opinion of a knowledgeable art dealer or certified appraiser. Explore a wide variety of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Where is the largest oil painting in the world?

Accepted Answer

The largest oil painting in the world is in the main hall of the Doge's Palace located in Venice, Italy. Its name is Il Paradiso. Tintoretto painted it around 1592, and it measures 22 meters by 7 meters. Shop a large collection of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Is it necessary to varnish oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

Varnishing an oil is not necessary, but it is recommended because it protects the painting and corrects surface irregularities.

Question 14

What makes an oil painting valuable?

Accepted Answer

A few things make an oil painting valuable. Age has a major impact on price, with pieces made over a century ago tending to fetch the highest prices. Who created the painting also matters. The more famous the artist, the higher the selling price for a painting is likely to be. Finally, the condition of the work and whether it is in its original frame will also impact how much it is worth. Find a diverse assortment of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is the difference between a lithograph and an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lithograph and an oil painting comes down to uniqueness and technique. To produce an oil painting, an artist applies oil-based paints to a canvas or another surface using a brush. The process results in a single work of art. Lithography is a form of printmaking that begins by drawing on or painting on a stone surface with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche, an oily wash. The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. Through lithography, an artist can produce dozens, or even thousands, of copies of a single image. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of lithographs and oil paintings.

Question 16

Does sunlight affect oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sunlight affects oil paintings. Keep your oil paintings away from direct sunlight.

To maintain oil paintings that you purchased for your home, experts suggest that you keep them out of sunlight. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight coming in from a window can fade the colors in your painting. Do not hang your oil painting near a heat source or where it can get wet (bathrooms and kitchens are not safe for your oil painting).

You may wish to dust your oil painting so that layers of dust don’t begin to gather on its surface. This should only be considered to remove loose dust. Never spray any chemical substance on your oil painting. Do not use a damp cloth to dust your oil painting. (Again, your painting should not be exposed to moisture.)

To remove loose dust, use a soft brush that measures approximately one to two inches wide with natural-hair bristles. Do not use a dust cloth or a feather duster, as those items may catch or leave threads or feathers behind. Do not apply pressure or dust your painting for an extended period of time.

If you think that your oil painting is considerably dirty or believe that other issues may be at work, experts strongly suggest that you consult with a professional conservator.

Read about how to arrange your wall art and find oil paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How can I tell if an oil painting is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if your oil painting is authentic, first check the signature of the artist to start your research. Use a magnifying glass to check the texture of the painting, and finally check the back for the painting’s original stretchers. Shop a selection of expertly vetted artwork from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do you know if an oil painting is valuable?

Accepted Answer

Because the value of an oil painting can vary greatly based on the artist, the subject and the condition of the piece, it's generally best to work with a certified appraiser. A knowledgeable professional can evaluate the piece and estimate its value. Shop a variety of authentic oil paintings from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How much are oil paintings worth?

Accepted Answer

Any%20artwork%20is%20worth%20and%20only%20worth%20the%20price%20someone%20is%20willing%20to%20pay%20for%20it%20(unfortunately%2C%20whether%20one%20can%20afford%20it%20or%20not%20is%20another%20story).%20%20Different%20people%20may%20have%20different%20reasons%20to%20attribute%20value%20to%20an%20artwork%2C%20from%20the%20purest%20(falling%20in%20love%20with%20it)%20to%20what%20is%20often%20considered%20as%20the%20most%20vile%20(speculation)%2C%20going%20through%20remembrance%2C%20pride%20of%20ownership%2C%20or%20brag%2C%20among%20other%20reasons.%0A%0AFor%20most%20living%20artists%2C%20the%20price%20of%20the%20artworks%20is%20usually%20set%20by%20the%20artist%20and%2For%20the%20gallery%20which%20represent%20him%20or%20her%2C%20by%20type%20and%20size%20of%20artwork%2C%20and%20corresponds%20to%20an%20equilibrium%20price%20between%20the%20rate%20at%20which%20artworks%20are%20sold%20and%20the%20rate%20at%20which%20new%20artworks%20are%20produced%20by%20the%20artist.%0A%0AFor%20artworks%20from%20dead%20artists%20sold%20by%20professional%20dealers%2C%20the%20price%20is%20often%20based%20on%20auctions%20results%20for%20similar%20pieces%20of%20the%20same%20artists.%0A%0AOil%20paintings%20are%20usually%20pricier%20than%20other%20techniques%20because%20it%20is%20considered%20more%20difficult%20to%20master%2C%20but%20also%20because%20oil%20paintings%20are%20known%20for%20their%20ability%20to%20last%20centuries.

Question 20

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

On 1stdibs, oil paintings cost between $60 and $6,200,000.

1940s Oil Paintings

Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Geoffrey Holt California Landscape, c. 1940 s, c. 1940

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Emanuel Glicenstein RomanoLarge Modernist Oil Painting 1940s, Judaica Hasidic Shtetl Wagon Driver WPA Era, c. 1940s

1940s Figurative Paintings

A.ZellerTravel to the Orient Figurative Nautical Scene 1940 s, 1940 s

1940s Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Robert Albert GenicotLandscape - Oil Painting by Robert Albert Genicot - 1940s, 1940s

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Maurice KishParis City Scene, Portrait Oil Painting WPA Era 1940s, 1963

1970s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Emanuel Glicenstein RomanoModernist Oil Painting 1940s, Judaica Hasidic Rabbi in Jerusalem, 1972

Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Bertus De MeijBertus de Meij Original Oil Painting "Dutch Harbor" c.1940s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Regine David1940 s French Impressionist Signed Oil Green Fields Village Lane Old Houses, 1948

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Marguerite Lacroux1940 s French Impressionist Portrait of Young Lady Self Portrait Signed Oil

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Abstract Paintings

Vintage Surreal Oil Painting on Canvas c.1940s to 1950s., Circa 1945

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Pierre Georgeot1940’s French Tonal Abstract Signed Oil Still Life Objects superb quality

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Georges F. Michel1940 s French Signed Oil Sacre Coeur Montmartre Paris Street Scene View, 1942

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Interior Paintings

Michel Kritz1940 s French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil The Artists Studio Palette Brushes, 1947

Early 20th Century Figurative Paintings

John R. GrabachJohn R. Grabach Oil Painting, circa 1940s, Woman Fixing Her Hair, circa 1940s

1940s Modern Interior Paintings

Large Antique American Modernist Still Life 1940s Nicely Framed Oil Painting, 1940

1940s Landscape Paintings

J. NianninoAntique Tall Ship Undersail Seascape 1940 s, 1940

1940s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Miles Peter RichmondAbstract Yellow Flowers - British 1940s abstract art floral oil painting flowers, 1947

Early 20th Century Ashcan School Landscape Paintings

Maurice BeckerModernist Oil Painting the Shop Window NYC 1940s WPA era

1940s Realist Figurative Paintings

William Yates-WilsonWilliam Yates-Wilson - His First Long Trousers - 1940s British oil painting, 1947

1940s Landscape Paintings

Sunset Over the Austrian Mountains 1940 s

1940s Figurative Paintings

Parisians Strolling in The Park 1940 s

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Harold HaydonA Vibrant 1940 s Summer Landscape Painting, River in Vermont by Harold Haydon, ca. 1940

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Interior Paintings

1940 s French Still Life Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Still Life Lemons etc

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Interior Paintings

Denise Dardel1940 s French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Flowers in Vase Period Gilt Frame, 1944

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Ralph Anderson1940s Abstract Geometric Oil Painting: Framed Blue Green Basic Form #2, circa 1940

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Harijs VeldreWindmill. Middle of 1940s, oil on cardboard, 54x65 cm, 1940s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

French School1940 s French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Very Thick Impasto Pink Flowers, 1945

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Theresa Berney LoewBathers at the Quarry 1940s American Modernist Oil Painting WPA era

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

French School1940 s French Modernist Signed Oil Pears Flowers, Monte Carlo show exhibited, 1944

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Roger Allain1940 s French Portrait of Young Man Original Signed Oil on Canvas Period Frame, 1941

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Paul K. Smith New Mexico Adobe Church Oil Painting, American Modernist 1940s, circa 1940

1940s Modern Figurative Paintings

Elica BallaFiocchetto - Oil Pastels on Paper by Elica Balla - 1940s, 1940s

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Maurice KishAround East River, NYC Bridge, City Scene Oil Painting WPA Era 1940s

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

George Vander SluisStorm Over Victor, Colorado – 1940s WPA Era Oil Painting of Mountain Town, 1946

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

1940 s Winter Landscape -- Swiss Chalet at Dusk, 1940

1940s American Impressionist Still-life Paintings

1940 s Still-Life with Pussy Willows and Blue Drape, 1940s

1940s Ashcan School Figurative Paintings

Dorothy Rossen GreenbergThe Fishmonger 1940 s New York Impasto Figurative Cityscape, 1948

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

M. Peiffer1940s French Fauvist Modernist Still Life Flowers on Table Interior Oil Painting, 1946

20th Century Portrait Paintings

The Morning Exercise, Children Riding Horses, circa 1940 s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Geoffrey Holt
California Landscape, c. 1940 s, c. 1940

Emanuel Glicenstein Romano
Large Modernist Oil Painting 1940s, Judaica Hasidic Shtetl Wagon Driver WPA Era, c. 1940s

A.Zeller
Travel to the Orient Figurative Nautical Scene 1940 s, 1940 s

Robert Albert Genicot
Landscape - Oil Painting by Robert Albert Genicot - 1940s, 1940s

Maurice Kish
Paris City Scene, Portrait Oil Painting WPA Era 1940s, 1963

Emanuel Glicenstein Romano
Modernist Oil Painting 1940s, Judaica Hasidic Rabbi in Jerusalem, 1972

Bertus De Meij
Bertus de Meij Original Oil Painting "Dutch Harbor" c.1940s

Regine David
1940 s French Impressionist Signed Oil Green Fields Village Lane Old Houses, 1948

Marguerite Lacroux
1940 s French Impressionist Portrait of Young Lady Self Portrait Signed Oil

Pierre Georgeot
1940’s French Tonal Abstract Signed Oil Still Life Objects superb quality

Georges F. Michel
1940 s French Signed Oil Sacre Coeur Montmartre Paris Street Scene View, 1942

Michel Kritz
1940 s French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil The Artists Studio Palette Brushes, 1947

John R. Grabach
John R. Grabach Oil Painting, circa 1940s, Woman Fixing Her Hair, circa 1940s

J. Niannino
Antique Tall Ship Undersail Seascape 1940 s, 1940

Miles Peter Richmond
Abstract Yellow Flowers - British 1940s abstract art floral oil painting flowers, 1947

Maurice Becker
Modernist Oil Painting the Shop Window NYC 1940s WPA era

William Yates-Wilson
William Yates-Wilson - His First Long Trousers - 1940s British oil painting, 1947

Harold Haydon
A Vibrant 1940 s Summer Landscape Painting, River in Vermont by Harold Haydon, ca. 1940

Denise Dardel
1940 s French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Flowers in Vase Period Gilt Frame, 1944

Ralph Anderson
1940s Abstract Geometric Oil Painting: Framed Blue Green Basic Form #2, circa 1940

Harijs Veldre
Windmill. Middle of 1940s, oil on cardboard, 54x65 cm, 1940s

French School
1940 s French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Very Thick Impasto Pink Flowers, 1945

Theresa Berney Loew
Bathers at the Quarry 1940s American Modernist Oil Painting WPA era

French School
1940 s French Modernist Signed Oil Pears Flowers, Monte Carlo show exhibited, 1944

Roger Allain
1940 s French Portrait of Young Man Original Signed Oil on Canvas Period Frame, 1941

Elica Balla
Fiocchetto - Oil Pastels on Paper by Elica Balla - 1940s, 1940s

Maurice Kish
Around East River, NYC Bridge, City Scene Oil Painting WPA Era 1940s

George Vander Sluis
Storm Over Victor, Colorado – 1940s WPA Era Oil Painting of Mountain Town, 1946

Dorothy Rossen Greenberg
The Fishmonger 1940 s New York Impasto Figurative Cityscape, 1948

M. Peiffer
1940s French Fauvist Modernist Still Life Flowers on Table Interior Oil Painting, 1946

Irving Manoir
California Landscape with Hay Shocks - 1940s Oil/Board - Trees Mountains, circa 1940s

Aaron Bohrod
Chicago/Wisconsin Artist Aaron Bohrod Oil Painting, circa 1940s, Shop Windows, circa 1946

H. Hansen
1940 s San Ynez Valley Indian Trail Sunset, 1944

Michel Patrix
1940s Abstract Still Life Geometric Modern Oil Painting with Tobacco Pipes, circa 1940

Nell Walker Warner
1940 s Carmel Landscape, Sycamore Grove by Nell Walker Warner, Circa 1940

Dunbar Dyson Beck
Striking 1940s portrait painting of a distinguished gentleman, c1940

Harijs Veldre
Country farm at winter. Middle of the 1940s, oil on cardboard, 52x70 cm, 1940s

Samson Schames
Samson Schames Still Life Painting, c. 1940s-1950s, c. 1940s-1960s

Harijs Veldre
Still life with cucumbers and Borjomi. 1940s, oil on cardboard, 51x66cm, 1940s

Harijs Veldre
Summer during the hay harvest. Middle of the 1940s, oil on cardboard, 40, 5x53cm, 1940s

Ugo Celada
Still Life with Calla Lily - Oil on canvas by Ugo Celada da Virgilio - 1940s, 1940s

Agda Holst
Tree Landscape, Expressionist Oil on Panel, Signed, 1940s, Framed, 1948

Muriel Swanson
1940s Modernist Mountain Landscape Painting- Gunnison, Western Colorado, 1947

Haries Lagerbrink
Portrait of a Bearded Man, Oil on Cardboard, Expressive 1940s, c. 1940

Samuel Hyde Harris
Arroyo Grove, c. 1940s, c. 1940 s

Harijs Veldre
Still life with a bunch of flowers and apples. 1940s, cardboard, oil, 90x69 cm, 1940s

Harijs Veldre
Still life with ceramic vase. Middle of the 1940s, oil on cardboard, 60x51 cm, 1940s