Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

How do I find an artist of oil paintings?

Accepted Answer

The best place to find oil paintings and discover new artists is at local art galleries. There are also many online art dealers who provide information about artists and sell their works. On 1stDibs, you’ll discover a variety of art styles from master oil painters.

Question 19

How do I find the artist of an oil painting?

Accepted Answer

To find the artist of an oil painting, look on the back of the canvas. Sometimes, you will find the artist’s name and the year of production on the back. If the canvas is in a frame, gently peel away the paper covering the back to access the canvas. In the event you cannot find any identifying information, seek the help of a licensed art appraiser. Shop a selection of oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Do oil paintings darken over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, oil paintings darken over time. As oil paint is made of pigment particles, the range of substances that are used as pigment in oil paint can render certain colors susceptible to aging. Slowing the aging process for an oil painting involves storing your painting properly and keeping the work out of exposed sunlight. Temperature control and humidity are also important in preserving the life of an oil painting and slowing the aging process.

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.

African Oil Paintings

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Figurative Paintings

Busari AdewaleBlack Devil (Esu) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa Men, 2024

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Naomi OyeniyiIn The Making 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Abstract, Colour Africa, 2020

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Figurative Paintings

Naomi OyeniyiIn The Making 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Abstract, Colour Africa, 2020

1870s Realist Portrait Paintings

August Holmberg“Portrait of a North African Man, 1872” Orientalist Portrait Black Model 19th C., 1872

Late 20th Century Naturalistic Animal Paintings

Douglas Van HowdZebra Mare And Foal African Wildlife Scene Safari Californian Artist Sculptor

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Sola OjoSisters in Harmony -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women, 2024

2010s Outsider Art Animal Paintings

Jan CouttsEdgy Dawn - Jan Coutts, Wildlife, blue, African, animals, zebra, rain, silver, 2024

21st Century and Contemporary Surrealist Figurative Paintings

Aladejare AyodejiPriscilla At Dusk - 21st Century, Surrealism, Africa Woman with Guitar, Musical, 2024

1970s Figurative Paintings

John Diallo Jones Words to the Wise , African American Memento Mori, Skeletons, Bay Area, Black, 1972

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Andrew MacaraSea Point, Cape Town, South Africa by Andrew MACARA (b. 1944)

Early 2000s Photorealist Still-life Paintings

Mark MidgleyTomatoes - Still Life, Fruit Vegetables, South Africa, Realistic, 2006

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Ignacio Trelis Shujaa Contemporary African Tribal portrait of a woman wearing a head dress

1940s Impressionist Nude Paintings

Coreen Mary SpellmanNude. African American Woman exhibited piece 1942 University of Iowa exhibited, 1942

2010s Outsider Art Animal Paintings

Jan CouttsEarly Morning, Serengeti Search, Africa, Animal, Cheetah, Mixed Media, triptych, 2022

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Mayowa AdekileLady Àṣàkẹ́ s Soul in Luxury - 21st Century, Contemporary, Modern, Africa, Women, 2024

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Mayowa AdekileSoul of Lady Jane - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, African, Women, Cat, 2024

1980s Abstract Abstract Paintings

G. Caliman Coxe G Caliman Coxe EXODUS 28 African-American Artist 1980 abstract red orange purple, 1980

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Elijah OlanaseDon t Rush Life 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa Men, 2025

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Mayowa EsanRead Me Like A Book - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Car, Africa, Women, 2025

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Mayowa EsanI ve Been Here Before -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Car, Africa Women, 2025

1980s Folk Art Interior Drawings and Watercolors

Ruth McCrane Mending , African American Woman Folk Artist, Houston, Dallas, Blues Museum Oil, 1989

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Haude BernabéLost paradises #9 Haude Bernabe Contemporary art Africa man in nature landscape, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Oladimeji AlabiBeauty of Self Love 1 - 21st Century, Figurative, Mixed Media, Women, Africa, 2023

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Haude BernabéLost paradises #5 Haude Bernabe Contemporary art Africa man in nature landscape, 2023

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Haude BernabéLost paradises #1 Haude Bernabe Contemporary art Africa man in nature landscape, 2023

1970s Folk Art Figurative Paintings

Leon Collins"Mamas Shock" African American Black Folk Artist LEON COLLINS OF TEXAS, Circa 1970s

Late 20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

European ArtistNorth African Orientalist Scene Man on Horseback with Dogs outside City Building

Late 20th Century Outsider Art Figurative Paintings

Purvis YoungTrucks in the City African American Self-Taught Florida Outsider Folk Art Urban, 1980s

1980s Abstract Abstract Paintings

G. Caliman CoxeG CALIMAN COXE Exodus 12 African American Artist 1980 abstract red orange purple, 1980

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Leon Collins"MOTHER AND DAUGHTER" TEXAS BLACK FOLK ART FRAMED 38 x 26 AFRICAN AMERICAN

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Oladimeji AlabiJust The Way You Are 1 - 21st Century, Figurative, Mixed Media, Women, Africa, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Oladimeji AlabiJust The Way You Are 2 - 21st Century, Figurative, Mixed Media, Women, Africa, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Victor MorawoI for Me, Me for Them -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Africa Woman Body, 2022

1990s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Jabulane Sam NhlengethwaSAM NHLENGETHWA The Lake Abstract Red Blue Brown - South African Artist 1991 o/c, 1991

Mid-20th Century South African Mid-Century Modern Paintings

1978 Oil on Canvas by Roy Carruthers

Vintage 1980s South African Frames

W. Mandla Koboka (South African) - Soweto Township - Oil on Canvas Painting

Mid-20th Century South African Mid-Century Modern Paintings

1976 Oil on Canvas by Artist, Roy Carruthers

1930s Art Nouveau Still-life Paintings

M MichaelMid Century Still Life with Burgundy and White African Daisies Statue, circa 1950

20th Century American Modern Still-life Paintings

Edith Kramer"Ethnographic Still Life, " Edith Kramer, African Mask and Shofar, Art Therapy

20th Century Angolan More Folk Art

Busari Adewale
Black Devil (Esu) - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa Men, 2024

Naomi Oyeniyi
In The Making 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Abstract, Colour Africa, 2020

Naomi Oyeniyi
In The Making 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Abstract, Colour Africa, 2020

August Holmberg
“Portrait of a North African Man, 1872” Orientalist Portrait Black Model 19th C., 1872

Douglas Van Howd
Zebra Mare And Foal African Wildlife Scene Safari Californian Artist Sculptor

Sola Ojo
Sisters in Harmony -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Women, 2024

Jan Coutts
Edgy Dawn - Jan Coutts, Wildlife, blue, African, animals, zebra, rain, silver, 2024

Aladejare Ayodeji
Priscilla At Dusk - 21st Century, Surrealism, Africa Woman with Guitar, Musical, 2024

John Diallo Jones
Words to the Wise , African American Memento Mori, Skeletons, Bay Area, Black, 1972

Andrew Macara
Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa by Andrew MACARA (b. 1944)

Mark Midgley
Tomatoes - Still Life, Fruit Vegetables, South Africa, Realistic, 2006

Ignacio Trelis
Shujaa Contemporary African Tribal portrait of a woman wearing a head dress

Coreen Mary Spellman
Nude. African American Woman exhibited piece 1942 University of Iowa exhibited, 1942

Jan Coutts
Early Morning, Serengeti Search, Africa, Animal, Cheetah, Mixed Media, triptych, 2022

Mayowa Adekile
Lady Àṣàkẹ́ s Soul in Luxury - 21st Century, Contemporary, Modern, Africa, Women, 2024

Mayowa Adekile
Soul of Lady Jane - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, African, Women, Cat, 2024

G. Caliman Coxe
G Caliman Coxe EXODUS 28 African-American Artist 1980 abstract red orange purple, 1980

Elijah Olanase
Don t Rush Life 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Africa Men, 2025

Mayowa Esan
Read Me Like A Book - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Car, Africa, Women, 2025

Mayowa Esan
I ve Been Here Before -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Car, Africa Women, 2025

Ruth McCrane
Mending , African American Woman Folk Artist, Houston, Dallas, Blues Museum Oil, 1989

Haude Bernabé
Lost paradises #9 Haude Bernabe Contemporary art Africa man in nature landscape, 2023

Oladimeji Alabi
Beauty of Self Love 1 - 21st Century, Figurative, Mixed Media, Women, Africa, 2023

Haude Bernabé
Lost paradises #5 Haude Bernabe Contemporary art Africa man in nature landscape, 2023

Haude Bernabé
Lost paradises #1 Haude Bernabe Contemporary art Africa man in nature landscape, 2023

Leon Collins
"Mamas Shock" African American Black Folk Artist LEON COLLINS OF TEXAS, Circa 1970s

European Artist
North African Orientalist Scene Man on Horseback with Dogs outside City Building

Purvis Young
Trucks in the City African American Self-Taught Florida Outsider Folk Art Urban, 1980s

G. Caliman Coxe
G CALIMAN COXE Exodus 12 African American Artist 1980 abstract red orange purple, 1980

Leon Collins
"MOTHER AND DAUGHTER" TEXAS BLACK FOLK ART FRAMED 38 x 26 AFRICAN AMERICAN

Oladimeji Alabi
Just The Way You Are 1 - 21st Century, Figurative, Mixed Media, Women, Africa, 2023

Oladimeji Alabi
Just The Way You Are 2 - 21st Century, Figurative, Mixed Media, Women, Africa, 2023

Victor Morawo
I for Me, Me for Them -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Africa Woman Body, 2022

Jabulane Sam Nhlengethwa
SAM NHLENGETHWA The Lake Abstract Red Blue Brown - South African Artist 1991 o/c, 1991

M Michael
Mid Century Still Life with Burgundy and White African Daisies Statue, circa 1950

Edith Kramer
"Ethnographic Still Life, " Edith Kramer, African Mask and Shofar, Art Therapy

Bai (Carl Karni-Bain)
Live Composition I, African American Arti, Painting on Paper, 2024

Bai (Carl Karni-Bain)
Live Composition II, African American Artist, Painting on Paper, 2024

Philippe Cognee
Philippe Cognee Carved Painting Expressionist Wood Relief Sculpture African Art, 1986

Bai (Carl Karni-Bain)
Ornetta by Bai, African American Artisti, An Original Painting on Paper, 2024

Gary Korlin
Farmhouse in South Africa, African Landscape Oil Painting, 2017

Gary Korlin
Franschhoek Vineyard, South Africa - Oil Landscape Painting, 2017

Grant Hacking
The Great Throne (African Leopard), Oil Wildlife Painting

Matthew Brittan
Oil painting by South African artist Matthew Brittan, 1990

Rebecca Bird
Impressions of Africa, 2015