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

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 8

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 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.

Church Oil Painting

Early 20th Century French School Landscape Paintings

Armand Marie GuerinFigures under the church porch

2010s American Realist Landscape Paintings

Ron RizkTwo Houses on Church Street, 2020

1980s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Luc DidierA french countryside with church, impressionist painter, 1980

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Regine David1950 s French Bright Village Church Among the Hills Post-Impressionist Oil, 1950 s

Early 1900s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Erik TryggelinSankt Matteus Church in Stockholm, 1907, 1907

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Frederick Stuart ChurchFlamingo Portrait of Lady of the Everglades, 1910

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Johann Berthelsen, 1883-1972The Little Church around the Corner

20th Century English Victorian Paintings

Antique Oil Landscape with Church in White and Gold Frame

1950s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

JEAN ROBERT ITHIERJean Robert Ithier (1904-1977) Ars en Ré, view of the church, oil on canvas, circa 1950

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fanch LelFrench Impressionist Outdoor Church Service Summer Landscape, 2003

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Simon KozhinThe Catholic Church of Carmel in Corfu, 2018

Early 2000s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Simon KozhinChurch of Life-Giving Trinity in Serebryaniki., 2001

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Guido Frick"The White Dove" Daytime Church Scene

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Keta JikiaGeorgian Contemporary Art by Keta Jikia - Church, 2025

1920s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Mary DeNeale Morgan1920 Historical Church of Soquel, California Landscape, 1920

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Simon KozhinChurch of the Resurrection of Christ in Sokolniki, 2000

1890s Romantic Landscape Paintings

Albert LarssonTwilight Landscape with Windmill and Church, 1891, 1891

20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Fanch LelFrench Impressionist Village Riverside Scene with Church Spire, 1998

1910s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Jean MannheimPathway to the Church, Pasadena c. 1915, c. 1915

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Daniela GullottaDaniela Gullotta, Abandoned Church, Urbex, 100x150cm, 2020, 2020

Early 2000s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Simon KozhinChurch of Elijah the Prophet in Cherkizovo, 2000

1930s Landscape Paintings

Piet Lippens"The Church Village" Piet Lippens (Belgian, 1890-1981), Circa 1930s

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Simon KozhinFebruary. The Church of St. Nicholas in Pyzhi., 2013

1970s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Alberto GalleratiThe Collapsing Church - Paint by Alberto Gallerati - 1970s, 1970s

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fanch LelImpressionist French Village Scene with Church and Thatched Cottages

Early 20th Century French School Landscape Paintings

Armand Marie GuerinSquare in front of the church, Paris

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Anton Otto FischerDog in Front of Church near a sign that says "Strangers Welcome", 20th century

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fanch LelFrench Impressionist Village Street Scene with Church and Figures

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Henri Alexis SchaefferParis Belle Epoque, La Madeleine Church, Flowers market, Circa 1960

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fanch LelFrench Impressionist Riverbank Scene with Sailboat and Church Spire

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Regine DavidRustic Stone Church with Romanesque Architecture and Towering Arches, 1950 s

19th Century Landscape Paintings

19th Century French SchoolParishioners on the Way to Church, French School 19th century

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Simon KozhinChurch of the Decapitation of Saint John in Dyakovo, 2013

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Reynaldo MayaMEXICAN MEXICO STREET SCENE W / CHURCH. REYNALDO MAYA BORN 1911, Circa 1940s

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Modern Paintings

Peer Lorentz Dahl, Norwegian-Danish artist. Oil on canvas. View of a church.

Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Anany Alexeevich VerbitskyMid Century Industrial Scene and Church Ruins Russian Cityscape, c.1950s

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fanch LelImpressionist French Village Landscape with Yellow Wildflowers and Church Dome

1960s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Frank Blasingame Mid Century Church of Christ the Scientist, Boston, circa 1960

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fanch LelFrench Impressionist Village Street with Church Spire and Whitewashed Houses

Early 20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Armand Marie Guerin
Figures under the church porch

Ron Rizk
Two Houses on Church Street, 2020

Luc Didier
A french countryside with church, impressionist painter, 1980

Regine David
1950 s French Bright Village Church Among the Hills Post-Impressionist Oil, 1950 s

Erik Tryggelin
Sankt Matteus Church in Stockholm, 1907, 1907

Frederick Stuart Church
Flamingo Portrait of Lady of the Everglades, 1910

Johann Berthelsen, 1883-1972
The Little Church around the Corner

JEAN ROBERT ITHIER
Jean Robert Ithier (1904-1977) Ars en Ré, view of the church, oil on canvas, circa 1950

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Outdoor Church Service Summer Landscape, 2003

Simon Kozhin
The Catholic Church of Carmel in Corfu, 2018

Simon Kozhin
Church of Life-Giving Trinity in Serebryaniki., 2001

Guido Frick
"The White Dove" Daytime Church Scene

Keta Jikia
Georgian Contemporary Art by Keta Jikia - Church, 2025

Mary DeNeale Morgan
1920 Historical Church of Soquel, California Landscape, 1920

Simon Kozhin
Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Sokolniki, 2000

Albert Larsson
Twilight Landscape with Windmill and Church, 1891, 1891

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Village Riverside Scene with Church Spire, 1998

Jean Mannheim
Pathway to the Church, Pasadena c. 1915, c. 1915

Daniela Gullotta
Daniela Gullotta, Abandoned Church, Urbex, 100x150cm, 2020, 2020

Simon Kozhin
Church of Elijah the Prophet in Cherkizovo, 2000

Piet Lippens
"The Church Village" Piet Lippens (Belgian, 1890-1981), Circa 1930s

Simon Kozhin
February. The Church of St. Nicholas in Pyzhi., 2013

Alberto Gallerati
The Collapsing Church - Paint by Alberto Gallerati - 1970s, 1970s

Fanch Lel
Impressionist French Village Scene with Church and Thatched Cottages

Armand Marie Guerin
Square in front of the church, Paris

Anton Otto Fischer
Dog in Front of Church near a sign that says "Strangers Welcome", 20th century

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Village Street Scene with Church and Figures

Henri Alexis Schaeffer
Paris Belle Epoque, La Madeleine Church, Flowers market, Circa 1960

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Riverbank Scene with Sailboat and Church Spire

Regine David
Rustic Stone Church with Romanesque Architecture and Towering Arches, 1950 s

19th Century French School
Parishioners on the Way to Church, French School 19th century

Simon Kozhin
Church of the Decapitation of Saint John in Dyakovo, 2013

Reynaldo Maya
MEXICAN MEXICO STREET SCENE W / CHURCH. REYNALDO MAYA BORN 1911, Circa 1940s

Anany Alexeevich Verbitsky
Mid Century Industrial Scene and Church Ruins Russian Cityscape, c.1950s

Fanch Lel
Impressionist French Village Landscape with Yellow Wildflowers and Church Dome

Frank Blasingame
Mid Century Church of Christ the Scientist, Boston, circa 1960

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Village Street with Church Spire and Whitewashed Houses

Emile Glevarec
Post-Impressionistic Architectural Landscape of a Church in Brittany France, Early 20th Century

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Winter Street Scene with Church Spire and Snow

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Market Scene at Dinan with Church and Figures, 1998

Fanch Lel
Stylised French Village Church with Trees in Cool Blue Tones

Joseph Christian Leyendecker
Bonneted Lady in Church, Easter Saturday Evening Post Cover, 1905

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Flower Market Scene with Figures and Stone Church, 1990

Max Toutain
Picturesque Village Church Nestled Amidst Lush Countryside French Landscape

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Winter Street Scene with Figures and Church Spire

Regine David
Quaint Village with Church Spire Verdant Hills Peaceful Countryside Setting, 1950 s

Simon Kozhin
Gate Nikolskaya Church of the Goritsky Monastery. Pereslavl-Zalessky, 2013

Regine David
Atmospheric Coastal Landscape of a French Village with Church Steeple, 1950 s

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Village Scene with Vibrant Figures and Church Towers, 2003

Simon Kozhin
View of Moscow at night. Church of Anna s Conceiving in Ugol, 2020

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Mountain Village with Church Tower and Red Tiled Roofs

Fanch Lel
Impressionist Harbour Scene with Fishing Boats and Church under Cloudy Sky