Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

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.

Question 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Equestrian Oil Paintings

Early 19th Century Animal Paintings

Emil AdamThe Stallion by Emil Adam 1916 - equestrian oil painting framed, 1916

Early 2000s Impressionist Animal Paintings

Equestrian Oil Painting "Cribnote at Saratoga 2008" Horse Racing Oil Painting, 2008

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansLarge Contemporary Equestrian Oil Painting. Horse Painting. 185 x 235 cm, 2024

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansLarge Horse Oil Painting. Contemporary Equestrian Oil Painting. 200 x 180 cm, 2022

Mid-20th Century English School Animal Paintings

Juliet Mcleod (British, 1917-1982)Large British Equestrian Oil Painting Portrait of Brown Horse in Landscape, 1953

20th Century Modern Animal Paintings

Equestrian Oil Painting Jockey on Horseback at Horse race American Impressionist

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Animal Paintings

Donna CrawshawLarge English Equestrian Oil Painting Horse in Stable with Chickens signed oil

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansHorse Painting. Equestrian Oil Painting on Unprimed Belgian Linen 180 x 220 cm, 2025

1920s Animal Paintings

Antique French Equestrian Chase"Escape from the Wolf Pack"

Early 2000s Argentine Paintings

Jose Mario Ansalone Polo Horse Equestrian Painting, Oil on Canvas

19th Century French School Animal Paintings

French Equestrian 19th centuryAntique French Oil Painting Horse in Country House Garden Maple Wood Frame

Early 20th Century Impressionist Animal Paintings

Antique Equestrian Rider Oil Painting c.1900, Circa 1900

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Animal Paintings

Alison GuestEquestrian Portrait, Horse Racing, Sporting Oil Painting, Signed, c.1971

Late 20th Century Modern Animal Paintings

Hubert DamonEquestrian Circus Act, Large Bold Expressionist Oil Painting

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

British Sporting ArtFine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

British Sporting ArtFine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

British Sporting ArtFine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

British Sporting ArtFine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

British Sporting ArtFine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

British Sporting ArtFine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

1980s Victorian Animal Paintings

A MaliveHorse Painting, Vintage Original framed horse oil portrait, Equestrian Artwork, 1980 s

1960s Impressionist Animal Paintings

John HawesEquestrian Portrait, Toffee Coloured Horse Still Life, Signed Oil Painting, 1960

Late 19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

E. S. England Harvester Equestrian Portrait, Horse Still Life, Signed Oil Painting Green, c.1950s

1960s Impressionist Animal Paintings

John HawesEquestrian Portrait, Dark Mahogany Horse Still Life, Signed Oil Painting, 1960

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Animal Paintings

John MunningsThe Beech Wood, Equestrian Hunting Sport Large Oil Painting, Signed, c.1980s

2010s Surrealist Animal Paintings

Rudolf KosowHappening II (horseshoe farm animal equestrian man oil painting vintage), 2025

1880s Impressionist Animal Paintings

Antique American School Equestrian Horse Portrait Brown Stallion Oil Painting, 1880

1880s Impressionist Animal Paintings

Antique American School Equestrian Horse Portrait Black Stallion Oil Painting, 1880

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

French SchoolFine Equestrian Head Portrait of a Horse, signed oil painting

1940s Impressionist Animal Paintings

Signed Vintage Horses Grazing Large Framed Equestrian Landscape Oil Painting, 1960

19th Century Animal Paintings

British SchoolHorse Portrait - Signed 1900 s British Equestrian Horse Portrait Oil Painting

1880s Impressionist Animal Paintings

Helena Buttner (1861 - 1947)Antique Hungarian Sporting Art Equestrian Horse Race Signed Framed Oil Painting, 1885

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansEquestrian Painting. Horse Oil Painting on Unprimed Belgian Canvas 200 x 180 cm, 2025

Early 20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Clarence HaileyRacehorse Antique Oil Painting Equestrian Portrait with Jockey Up at Newmarket, c. 1920

2010s Surrealist Animal Paintings

Rudolf KosowHappening (horse leg horseshoe farm animal equestrian man oil painting vintage), 2018

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansContemporary Equestrian Portrait. Large Horse Oil Painting 200 x 180 cm, 2025

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansLarge Contemporary Horse Oil Painting. Equestrian Portrait. 190 x 170 cm, 2025

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansLarge Equestrian Portrait. Contemporary Horse Oil Painting. 190 x 170 cm, 2025

Antique 1860s English Victorian Paintings

Oil on Canvas Painting of Equestrian Fox Hunting

Early 20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Emil Adam
The Stallion by Emil Adam 1916 - equestrian oil painting framed, 1916

Rubins J. Spaans
Large Contemporary Equestrian Oil Painting. Horse Painting. 185 x 235 cm, 2024

Rubins J. Spaans
Large Horse Oil Painting. Contemporary Equestrian Oil Painting. 200 x 180 cm, 2022

Juliet Mcleod (British, 1917-1982)
Large British Equestrian Oil Painting Portrait of Brown Horse in Landscape, 1953

Donna Crawshaw
Large English Equestrian Oil Painting Horse in Stable with Chickens signed oil

Rubins J. Spaans
Horse Painting. Equestrian Oil Painting on Unprimed Belgian Linen 180 x 220 cm, 2025

French Equestrian 19th century
Antique French Oil Painting Horse in Country House Garden Maple Wood Frame

Alison Guest
Equestrian Portrait, Horse Racing, Sporting Oil Painting, Signed, c.1971

Hubert Damon
Equestrian Circus Act, Large Bold Expressionist Oil Painting

British Sporting Art
Fine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

British Sporting Art
Fine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

British Sporting Art
Fine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

British Sporting Art
Fine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

British Sporting Art
Fine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

British Sporting Art
Fine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

A Malive
Horse Painting, Vintage Original framed horse oil portrait, Equestrian Artwork, 1980 s

John Hawes
Equestrian Portrait, Toffee Coloured Horse Still Life, Signed Oil Painting, 1960

E. S. England
Harvester Equestrian Portrait, Horse Still Life, Signed Oil Painting Green, c.1950s

John Hawes
Equestrian Portrait, Dark Mahogany Horse Still Life, Signed Oil Painting, 1960

John Munnings
The Beech Wood, Equestrian Hunting Sport Large Oil Painting, Signed, c.1980s

Rudolf Kosow
Happening II (horseshoe farm animal equestrian man oil painting vintage), 2025

French School
Fine Equestrian Head Portrait of a Horse, signed oil painting

British School
Horse Portrait - Signed 1900 s British Equestrian Horse Portrait Oil Painting

Helena Buttner (1861 - 1947)
Antique Hungarian Sporting Art Equestrian Horse Race Signed Framed Oil Painting, 1885

Rubins J. Spaans
Equestrian Painting. Horse Oil Painting on Unprimed Belgian Canvas 200 x 180 cm, 2025

Clarence Hailey
Racehorse Antique Oil Painting Equestrian Portrait with Jockey Up at Newmarket, c. 1920

Rudolf Kosow
Happening (horse leg horseshoe farm animal equestrian man oil painting vintage), 2018

Rubins J. Spaans
Contemporary Equestrian Portrait. Large Horse Oil Painting 200 x 180 cm, 2025

Rubins J. Spaans
Large Contemporary Horse Oil Painting. Equestrian Portrait. 190 x 170 cm, 2025

Rubins J. Spaans
Large Equestrian Portrait. Contemporary Horse Oil Painting. 190 x 170 cm, 2025

George Paice
George Paice Bayleaf Equestrian Horse Painting

George Paice
George Paice Robin Equestrian Horse Painting

Neil Cawthorne
Gray Mare With Foal. 20th Century Modern British Equestrian Horse Oil Painting., 1970

George Paice
Summer Lightning - Very Large English Equestrian Oil, c. 1898

C. Young
"At the Race" Post-Impressionist Equestrian Horse Race Scene Oil Painting Canvas, 20th Century

Beryl Darton
Large 1960 s British Original Oil Painting - Equestrian Woman in Riding Boots, c. 1960 s

Florence Mabel Hollams
Equestrian portrait oil painting of a white horse at a stable door, C1910

WILLIAM WASDELL TRICKETT (FL. 1921-1939)
Fine 1920s British Horse Oil Painting Sporting Art Equestrian Portrait in Stable, 1920 s

W. Wasdell Trickett (British, late 19th/early 20th Century)
Antique English Sporting Art Oil Painting Equestrian Portrait of Horse in Field, 1935

George Paice
George Paice Lady Cupid Equestrian Horse Painting

George Paice
George Paice Sarcastic Beauty Equestrian Horse Painting

Rubins J. Spaans
Contemporary Large Equestrian Painting. Horse Painting 200 x 180 cm, 2025

A. Malive
Horse Painting, Original French signed vintage horse portrait, Equestrian, 1980 s

Major George Catley
Vintage English Oil Equestrian Portrait Chestnut Horse Countryside Landscape, 1974

Thad Emory Leland
In the Paddock , Impressionist Equestrian oil, Monterey, California artist, Circa 1955