Question 1

Who are the famous painted horses?

Accepted Answer

The names of the horses in most paintings are unknown, but a few famous horses do stand out in the equestrian art produced over the centuries. Andy Warhol depicted Silky Sullivan and jockey Bill Shoemaker in 1978, and George Stubbs created a painting of Whistlejacket, a horse owned by Charles Watson-Wentwort, the second Marquess of Rockingham, in 1762. You'll find a range of horse paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 2

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 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

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

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 6

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 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

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

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 20

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.

Horse Oil Painting

2010s Figurative Paintings

Paula CraioveanuThe Horse Tamer - original painting by Paula Craioveanu - Neo Mythology Hero, 2014

1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French ModernistFrench Modernist Painting Collection Horse Munching In Busy Summer Field, 1970 s

1950s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Umberto RomanoHorse Traners, 1952

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Animal Paintings

Denes de HoleschWhite Horses

Mid-20th Century Modern Animal Paintings

Denes de HoleschWild Horses

21st Century and Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Paul WinbyPaul Winby - After De Albertis 20th Century Oil, The Horse Artillery, Unknown

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

ANDRES RETAMERO VALENZUELA Gallopando-Galloping Cuban Figurative Young Liz Taylor Horses Giant Marfa Oil, 2023

1940s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Ferruccio FerrazziCavallo, by Ferruccio Ferrazzi, Religious, Painting, Horse, Vatican, Brown, Tan

2010s Impressionist Animal Paintings

John Cook"Lookin Back", John Cook, Oil on Canvas, Impressionism, Western, Cowboy, Horse, 2017

1940s Animal Paintings

Henry MeylanDraft horses, 1945

2010s American Impressionist Animal Paintings

Virginia Vaughan Golden Impressionism Horse 12"x12" Southwest USA Oil on canvas Equine Portrait, 2025

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Toni FranovicWild Horse, abstract, figurative oil on linen, rich bold colors, 2012

Early 20th Century Romantic Animal Paintings

Wright BarkerFeeding Horses, 1910

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Yves BrayerChamps Verts Green Yellow Landscape Painting for France, Fields, Horse Rider

19th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

John Frederick Herring Jr"A River Landscape with Wild Horses", Victorian original, oil on canvas, 1846

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Alicia Rothman4 Horses, 2022

20th Century Impressionist Animal Paintings

Sven Erik Hellqvist (1916-1997)Three Horses in the Green Grass Meadow Large 20th Century Oil Landscape

Late 20th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

Spencer ColemanRural English Landscape Sunrise with Plough Horse, Farmer Dog, signed oil

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Robert Hagan"Out From Cover", Robert Hagan, 58.5x102 in., Oil on Canvas, Western, Horses, 2024

20th Century Animal Paintings

Pieter Frederik van OsPieter Frederick van Os (1808-1892) - 20th Century Oil, A Horse Watering, 20th Century

Late 19th Century Landscape Paintings

L. Smith - Late 19th Century Oil, Horse Cart on a Mountain Pass, Unknown

Late 19th Century English School Figurative Paintings

Philip Henry RideoutVictorian Oil Charming London Park Scene with Dapper Gentleman Smoking Horses, 1895

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

William Ongley MillerSunset on the Cheshire Plain - Large Impressionist Horses in Landscape Painting, 1943

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Alicia RothmanOrange Horse, 2023

1860s Realist Landscape Paintings

Antique European Realist Framed Street Scene with Horses 19th Century Painting, 1850

Early 1900s Victorian Animal Paintings

Wright BarkerA Horse in a Field. Oil on Canvas by Wright Barker, circa 1900

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Édouard Righetti (1924-2001)French Post Impressionist Oil Rustic Farmyard Scene with Horse and Carriage, 1960’s

19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

The Pharaoh s Horses

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Theodore WaddellBannack Horses, 1992

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

a.museSea Horse, Colorful Abstract Mixed Media Painting on Rag Paper, 24x18in, 2025, 2025

Late 20th Century Victorian Figurative Paintings

Michael Constable (20th Century British School)Classic English Fox Hunting Horses Riders Hounds in Landscape, British Oil

1910s Landscape Paintings

Percival PernetHorse dealers, 1916

19th Century Victorian Figurative Paintings

Victorian British Oil Horses Drinking Water Trough in Village Rural Country Lane

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Alyson KinkadeHorse Candy, 2012

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Macauley NormanImaginary Horse, 2020, acrylic, oil, pastel, canvas, black, blue, pink, abstract, 2020

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French SchoolPastoral Landscape Under a Dramatic Sky Horse Munching on Grass Oil Landscape, mid 20th Century

Mid-17th Century Old Masters Animal Paintings

17th Century Flemish Old Master Oil on Panel Cavalry Skirmish Soldiers Horses, 1650

Early 20th Century French School Landscape Paintings

French SchoolHuge French Hunting Scene Horse Hounds Chasing Stag through River Signed Oil

1940s Naturalistic Animal Paintings

Hungarian Naturalistic Equestrian Painting of Horses by a Seaside Landscape, 1940 s

21st Century and Contemporary American Realist Landscape Paintings

Paula Craioveanu
The Horse Tamer - original painting by Paula Craioveanu - Neo Mythology Hero, 2014

French Modernist
French Modernist Painting Collection Horse Munching In Busy Summer Field, 1970 s

Umberto Romano
Horse Traners, 1952

Denes de Holesch
White Horses

Denes de Holesch
Wild Horses

Paul Winby
Paul Winby - After De Albertis 20th Century Oil, The Horse Artillery, Unknown

ANDRES RETAMERO VALENZUELA
Gallopando-Galloping Cuban Figurative Young Liz Taylor Horses Giant Marfa Oil, 2023

Ferruccio Ferrazzi
Cavallo, by Ferruccio Ferrazzi, Religious, Painting, Horse, Vatican, Brown, Tan

John Cook
"Lookin Back", John Cook, Oil on Canvas, Impressionism, Western, Cowboy, Horse, 2017

Henry Meylan
Draft horses, 1945

Virginia Vaughan
Golden Impressionism Horse 12"x12" Southwest USA Oil on canvas Equine Portrait, 2025

Toni Franovic
Wild Horse, abstract, figurative oil on linen, rich bold colors, 2012

Wright Barker
Feeding Horses, 1910

Yves Brayer
Champs Verts Green Yellow Landscape Painting for France, Fields, Horse Rider

John Frederick Herring Jr
"A River Landscape with Wild Horses", Victorian original, oil on canvas, 1846

Alicia Rothman
4 Horses, 2022

Sven Erik Hellqvist (1916-1997)
Three Horses in the Green Grass Meadow Large 20th Century Oil Landscape

Spencer Coleman
Rural English Landscape Sunrise with Plough Horse, Farmer Dog, signed oil

Robert Hagan
"Out From Cover", Robert Hagan, 58.5x102 in., Oil on Canvas, Western, Horses, 2024

Pieter Frederik van Os
Pieter Frederick van Os (1808-1892) - 20th Century Oil, A Horse Watering, 20th Century

Philip Henry Rideout
Victorian Oil Charming London Park Scene with Dapper Gentleman Smoking Horses, 1895

William Ongley Miller
Sunset on the Cheshire Plain - Large Impressionist Horses in Landscape Painting, 1943

Alicia Rothman
Orange Horse, 2023

Wright Barker
A Horse in a Field. Oil on Canvas by Wright Barker, circa 1900

Édouard Righetti (1924-2001)
French Post Impressionist Oil Rustic Farmyard Scene with Horse and Carriage, 1960’s

Theodore Waddell
Bannack Horses, 1992

a.muse
Sea Horse, Colorful Abstract Mixed Media Painting on Rag Paper, 24x18in, 2025, 2025

Michael Constable (20th Century British School)
Classic English Fox Hunting Horses Riders Hounds in Landscape, British Oil

Percival Pernet
Horse dealers, 1916

Alyson Kinkade
Horse Candy, 2012

Macauley Norman
Imaginary Horse, 2020, acrylic, oil, pastel, canvas, black, blue, pink, abstract, 2020

French School
Pastoral Landscape Under a Dramatic Sky Horse Munching on Grass Oil Landscape, mid 20th Century

French School
Huge French Hunting Scene Horse Hounds Chasing Stag through River Signed Oil

David Molesky
With Two Horses, 2025

Antique French
1930 s French Expressionist Horse Racing Scene Jockeys at Full Pace Signed Oil

Eleonora Taranova
White Horse Portrait, 2024

Swan Scalabre
Figurative, Horse Painting, Landscape, French Art, Western n°16 by Swan Scalabre, 2025

Swan Scalabre
Figurative, Horse Painting, Landscape, French Art, Western n°18 by Swan Scalabre, 2025

Swan Scalabre
Figurative, Horse Painting, Landscape, French Art, Western n°17 by Swan Scalabre, 2025

Swan Scalabre
Figurative, Horse Painting, Landscape, French Art, Western n°19 by Swan Scalabre, 2025

Moreno Pincas
Pink squire Moreno Pincas Contemporary art painting circus animal pastel horse, 2003

Frederick Rondel
Frederick Rondel (American 1826-1892) A Large, Rare Painting of "Four Horses", 1866

Simon Levenson
Central Park Horse, 2012

Audrey Anastasi
Running Horse abstracted animal painting w poodle and reference to GertrudeStein

Garth Bayley
Cheltenham Races, Horse Racing Art, Animal Art, Paintings of the Races

Virginia Vaughan
Still Waters 14" x 11" oil Landscape Oak Tree, clouds, stream, horse, Fall, 2025

Charles De Luna
Painting 19th Century - Horses and Carriage - Charles de Luna (1812-1866), 1841

John Leigh-Pemberton
20th Century British artist Leigh-Pemberton, painting of horses in landscape, 1934

Dmitry Yuzefovich
Racing Toy Horse - detailed, realist, interior, Ukrainian, Israeli, oil/canvas, 2022