Question 1

What watches were popular in 1950s?

Accepted Answer

Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.

Question 2

What was the clothing style in the 1950s?

Accepted Answer

The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.

Question 3

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 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 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 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

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 8

Were pearls popular in the 1950s?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While the gem has always been a mainstay in jewelry, there was a boom in demand for pearl pieces in the 1950s. The style at the time was black-and-white-chic, and pearls were an excellent accompaniment to pieces like the classic little black dress. Shop a collection of expertly vetted pearl jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is 1950s furniture called?

Accepted Answer

1950s furniture is called vintage furniture. Some pieces produced during this period may be considered mid-century modern based on their characteristics. Mid-century modern design refers to the variety of modernism that rose to prominence in the 1940s and ’50s. It displays many of the characteristics of the earlier versions of modernism, including simple forms and a focus on functionality. Other traits common in mid-century modern furniture include unadorned silhouettes, clean lines and mixed materials, emphasizing wood, wool, steel and plastic. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of 1950s furniture.

Question 10

What is the 1950s furniture style called?

Accepted Answer

The best-known 1950s furniture style is called mid-century modern. Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three phrases that describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style emerged primarily in the years following World War II through creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Mid-century modern designers combined natural and human-made materials, such as teak, rosewood and oak woods as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. Some well-known mid-century modern designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 11

What were the popular diamond cuts in the 1950s?

Accepted Answer

There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.

Question 12

How much was a Chanel bag in the 1950s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.

Question 13

What diamond cuts were popular in the 1950s?

Accepted Answer

In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 14

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 15

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 16

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Oil Paint 1950s

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Scandinavian mid 20th century1950 s Scandinavian Oil Painting on Canvas Moody Atmospheric Beach Jetty

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Snowdrifts in a Wooded Landscape oil on canvas circa 1950 s, 1950

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School 1950 s French Impressionist Oil Painting Market Scene Bathed in Sunlight

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

John LentineImpressionist Portrait of a Young Man "Harlequin" Oil Painting Circa 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

French School1950 s French Signed Oil, Portrait of a Man with Mustache Bow Tie, green, c. 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Max Toutain1950 s Large French Oil Painting Poppy Fields in Provence Landscape, 1957

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

French SchoolSuper 1950 s French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil - Fishermen Marseille Harbour

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French SchoolProvence Cottages 1950 s French Impressionist Vintage Oil Painting Sunny Street

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

20th Century French School1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil, Golden Green Landscape Woodland Pathway

1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Trevor BellAbstract - British Moderist Abstract Art - 1950 s St Ives School oil painting, 1950

1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings

William GearEnigma No. 1 - Scottish 1950 s Abstract art oil painting orange black, 1954

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School1950 s French Signed Oil, Fishing Boats in Old Harbour Port

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Maurice Delavier1950 s French Modernist Oil Painting Portrait Sketch of Nude Lady

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School1950 s French Impressionist Signed Oil Flower Garden overlooking the Coast, 1955

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Animal Paintings

French School1950 s French/ Spanish Signed Oil - Modernist Prancing Horse in Landscape, c. 1950

20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

R. Schuenke 1950 s Portrait

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

E. Johnson1950 s British Modernist Oil Painting Cumberland Lake District Dramatic View

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century FrenchBeautiful 1950 s French Signed Oil Dappled Light Riverside Pathway, framed

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

20th Century French School1950 s French Impressionist Signed Oil - Artist at Easel Self Portrait, c. 1957

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

French SchoolSt Tropez 1950 s French Signed Oil Modernist Expressionist Large Painting

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

French School1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil - Colorful Fruit against dark background

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil Figures in Sunny Street Buildings

1950s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Pauline GlassPortrait of Sybyl in Red - British Post Impressionist 1950 s art oil painting, Circa 1950

Mid-20th Century Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century FrenchProvencal Hill Top Perched Village Cubist Signed 1950 s French Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century French School Portrait Paintings

French School Fine 1950 s French Signed Oil Painting Head Shoulders Portrait Nude Man

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20thCentury Modernist: Harbour Scene in Morning Light Oil circa 1950 s, 1950

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School1950 s French Oil Villa in Country Garden, Beautiful Greens Ochre colors

Mid-20th Century English School Animal Paintings

English School Dartmoor Ponies on Moor Landscape Fine English 1950 s Impressionist Oil Painting

1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Glyn MorganLandscape with White Bird - Welsh 1950 s Abstract art oil painting nature, 1950

1950s Realist Landscape Paintings

Harry Jefferson BarnesGlasgow West End River Kelvin Townscape - Scottish 1950 s landscape oil painting, Circa 1950

1950s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Glyn MorganPortrait of Nellie - Welsh Post Impressionist 1950 s art oil painting exh label, 1956

1950s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Sydney Seymour LucasPortrait of Sheila De Quincey - British 1950 s art portrait oil painting, Circa 1957

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School1950 s French Post Impressionist Oil Painting Old Church in Provence Landscape, 1950

Mid-20th Century Modern Interior Paintings

Jacques Daufin1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil Painting Still Life Kitchen Table Objects

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Bernard Labbe1950 s Signed Modernist Painting -Two Caricature Figures, 1950 s

1950s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Pauline GlassPortrait of a Lady - British Post Impressionist exh 1950 s art oil painting, 1954

Mid-20th Century Modern Interior Paintings

Y Blanchon1950 s French Impressionist Painting Blue Flowers in Vase, 1950 s

1950s Figurative Paintings

Jean Porcher1950 s Mid Century French Modernism Abandoned Fiat Automobile Art Oil Painting, 1957

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

René GUINAND (1892-1983)Modernist Still Life with White Orchid Abstract Oil Painting 1950 s French, 1950

1950s Modern Figurative Paintings

Scandinavian mid 20th century
1950 s Scandinavian Oil Painting on Canvas Moody Atmospheric Beach Jetty

French School
1950 s French Impressionist Oil Painting Market Scene Bathed in Sunlight

John Lentine
Impressionist Portrait of a Young Man "Harlequin" Oil Painting Circa 1950 s

French School
1950 s French Signed Oil, Portrait of a Man with Mustache Bow Tie, green, c. 1950 s

Max Toutain
1950 s Large French Oil Painting Poppy Fields in Provence Landscape, 1957

French School
Super 1950 s French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil - Fishermen Marseille Harbour

French School
Provence Cottages 1950 s French Impressionist Vintage Oil Painting Sunny Street

20th Century French School
1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil, Golden Green Landscape Woodland Pathway

Trevor Bell
Abstract - British Moderist Abstract Art - 1950 s St Ives School oil painting, 1950

William Gear
Enigma No. 1 - Scottish 1950 s Abstract art oil painting orange black, 1954

French School
1950 s French Signed Oil, Fishing Boats in Old Harbour Port

Maurice Delavier
1950 s French Modernist Oil Painting Portrait Sketch of Nude Lady

French School
1950 s French Impressionist Signed Oil Flower Garden overlooking the Coast, 1955

French School
1950 s French/ Spanish Signed Oil - Modernist Prancing Horse in Landscape, c. 1950

E. Johnson
1950 s British Modernist Oil Painting Cumberland Lake District Dramatic View

Mid Century French
Beautiful 1950 s French Signed Oil Dappled Light Riverside Pathway, framed

20th Century French School
1950 s French Impressionist Signed Oil - Artist at Easel Self Portrait, c. 1957

French School
St Tropez 1950 s French Signed Oil Modernist Expressionist Large Painting

French School
1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil - Colorful Fruit against dark background

Pauline Glass
Portrait of Sybyl in Red - British Post Impressionist 1950 s art oil painting, Circa 1950

Mid Century French
Provencal Hill Top Perched Village Cubist Signed 1950 s French Oil Painting

French School
Fine 1950 s French Signed Oil Painting Head Shoulders Portrait Nude Man

French School
1950 s French Oil Villa in Country Garden, Beautiful Greens Ochre colors

English School
Dartmoor Ponies on Moor Landscape Fine English 1950 s Impressionist Oil Painting

Glyn Morgan
Landscape with White Bird - Welsh 1950 s Abstract art oil painting nature, 1950

Harry Jefferson Barnes
Glasgow West End River Kelvin Townscape - Scottish 1950 s landscape oil painting, Circa 1950

Glyn Morgan
Portrait of Nellie - Welsh Post Impressionist 1950 s art oil painting exh label, 1956

Sydney Seymour Lucas
Portrait of Sheila De Quincey - British 1950 s art portrait oil painting, Circa 1957

French School
1950 s French Post Impressionist Oil Painting Old Church in Provence Landscape, 1950

Jacques Daufin
1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil Painting Still Life Kitchen Table Objects

Bernard Labbe
1950 s Signed Modernist Painting -Two Caricature Figures, 1950 s

Pauline Glass
Portrait of a Lady - British Post Impressionist exh 1950 s art oil painting, 1954

Y Blanchon
1950 s French Impressionist Painting Blue Flowers in Vase, 1950 s

Jean Porcher
1950 s Mid Century French Modernism Abandoned Fiat Automobile Art Oil Painting, 1957

René GUINAND (1892-1983)
Modernist Still Life with White Orchid Abstract Oil Painting 1950 s French, 1950

Laimdots Murnieks
Portrait. On a yellow background 1950 s, oil on cardboard, 49.5x35 cm, circa 1950

Simone Forge
1950 s French Impressionist Colorful Fishing Boats Resting on the Beach Oil, 19th Century

Herbert Katzman
1950 s Expressionist Interior Oil Painting Still Life with Flowers and Trumpet, 1946

Bernard Labbe
1950 s Modernist Painting - Lady Reflection In Mirror, 1950 s

Mid Century French
1950 s French Vintage Oil Painting Archway Farm Buildings in Country Landscape

French School
1950 s Mid Century French Impressionist Oil Flowers in Vase in Windowsill

French School
1950 s French Surrealist Signed Huge Oil Painting Nudes Dreamscape with Skeleton, 1958

Josine Vignon
1950 s French Post Impressionist Oil Flowers in a Vase Beautiful Colors, 1960 s

French School
1950’s French Expressionist Signed Oil Still Life Lemons Oranges on Table

20th Century French School
1950 s French Signed Oil, Portrait of Young Man in Blue Jersey

English Sporting Artist
English 1950 s Sporting Art Oil Painting Portrait of Horse in Landscape

Marcelle Weill
1950 s French Post-Impressionist Oil Painting of a Colorful Floral Garden

French School
1950 s Very Large French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Bright Colorful Flowers, 1959

Laurence Henry Irving
Elegy to a Dead Tree - Kent Landscape - British 1950 s art oil painting, 1952

Amédée Boucher
1950 s French Impressionist Oil Figures Enjoying Picnic by Lake, Green meadows

Elizabeth Bridge
Ballerinas Pas de Deux - British 1950 s Ballet dancers art oil painting Dance, 1951

Mid 20th Century French School
French 1950 s Interior Room Scene Woodburner Stove Attic Room Oil Painting

Claude Benard
1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil Ladies dressed in Yellow Gazing Upwards