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 Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Claude Benard1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil Ladies dressed in Yellow Gazing Upwards

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

French School1950 s French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Lady under Parasol in French Garden, 1950

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French Cubist Mid Century1950 s French Cubist Still Life Oil Painting Jugs Ornaments Large Canvas, 1950

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

1950 s French Signed Oil Portrait of a Nude Lady Soft Lighting

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Antique English Marine1950 s English Marine Oil Painting Three Masted Sailing Ships Choppy Seas

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Jean LaforgueOld Preaching Cross Memorial Stone French Village Landscape 1950 s Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

E. JohnsonDramatic Lake District Mountain Range Rocky View, Beautiful Colors 1950 s oil

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Claudine Riboulet1950 s FRENCH MODERNIST OIL PAINTING - CITY STREET SCENE - CARVED WOOD FRAME, Mid Century

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School1950 s French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil - Fishermen with Boats on Beach

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French School1950 s French Cubist Oil Painting Red Brown Ochre Muted Tones Colors framed

1950s Abstract Impressionist Nude Paintings

Laure Jessop1950 s Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude woman a bed, Circa 1955

1950s Abstract Impressionist Nude Paintings

Laure Jessop1950 s Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude woman reading, seated, Circa 1955

Mid-20th Century French School Landscape Paintings

Mid Century French1950 s French Signed Oil Painting Figures outside Old Convent Doorway Lush Green, 1952

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

1950 s Vintage French Impressionist Signed Oil Pink Roses in Vase Framed

Mid-20th Century Modern Interior Paintings

English mid 20thFine 1950 s English Oil Grand Interior Room Scene Ancestral Portraits signed

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

1950 S FRENCH SIGNED FRENCH MODERNIST OIL - LILAC FLOWERS AGAINST LACE LANDSCAPE, 20th century

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School1950 s French Signed Oil Busy Fruit Veg Market Town Square with Figures

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School1950 s French Modernist Oil Painting Bare Trees by Lake Moody Atmospheric Colors

1950s Post-Impressionist Interior Paintings

Charles Ernest CundallPortrait of a Family in an Interior - British 1950 s art oil painting, Circa 1955

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Y Blanchon1950 s French Impressionist Painting Steps Leading To Village Church, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Belgian SchoolShepherd Herding Sheep by the River s Edge Landscape Framed Oil Painting 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French SchoolPont Marie Bridge Paris River Seine 1950 s Mid Century French Signed Oil, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School1950 s French Impressionist Signed Oil view Renoirs Garden Cagnes sur Mer France, 1955

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Paintings

Raimondo PuccinelliModern Dance Female Dancer in Red Dress Jazz - oil paint on board circa 1950s, Circa 1950s

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

L Bernard1950 s French Modernist Portrait of Woman by the Window Textured Oil Painting, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Bernard Labbe1950 s Symbolist Portrait Young Figure in Exotic Green Cloak, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Louise Alix1950 s French Park Gardens with Flower Beds Stone Urns Fine Original Oil, 1940 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Edward Fish1950’s Parisian Girl - Collage Painting, c.1950

1950s Abstract Impressionist Nude Paintings

Laure Jessop1950 s Mid Century modern English oil portrait, two women in a artists studio, Circa 1955

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

French SchoolFrench 1950 s Signed Large Oil Painting Colourful Flowers in Vase Still Life

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josine Vignon1950 s Large French Post Impressionist oil Summer in the Woods Green Fields, 1954

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School1950 s French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Village Houses in the Rhone Valley, 1958

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

1950 s Mid-Century Abstract Expressionist painting, ca. 1955

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

Bernard Labbe1950 s Modernist Painting Lady Maid Holding Badminton Sporting Equipment, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Animal Paintings

David VivianSIGNED 1950 S ENGLISH DOG OIL PAINTING - THE PEKINGESE WITH BALL IN LANDSCAPE, c. 1960 s

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Gaston ANDRE (1884-1970)1950 s Colorful French Impressionist Flower Garden Archway Signed Impressionist, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Italian Mid 20th CenturySigned Italian Oil Painting c. 1950 s Fishing Boat Sunny Beach Side Sea Scene

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Bernard Labbe1950 s Modernist/ Cubist Painting - Into The French Autumnal Town, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Bernard Labbe1950 s Modernist Painting - Grey Skies Over French Peaceful Town, 1950 s

Late 20th Century Victorian Abstract Paintings

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

French School
1950 s French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Lady under Parasol in French Garden, 1950

French Cubist Mid Century
1950 s French Cubist Still Life Oil Painting Jugs Ornaments Large Canvas, 1950

Antique English Marine
1950 s English Marine Oil Painting Three Masted Sailing Ships Choppy Seas

Jean Laforgue
Old Preaching Cross Memorial Stone French Village Landscape 1950 s Oil Painting

E. Johnson
Dramatic Lake District Mountain Range Rocky View, Beautiful Colors 1950 s oil

Claudine Riboulet
1950 s FRENCH MODERNIST OIL PAINTING - CITY STREET SCENE - CARVED WOOD FRAME, Mid Century

French School
1950 s French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil - Fishermen with Boats on Beach

French School
1950 s French Cubist Oil Painting Red Brown Ochre Muted Tones Colors framed

Laure Jessop
1950 s Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude woman a bed, Circa 1955

Laure Jessop
1950 s Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude woman reading, seated, Circa 1955

Mid Century French
1950 s French Signed Oil Painting Figures outside Old Convent Doorway Lush Green, 1952

English mid 20th
Fine 1950 s English Oil Grand Interior Room Scene Ancestral Portraits signed

French School
1950 s French Signed Oil Busy Fruit Veg Market Town Square with Figures

French School
1950 s French Modernist Oil Painting Bare Trees by Lake Moody Atmospheric Colors

Charles Ernest Cundall
Portrait of a Family in an Interior - British 1950 s art oil painting, Circa 1955

Y Blanchon
1950 s French Impressionist Painting Steps Leading To Village Church, 1950 s

Belgian School
Shepherd Herding Sheep by the River s Edge Landscape Framed Oil Painting 1950 s

French School
Pont Marie Bridge Paris River Seine 1950 s Mid Century French Signed Oil, mid 20th Century

French School
1950 s French Impressionist Signed Oil view Renoirs Garden Cagnes sur Mer France, 1955

Raimondo Puccinelli
Modern Dance Female Dancer in Red Dress Jazz - oil paint on board circa 1950s, Circa 1950s

L Bernard
1950 s French Modernist Portrait of Woman by the Window Textured Oil Painting, mid 20th Century

Bernard Labbe
1950 s Symbolist Portrait Young Figure in Exotic Green Cloak, 1950 s

Louise Alix
1950 s French Park Gardens with Flower Beds Stone Urns Fine Original Oil, 1940 s

Edward Fish
1950’s Parisian Girl - Collage Painting, c.1950

Laure Jessop
1950 s Mid Century modern English oil portrait, two women in a artists studio, Circa 1955

French School
French 1950 s Signed Large Oil Painting Colourful Flowers in Vase Still Life

Josine Vignon
1950 s Large French Post Impressionist oil Summer in the Woods Green Fields, 1954

French School
1950 s French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Village Houses in the Rhone Valley, 1958

Bernard Labbe
1950 s Modernist Painting Lady Maid Holding Badminton Sporting Equipment, 1950 s

David Vivian
SIGNED 1950 S ENGLISH DOG OIL PAINTING - THE PEKINGESE WITH BALL IN LANDSCAPE, c. 1960 s

Gaston ANDRE (1884-1970)
1950 s Colorful French Impressionist Flower Garden Archway Signed Impressionist, 1950 s

Italian Mid 20th Century
Signed Italian Oil Painting c. 1950 s Fishing Boat Sunny Beach Side Sea Scene

Bernard Labbe
1950 s Modernist/ Cubist Painting - Into The French Autumnal Town, 1950 s

Bernard Labbe
1950 s Modernist Painting - Grey Skies Over French Peaceful Town, 1950 s

Mario Asnago
Abstract Landscape - Oil by Mario Asnago - 1950s, 1950s

French mid 20th
1950 s French Oil Elegant Portrait of a Woman with Floral Accents in Bonnet, mid 20th Century

French School
Huge 1950 s French Nude Venus in Classical Architectural Dreamscape Mythical, 1950 s

Laure Jessop
1950 s Mid Century modern English oil portrait of a woman seated in an interior, Circa 1955

Laure Jessop
1950 s Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude woman laying on a bed, Circa 1955

Laure Jessop
1950 s Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude woman laying on a bed, Circa 1955

French School
1950 s French Mid Century Signed Oil Fishermen South of France Habour with Boats

Louis Honore
1950 s French Provencal Hill Top Perched Village Figures outside Cottage Signed, 1950 s

French School
1950 s French Modernist Signed Oil on Canvas Boats in a Blue Harbor Coastal View

Claude Decamps
Still life - Oil Painting by Claude Decamps - 1950s, 1950s

Felix Raoul Eteve
Large 1950 s French Impressionist Signed Old Bridge over River Landscape, 1950 s

Colbert Cassan
1950 s Self Portrait of the Artist in Hat French Signed Oil Painting on Canvas, 1952

Bernard Labbe
1950 s Blue Roof Rustic Village Scene with a Central Church Countryside, 1950 s

Bernard Labbe
1950 s Red Roof French Village with Rolling Hills and Coastal Views, 1950 s

French Mid Century
St Tropez Harbor Boats Moored Sleep Sunny French Old Town 1950 s Impressionist, 1950 s

Laure Jessop
1950 s Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude black woman seated on a chair, Circa 1955