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

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 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

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

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 8

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 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 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 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

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

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 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 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

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.

Oil Painting 1876

19th Century Figurative Paintings

Joseph HorlorJoseph Horlor (1809-1887) - 1876 Oil, Coastal Scene with Figures and Boats, 1876

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Henri Vincent-AngladeHenri Vincent-Anglade (1876-1956) - 1945 Oil, Autumnal Reflections, 1945

Early 20th Century Figurative Paintings

Jean Antoine Armand Vergeaud (1876-1949) - Oil, Visiting Grandparents, Unknown

Antique Early 1900s Belgian Art Nouveau Paintings

Maurice Blieck Belgium, 1876-1922 Ladies on a Beech Oil Painting

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Erich MayerErich Mayer (1876-1960) - 1937 Oil, South African Landscape, 1937

Late 19th Century Portrait Paintings

Wilhelm Riedel (1832-1876) - For Restoration 1871 Oil, A Gentleman, 1871

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, Sussex Downs, Mid-20th Century

20th Century Still-life Paintings

Willy Brandes (1876-1946) - Early 20th Century Oil, Iris, 20th Century

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Andries Verluer (1876-1953) - Dutch School Oil, Cows in a Landscape, Early 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Still-life Paintings

Edmond von Sijben de Maroije (1876-1970) - Framed Oil, Hyacinths, Mid-20th Century

19th Century Animal Paintings

Attrib. Edmund Bristow (1787-1876) - 19th Century Oil, The Donkey Horse, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Henri Vincent-AngladeHenri Vincent-Anglade (1876-1956) - 1942 Oil, View of The Cattle Farm, 1942

Mid-19th Century Landscape Paintings

William GillardWilliam Gillard (fl.1812-1876) - Fine Framed Oil, River in the Woods, Unknown

Early 20th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Albert Thomas Jarvis GilbertAlbert Thomas Jarvis Gilbert RI (1876-1927) - 1911 Oil, David Garrick, 1911

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBAPhilip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, Sun and Shade, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Pierre Joseph (Jef) Dutillieu (1876-1960) - Framed Oil, The Double Arched Bridge, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Figurative Paintings

Henri Vincent-AngladeHenri Vincent-Anglade (1876-1956) - 1949 Oil, Sewing in the Garden, 1949

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Pierre Joseph (Jef) Dutillieu (1876-1960) - Framed Oil, A Cold Winter Evening, Mid-20th Century

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, A Morning Chat, Unknown

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Frank ReynoldsFrank Reynolds (1876-1953) - Early 20th Century Oil, Chickens By The River, Unknown

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, Leaves and Clouds, Unknown

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

John Edwin NobleJohn Edwin Noble (1876-1941) - Early 20th Century Oil, The Ship Hotel, Unknown

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Philip Hugh Padwick (1876-1958) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Grazing at Sunset, Unknown

Early 20th Century Figurative Paintings

Rene Marie Joly De Beynac (1876-1978) - Oil, Town on The River, Unknown

1870s Romantic Landscape Paintings

Carl Abraham RothsténLandscape at Sunset With a Man Smoking a Pipe by Carl Abraham Rothstén, 1876, 1876

19th Century Landscape Paintings

Edmund John NiemannEdmund John Niemann (1813-1876) - Framed 19th Century Oil, Before the Storm, 19th Century

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, By the River, Mid-20th Century

Early 20th Century Still-life Paintings

Henri Vincent-AngladeHenri Vincent-Anglade (1876-1956) - 1927 Oil, Still Life with Apples, 1927

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, Ponies in the Field, Unknown

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - 1921 Oil, Cottage in the Country, 1921

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Early 20thC Oil, Sepia Farm, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, View of the Lake, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, Cattle at the Lake, Mid-20th Century

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, A Stroll in the Garden, Unknown

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, A View of the Village, Unknown

Late 19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Auguste Bouchet (1876-1937)Cervione, Valle di Campoloro

1920s Post-Impressionist Nude Paintings

Alfred Marie Le Petit Alfred Marie Le Petit (1876-1953) Académie, a man half naked 1925, oil on canvas, 1925

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - 1914 Oil, In the Shade of the Trees, 1914

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Kees Maks‘Chrysanthemum in a Vase’ by Kees Maks, Amsterdam 1876 – 1967, Dutch Painter, 1876 – 1967

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Animal Paintings

Joseph Horlor
Joseph Horlor (1809-1887) - 1876 Oil, Coastal Scene with Figures and Boats, 1876

Henri Vincent-Anglade
Henri Vincent-Anglade (1876-1956) - 1945 Oil, Autumnal Reflections, 1945

Erich Mayer
Erich Mayer (1876-1960) - 1937 Oil, South African Landscape, 1937

Henri Vincent-Anglade
Henri Vincent-Anglade (1876-1956) - 1942 Oil, View of The Cattle Farm, 1942

William Gillard
William Gillard (fl.1812-1876) - Fine Framed Oil, River in the Woods, Unknown

Albert Thomas Jarvis Gilbert
Albert Thomas Jarvis Gilbert RI (1876-1927) - 1911 Oil, David Garrick, 1911

Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA
Philip Hugh Padwick ROI RBA (1876-1958) - Oil, Sun and Shade, Unknown

Henri Vincent-Anglade
Henri Vincent-Anglade (1876-1956) - 1949 Oil, Sewing in the Garden, 1949

Frank Reynolds
Frank Reynolds (1876-1953) - Early 20th Century Oil, Chickens By The River, Unknown

John Edwin Noble
John Edwin Noble (1876-1941) - Early 20th Century Oil, The Ship Hotel, Unknown

Carl Abraham Rothstén
Landscape at Sunset With a Man Smoking a Pipe by Carl Abraham Rothstén, 1876, 1876

Edmund John Niemann
Edmund John Niemann (1813-1876) - Framed 19th Century Oil, Before the Storm, 19th Century

Henri Vincent-Anglade
Henri Vincent-Anglade (1876-1956) - 1927 Oil, Still Life with Apples, 1927

Auguste Bouchet (1876-1937)
Cervione, Valle di Campoloro

Alfred Marie Le Petit
Alfred Marie Le Petit (1876-1953) Académie, a man half naked 1925, oil on canvas, 1925

Kees Maks
‘Chrysanthemum in a Vase’ by Kees Maks, Amsterdam 1876 – 1967, Dutch Painter, 1876 – 1967

Julius Paul Junghanns
"Horse Drawn Carriage" Julius Paul Junghanns (German, 1876-1958), 1951

Ludwig August Heydendahl
Huge Antique German Oil Painting Fjord Scene Figures in Boat - Beautiful work, c. 1900 s

Louis Pastour
Anemones, Vase Of Flowers, 1932

Carl Abraham Rothstén
Winter Landscape by Carl Abraham Rothstén, Oil on Canvas, 1876, 1876

Edmund Leaf Shearer
Along The River, 1876 Hudson River School Painting, Bucolic Landscape, Fishing, 1876

Giovanni Leonardi
Italian Artist Giovanni Leonardi (1876 -1957) Antique oil painting on canvas

Hermann Simon
1876 Beautiful GILDED FRAME Antique SCHNAUZER PUPPY Playing w/ Yarn, 1876

Louis Pastour
Marine Painting "Voile Rouge" Louis Pastour (France, 1876-1948), 1935

Louis Pastour
Marine Painting "Deux Bateaux" (Louis Pastour French, 1876-1948), 1932

Chattie Wake
Chattie Wake (1876-1971) - Early 20th Century Oil, Seated Gentleman, Early 20th Century