Question 1

Are old oil paintings worth money?

Accepted Answer

The value of an oil painting depends on the quality and artist. Work with an appraiser to determine the value. While some online resources can be helpful when you’re looking for information about the value of an item, the suggested value you find may not be the actual value of your item, since that will depend on a number of factors, including the shape it’s in. Browse a selection of expertly vetted authentic vintage oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Question 2

How much is an original oil painting worth?

Accepted Answer

The%20cost%20of%20an%20original%20oil%20painting%20has%20a%20very%20wide%20range.%20For%20emerging%20new%20artist%20could%20be%20in%20the%20lower%20end%2C%20ranging%20from%20the%20%24500%20to%20%2410%2C000%20depending%20on%20the%20size%20and%20subject%20matter%2C%20for%20the%20mid-career%20artists%20who%20are%20already%20established%2C%20their%20prices%20range%20in%20the%20thousands%20and%20hundreds%20of%20thousands%20of%20dollars%20and%20lastly%20the%20original%20oil%20painting%20art%20of%20very%20established%20and%20popular%20artists%20that%20could%20have%20auction%20records%20in%20the%20millions%20of%20dollars.%20In%20this%20category%20are%20some%20of%20the%20well%20known%20examples%20of%20the%20old%20master%20paintings%20and%20other%20contemporary%20artworks.

Question 3

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 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

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

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

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 16

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 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

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 19

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 20

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 21

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 22

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.

Oil Painting 1880

1880s Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Portrait of Old Giuseppe Garibaldi - Chalk, Charcoal and Oil Pastels - 1880, 1880

1880s Realist Landscape Paintings

John Horace HooperHarvest Time in Yorkshire - British art 19th century landscape oil painting, Circa 1880

1880s Realist Portrait Paintings

Manuel Pla y ValorPortrait of a Man - 19th Century Spanish Antique Oil on Panel Painting, 1880

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

William HenriksenWilliam Henriksen (1880-1964) - Framed Oil, White Sailed Windmill, Unknown

1880s Victorian Landscape Paintings

George William MoteLandscape with Cattle - Surrey - British Victorian art 19th century oil painting, Circa 1880

1880s Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Eugine SmitAntique Portrait of a woman, original antique oil painting by Eugene Smits, 1880 s

Late 19th Century Romantic Landscape Paintings

Asa Coolidge WarrenHudson River Region Painting “Natural Bridge”, listed artist Asa Warren, ca 1880, ca 1880

1880s Realist Landscape Paintings

Ramon Marti AlsinaMarti Alsina oil canvas signed Original Painting, 1889

1880s Animal Paintings

Rupert Arthur DentTerrier on a Chair - 19th Century Antique English Oil on Canvas Dog Painting, 1880

1880s Victorian Figurative Paintings

Eugène PavyAntique French Orientalist Oil Painting by Pavy, 1884

Antique Late 19th Century English Paintings

English Oil on Board Horse Painting by John Alfred Wheeler, circa 1880

1880s Victorian Landscape Paintings

John MacwhirterGlen Cloy Arran - Scottish Victorian art Landscape oil painting man and dog, Circa 1880

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Herand Gulbenkian (1880-1968) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Pont Neuf bridge, Unknown

Late 19th Century Animal Paintings

August LauxHide and Seek, 1880 Oil on Canvas, Kittens in Basket, Cats, Cat, Kitten, Pet, circa 1880

1880s Romantic Landscape Paintings

Painting of Napoleon III at the Naval Battle, oil on panel France, 1880

Antique Late 19th Century English Paintings

Oil Painting on Canvas, "God Speed" by Max Sinclair (fl.1880-1900)

1880s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Frances B. ClarkOriginal Late 19th Century Oil Painting of Upstate New York Landscape, C. 1880

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Herand Gulbenkian (1880-1698) - Early 20th Century Oil, The Forest Clearing, Unknown

1880s Victorian Landscape Paintings

Henry Hadfield Cubley Very Large Antique Scottish Victorian Oil Painting Cattle Highland Pathway, 1886

1880s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Theodore Wendel"Ring Around the Rosy" Theodore Wendel, circa 1880 Caricature of Duveneck Boys, circa 1880

Antique 1880s British Victorian Paintings

Antique Oil Painting on Canvass by Alfred Lyndon Grace

Late 19th Century Still-life Paintings

F. Richard - c.1880 Oil, Birds Nest and Flowers, Late 19th Century

1880s Realist Still-life Paintings

Cyrenius Hall (1830 - 1896)Antique American Elegant 19th Century Fruit Still Life Framed Rare Oil Painting, 1880

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Herand Gulbenkian (1880-1968) - Mid 20th Century Oil, The Tree Lined Street, Unknown

19th Century Portrait Paintings

Leopoldo BearzottiLeopoldo Bearzotti (fl.1868-1880) - Late 19th Century Oil, Italian Nobleman, Unknown

1880s Figurative Paintings

William BodfishWilliam Bodfish Oil Painting Titled "The Sister s Visit", Dated 1888, 1888

20th Century Figurative Paintings

Attrib. John Anthony Park (1880-1962) - Early 20th Century Oil, Looe Beach, Unknown

1880s Victorian Landscape Paintings

Harvest Landscape - British 19th century art Victorian landscape oil painting, 1883

19th Century Figurative Paintings

Georgina LaraGeorgina Lara (fl.1840-1880) - Framed 19th Century Oil, The Faggot Gatherers, Unknown

1880s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Maxime MaufraLavandieres - Impressionist River Landscape Oil Painting by Maxime Maufra, 1887

Antique Late 19th Century English Paintings

Edgar Hunt, oil on canvas, Farm animals, 1880.

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Robert Kirkland Jamieson (1880-1950) - Early 20th Century Oil, Urban Town Scene, 20th Century

1880s Landscape Paintings

Eugene Galien-LaloueEugene Galien Laloue Large Landscape Oil painting, 1885

1880s Academic Portrait Paintings

Tony Robert-FleuryLa Couturiere - Academic Portrait Oil Painting by Tony Robert-Fleury, c.1890

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Paintings

Large oil on canvas, Lilacs and Pansies , FURCY de LAVAULT, circa 1880

1880s Victorian Portrait Paintings

Annie Louisa SwynnertonVictorian Woodland Maiden - British 19thC female artist portrait oil painting, 1887

1880s Victorian Landscape Paintings

Eduard GotzelmannFine 19th Century Large Austrian Signed Oil Painting Cattle Horses Pastoral, 1887

1880s Pre-Raphaelite Portrait Paintings

Rowland HolyoakeVictorian Oil Painting, Portrait Of A Girl With Wildflowers, Flora, 1888

1880s Victorian Landscape Paintings

Andrew MacCallumScion of a Noble - 19th Century Exhibition Oil Painting English Forest Landscape, 1889

1880s Academic Nude Paintings

John Horace Hooper
Harvest Time in Yorkshire - British art 19th century landscape oil painting, Circa 1880

Manuel Pla y Valor
Portrait of a Man - 19th Century Spanish Antique Oil on Panel Painting, 1880

William Henriksen
William Henriksen (1880-1964) - Framed Oil, White Sailed Windmill, Unknown

George William Mote
Landscape with Cattle - Surrey - British Victorian art 19th century oil painting, Circa 1880

Eugine Smit
Antique Portrait of a woman, original antique oil painting by Eugene Smits, 1880 s

Asa Coolidge Warren
Hudson River Region Painting “Natural Bridge”, listed artist Asa Warren, ca 1880, ca 1880

Ramon Marti Alsina
Marti Alsina oil canvas signed Original Painting, 1889

Rupert Arthur Dent
Terrier on a Chair - 19th Century Antique English Oil on Canvas Dog Painting, 1880

Eugène Pavy
Antique French Orientalist Oil Painting by Pavy, 1884

John Macwhirter
Glen Cloy Arran - Scottish Victorian art Landscape oil painting man and dog, Circa 1880

August Laux
Hide and Seek, 1880 Oil on Canvas, Kittens in Basket, Cats, Cat, Kitten, Pet, circa 1880

Frances B. Clark
Original Late 19th Century Oil Painting of Upstate New York Landscape, C. 1880

Henry Hadfield Cubley
Very Large Antique Scottish Victorian Oil Painting Cattle Highland Pathway, 1886

Theodore Wendel
"Ring Around the Rosy" Theodore Wendel, circa 1880 Caricature of Duveneck Boys, circa 1880

Cyrenius Hall (1830 - 1896)
Antique American Elegant 19th Century Fruit Still Life Framed Rare Oil Painting, 1880

Leopoldo Bearzotti
Leopoldo Bearzotti (fl.1868-1880) - Late 19th Century Oil, Italian Nobleman, Unknown

William Bodfish
William Bodfish Oil Painting Titled "The Sister s Visit", Dated 1888, 1888

Georgina Lara
Georgina Lara (fl.1840-1880) - Framed 19th Century Oil, The Faggot Gatherers, Unknown

Maxime Maufra
Lavandieres - Impressionist River Landscape Oil Painting by Maxime Maufra, 1887

Eugene Galien-Laloue
Eugene Galien Laloue Large Landscape Oil painting, 1885

Tony Robert-Fleury
La Couturiere - Academic Portrait Oil Painting by Tony Robert-Fleury, c.1890

Annie Louisa Swynnerton
Victorian Woodland Maiden - British 19thC female artist portrait oil painting, 1887

Eduard Gotzelmann
Fine 19th Century Large Austrian Signed Oil Painting Cattle Horses Pastoral, 1887

Rowland Holyoake
Victorian Oil Painting, Portrait Of A Girl With Wildflowers, Flora, 1888

Andrew MacCallum
Scion of a Noble - 19th Century Exhibition Oil Painting English Forest Landscape, 1889

Antoine Marie Roucole
The Apparition - Large, Fine 1884 French Oil Painting - MAKE OFFER, 1884

George William Mote
Victorian Oil Painting, Rural View Near Guildford, Surrey, British Landscape, 1888

Jean Thomas
Bavella pass, Corsica, France, original oil painting by Jean Thomas, circa 1980

Jane Ross
Portrait of Thomas Cooper Gotch, 19th Century Oil Painting

Arthur G. Nebra
Lake in the Mountains , Arthur G. Nebra (1880-1955) oil on canvas c1930, 1930

Henry Bacon
The Beekeeper s Daughter 1881 oil painting by Henry Bacon, 1881

Max Usadel
Temple of Paestum, Max Usadel (ca. 1880-1950), 1912, Oil Paint on Canvas, 1912

Wilfrid Constant Beauquesne
Antique French Oil Painting Army Cavarly Soldier Horse Military Despatch Bearer, 1883

Arthur Hughes
The Convent Boat - British Victorian Pre-Raphaelite art religious oil painting, Circa 1874

Welsh Victorian
Signed Victorian Welsh Oil Painting Cottages by Lake and Mountain View 1888, 1888

S. L. DeBreze
Late 19th Century Brittany Genre Oil Painting -- The Day s Catch, Circa 1885

Victor Alfred Paul Vignon
Paysage de l Oise - Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting by Victor Vignon, 1886

Frank Cassell
Fine Victorian Dog Oil Painting Terriers chasing Rat in Barn Stable Interior