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

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 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 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

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

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 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 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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

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

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.

Oil Painting 19

2010s Abstract Paintings

Mike SmalleyUntitled #19-54, 2019

Antique 1860s American American Classical Paintings

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, Charles Brownell 19 Century Oil American Painting

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Mel Reese"Body Abstraction no. 19", contemporary cream green abstract body painting, 2016

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Marshall CrossmanPacifica #19, 2015

Early 2000s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Tetsuro ShimizuT-19 constraint, 2005

Ivan KurachSILENZIO NO.19, 1961

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings

Lloyd MartinShim Series 19, 2013

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Ray TurnerWoman no. 19, 2008-2015

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Wes ShermanBird Sanctuary #19, 2016

2010s Other Art Style Interior Paintings

Kathryn Keller"Studio 4-13-19" oil paint of canvas, interior, piano, by Kathryn Keller, 2019

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Carole RaffertyBay Bridge 19, Mid Century cityscape of San Francisco, oil on canvas, framed, 2018

2010s Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Mark Bennion15 MAY 19, 2019

1950s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Stephen PaceAftermath (55-19), 1955

1950s Abstract Impressionist Abstract Paintings

Stephen PaceAftermath (55-19), 1955

1880s Figurative Paintings

Francisco Pradilla Ortiz19 century Roman girl., 1883

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Landscape Paintings

Massimo GaranziniCittà esistenziale (19), 2023

1990s Impressionist Paintings

John CookJohn Cook, "Flowers on Red Table" Oil on Canvas 19 1/2 x 15 1/2 Texas artist, 2000

21st Century and Contemporary American Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Connie HayesTulip 19

1970s Cubist Portrait Paintings

Armando BarriosArmando Barrios, Rostro, 1971, Oil on paper, 26.5 x 19 cm, 10.4 x 7.4 in., 1971

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Ed KamudaAncient Score, 2005, oil with wax varnish on board, 12" x 16" framed to 15 x 19", 2005

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Donald JurneySutter Buttes, from near Grimes, CA, 1989, oil on canvas 19 1/2x23 1/2 inches

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings

Kellyann Burns3:04 PM 9/19/14, 2014

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings

Kellyann Burns7:15 PM 5/19/16, 2016

2010s Abstract Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Brandon Ryan#19 Red

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Hong, DaET story No.19 - Contemporary art,, 2022

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Giulia Dall Oliog 19][72 d, charcoal on canvas, 2018

2010s Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Jorge YancesAbstract 19

2010s Landscape Paintings

Peter CampbellWeathered (old barn, soft sky, symbolic, resilience, COVID 19)

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Jake GilsonALASTU 19, 2011

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Sanda IliescuAddresses Unknown #19, 2013

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Art

Robert Guinan oil on linen painting 21.5" x 19"

George FennThe Prize Cow, 1839

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media

Vincent SalvatiPower Are My Words #19 Contemporary Original Mixed Media Painting on Paper, 2021

20th Century Post-War Landscape Paintings

Shaaban Zaki"Alleyway in Old Cairo" Oil Painting 19" x 12" inch (1924) by Shaaban Zaki, 1924

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Omar Abdel Zaher"El Omda" Figurative Oil Painting 19" x 19" inch by Omar Abdel Zaher, 2020

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Paintings

Religious oil painting, 19 th c. After Bartolome’ Esteban Murillo 1617-1682

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Karina AntonczakPool 19, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2023

Antique 19th Century English Paintings

19 th.c.English oil painting of sporting dogs

2010s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Rafał GadowskiToucan 19. Figurative Expressive Oil Painting, Colorful, Animals, Polish, 2025

20th Century Post-War Figurative Paintings

Zohra Efflatoun"Boats" Oil Painting 15" x 19" inch by Zohra Efflatoun, circa 1971

2010s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Mike Smalley
Untitled #19-54, 2019

Mel Reese
"Body Abstraction no. 19", contemporary cream green abstract body painting, 2016

Marshall Crossman
Pacifica #19, 2015

Tetsuro Shimizu
T-19 constraint, 2005

Ivan Kurach
SILENZIO NO.19, 1961

Lloyd Martin
Shim Series 19, 2013

Ray Turner
Woman no. 19, 2008-2015

Wes Sherman
Bird Sanctuary #19, 2016

Kathryn Keller
"Studio 4-13-19" oil paint of canvas, interior, piano, by Kathryn Keller, 2019

Carole Rafferty
Bay Bridge 19, Mid Century cityscape of San Francisco, oil on canvas, framed, 2018

Mark Bennion
15 MAY 19, 2019

Stephen Pace
Aftermath (55-19), 1955

Stephen Pace
Aftermath (55-19), 1955

Francisco Pradilla Ortiz
19 century Roman girl., 1883

Massimo Garanzini
Città esistenziale (19), 2023

John Cook
John Cook, "Flowers on Red Table" Oil on Canvas 19 1/2 x 15 1/2 Texas artist, 2000

Connie Hayes
Tulip 19

Armando Barrios
Armando Barrios, Rostro, 1971, Oil on paper, 26.5 x 19 cm, 10.4 x 7.4 in., 1971

Ed Kamuda
Ancient Score, 2005, oil with wax varnish on board, 12" x 16" framed to 15 x 19", 2005

Donald Jurney
Sutter Buttes, from near Grimes, CA, 1989, oil on canvas 19 1/2x23 1/2 inches

Kellyann Burns
3:04 PM 9/19/14, 2014

Kellyann Burns
7:15 PM 5/19/16, 2016

Brandon Ryan
#19 Red

Hong, Da
ET story No.19 - Contemporary art,, 2022

Giulia Dall Olio
g 19][72 d, charcoal on canvas, 2018

Jorge Yances
Abstract 19

Peter Campbell
Weathered (old barn, soft sky, symbolic, resilience, COVID 19)

Jake Gilson
ALASTU 19, 2011

Sanda Iliescu
Addresses Unknown #19, 2013

George Fenn
The Prize Cow, 1839

Vincent Salvati
Power Are My Words #19 Contemporary Original Mixed Media Painting on Paper, 2021

Shaaban Zaki
"Alleyway in Old Cairo" Oil Painting 19" x 12" inch (1924) by Shaaban Zaki, 1924

Omar Abdel Zaher
"El Omda" Figurative Oil Painting 19" x 19" inch by Omar Abdel Zaher, 2020

Karina Antonczak
Pool 19, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2023

Rafał Gadowski
Toucan 19. Figurative Expressive Oil Painting, Colorful, Animals, Polish, 2025

Zohra Efflatoun
"Boats" Oil Painting 15" x 19" inch by Zohra Efflatoun, circa 1971

Rafał Gadowski
Apples 19 - Oil painting, Contemporary Figurative, Pop art, Still life, 2021

Montse Valdés
30-3-19 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait Painting, Oil on Canvas, Unknown

Mohamed Abla
"Cactus 19" Oil Painting 32" x 24" inch by Mohamed Abla, 2020

Montse Valdés
1-5-19 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait Painting, Oil on Canvas, Unknown

Peter Keizer
"View" oil painting on canvas, by Peter Keizer (21 x 19"), 2003, 2003

Montse Valdés
2-5-19 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Portrait Painting, Oil on Canvas, Spiritual, 2019

Omar Abdel Zaher
"Fisherman" (FRAMED) Figurative Oil Painting 27.5" x 19" in by Omar Abdel Zaher, 2020

Mohammed Ismail
"Couple III" Oil on Wood Painting 19" x 13" inch by Mohammed Ismail, 1986

Inji Efflatoun
"Landscape from Switzerland I" Oil Painting 13" x 19" inch by Inji Efflatoun, 1952

Leila Izzet
"Abstract Nud" Abstract Oil on Paper Painting 26" x 19" inch by Leila Izzet, 1969

Deborah Freedman
A Better World 19, yellow and teal oil painting of ocean waves, abstract water, 2017

Karina Gentinetta
"Deep In Thought I and II" Acrylics, Oil Pastels, Pencils Paintings 19"x15" each, 2021