Question 1

What famous painting was ruined by a restorer?

Accepted Answer

The most famous painting that was ruined by a restorer was Ecce Homo by Elías García Martínez. In 2012, the task of restoring the fresco in the Sanctuary of Mercy church in Borja, Spain, was left in the hands of an 81-year-old untrained artist who repainted the work, making the piece completely unrecognizable. Unfortunately, the painting is not the only piece to be severely damaged during restoration, pointing to the need to carefully vet restorers before hiring them. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of fine art.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

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 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

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 7

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 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

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 10

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 11

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 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

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 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 much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 19

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 20

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.

Oil Painting Ruins

Late 17th Century Figurative Paintings

Giovanni GhisolfiRoman Ruins with Figures - Oil On Canvas by Giovanni Ghisolfi, Second Half of 17th Century

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Charles BetremieuxCharles Betremieux (1919-1997) - 1950 Oil, Ruins by the Sea, 1950

1950s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Post Impressionist/ Modernist; Hilly Landscape with Ruins oil circa 1952, 1952

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Landscape Paintings

Juan Álvarez CebriánRuins in the snow, 2024

Antique 19th Century Renaissance Paintings

Italianate Capriccio Oil of Figures in Classical Ruins

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

18th Century Italian Old MasterFigures Dancing Classical Ancient Ruins Landscape Large Old Master Painting

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

William Miller Frazer RSA (1864-1961) - 1930 Oil, Sunlight on Ruins, 1930

Early 20th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

F. E. JamiesonAntique Scottish Painting Highlands Ancient Castle Ruins Sunset over the Loch, 1920 s

Mid-19th Century Romantic Landscape Paintings

John Henry Rollin TiltonRuins of Kom Ombo, Romantic Oil on Canvas, Signed, Mid-19th Century

1940s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Campbell Archibald MellonTwentieth Century Landscape Oil Goodrich Castle Ruins on the River Wye England, 1940 s

Early 19th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Fine 1800 s French Oil Figures by Monastic Ruins Stream Bucolic Landscape, 1800 s

2010s Realist Landscape Paintings

Simon KozhinEphesus. Ruins. Temple of Hadrian, 2005

1870s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Olof ArboreliusOil Sketch From Rome Called Ruins of Ancient Rome, c. 1870-72, c.1870-72

17th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Jan Van HaensbergenGathering in antique Ruins, a monogrammed painting by Jan van Haensbergen

Antique 18th Century Italian Paintings

Pair of Italian Mid-18th Century Old Master Oil on Canvas Paintings of Ruins

18th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Ruins Landscape Codazzi Paint Oil on canvas Old master 18th Century Roma Italy, 1680-1760

Early 19th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Fine Early 19th Century Classical Italian Oil Capriccio Lake Landscape Old Ruins

2010s Polish Paintings

"Dance in Ruins" - Oil on Canvas, Framed, Expressionist Style

18th Century Baroque Landscape Paintings

Large Grand Tour 18th Century Capriccio Painting Roman Ruins after Gennaro Greco

Antique 1850s Italian Napoleon III Paintings

Italian landscape with ruins, Oil on canvas, 19th century

2010s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Anna ShesterikovaView Of The Ruins Of The Wartau Castle. Landscape in oil, mountains, Switzerland, 2016

19th Century Landscape Paintings

Landscape with Temple ruins and figures

2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Adrian BarqueroRuins of the Barren - Gestural Abstract Painting with Earth Tones and Vivid Red, 2025

Early 19th Century Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Italian 1800 sEarly 1800 s Italian Classical Landscape with Ancient Ruins Sea Port Painting

18th Century Baroque Landscape Paintings

Italian Capriccio with Classical Ruins and Figures

18th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Unidentified dutch Artist Century XVIII"A coastal landscape with figures and ruins", XVIII Century

18th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Unidentified Artist XVIII Century "Idyllic Harbor Landscape with Ruins and Figures", XVIII Century

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Paintings

Italian Oil Painting on Board of Roman Ruins, 19th Century in Baroque Gilt Frame

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Nude Paintings

Pierre PIGET (1907-1990)Huge 1960 s French Oil Portrait of Roman/ Greek Semi Nude Lady Classical Ruins

1920s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

H. W. JacobsenMonastery Ruins by the River - Landscape, 1923

1960s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Jose NachoMid Century Modern Chichen Itza Ruins Landscape, 1968

Late 19th Century Romantic Landscape Paintings

Ruins of the Theatre at Taormina, Sicily, late 1800

Early 17th Century Landscape Paintings

Anton MozartLandscape with Ruins by the Tivoli Falls

Antique 1820s French Napoleon III Paintings

Romantic Landscape with Antique Ruins, Oil on Canvas, France, 19th Century

Antique 19th Century Belgian Renaissance Revival Paintings

After Pieter van Bloemen Oil on Canvas Hunting Ruins Scene

Antique Mid-18th Century Paintings

18th Century Italian Oil on Canvas Depicting Roman Ruins and Figures

1930s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ralph Holmes"Square Tower Ruins" Hovenweep National Monument, Utah, Circa 1930s

1840s English School Landscape Paintings

William James MullerTribesmen beside ruins at Pinara, Lycia, c. 1844, 1844

Antique 17th Century European Baroque Paintings

Landscape with Classical Ruins, Oil on Canvas, Attributed to Giner, Vicente

Early 19th Century Romantic Landscape Paintings

Giovanni Ghisolfi
Roman Ruins with Figures - Oil On Canvas by Giovanni Ghisolfi, Second Half of 17th Century

Charles Betremieux
Charles Betremieux (1919-1997) - 1950 Oil, Ruins by the Sea, 1950

Juan Álvarez Cebrián
Ruins in the snow, 2024

18th Century Italian Old Master
Figures Dancing Classical Ancient Ruins Landscape Large Old Master Painting

F. E. Jamieson
Antique Scottish Painting Highlands Ancient Castle Ruins Sunset over the Loch, 1920 s

John Henry Rollin Tilton
Ruins of Kom Ombo, Romantic Oil on Canvas, Signed, Mid-19th Century

Campbell Archibald Mellon
Twentieth Century Landscape Oil Goodrich Castle Ruins on the River Wye England, 1940 s

Simon Kozhin
Ephesus. Ruins. Temple of Hadrian, 2005

Olof Arborelius
Oil Sketch From Rome Called Ruins of Ancient Rome, c. 1870-72, c.1870-72

Jan Van Haensbergen
Gathering in antique Ruins, a monogrammed painting by Jan van Haensbergen

Anna Shesterikova
View Of The Ruins Of The Wartau Castle. Landscape in oil, mountains, Switzerland, 2016

Adrian Barquero
Ruins of the Barren - Gestural Abstract Painting with Earth Tones and Vivid Red, 2025

Italian 1800 s
Early 1800 s Italian Classical Landscape with Ancient Ruins Sea Port Painting

Unidentified dutch Artist Century XVIII
"A coastal landscape with figures and ruins", XVIII Century

Unidentified Artist XVIII Century
"Idyllic Harbor Landscape with Ruins and Figures", XVIII Century

Pierre PIGET (1907-1990)
Huge 1960 s French Oil Portrait of Roman/ Greek Semi Nude Lady Classical Ruins

H. W. Jacobsen
Monastery Ruins by the River - Landscape, 1923

Jose Nacho
Mid Century Modern Chichen Itza Ruins Landscape, 1968

Anton Mozart
Landscape with Ruins by the Tivoli Falls

Ralph Holmes
"Square Tower Ruins" Hovenweep National Monument, Utah, Circa 1930s

William James Muller
Tribesmen beside ruins at Pinara, Lycia, c. 1844, 1844

Jan KOBELL
Jan KOBELL Romantic Landscape ruins mountains river Dutch 19th

Anany Alexeevich Verbitsky
Mid Century Industrial Scene and Church Ruins Russian Cityscape, c.1950s

Marguerite Blasingame
1940s Yorkshire, England Landscape of Whitby Abbey Ruins, c.1940s

William Laparra
Two landscapes - Twilight at Tiermas and Ruins view in Tunisia

Pierre Barthélémy
Landscape dominated by the ruins of an ancient castle, 1928

Continental School
19thC. Figures Hunting Classical Ruins Mountainous Sunset Landscape North Africa, 19th Century

Agnes Murray
Slains Castle with North Sea 2, stone ruins, seascape, Scotland, 2020

(Circle of) Hubert Robert
Italian Arch - Old Master British art Italian landscape and ruins through arch, circa 1890

Alessandro La Volpe
View of Mt. Etna From the Ruins of the Theatre at Taormina, 19th Century Italian, 1883

Vivian Liddell
Myth of Sisyphus VIII (Starting out from the absurd over the ruins of reason), 2022

ANDREA STELLA
Among The Etruscan Ruins - Andrea Stella- Figurative Painting - Mixed Media

Thomas Eggerer
The Ruins, 2013