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

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 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 Paintings By Louis

1920s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonAu Cirque - Post Impressionist Figurative Oil Painting by Marcel Cosson, c.1920

20th Century Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Louis HayetSelf-Portrait by Louis Hayet

Late 19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Louis Aimé JapyFishing on a River - Impressionist Oil, Boat on River Landscape by Louis Japy, 1892

1870s Barbizon School Landscape Paintings

Louis Aimé JapyNympheas on Lake - Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules - Barbizon Landscape Oil by Louis Japy, c.1870

1880s Realist Animal Paintings

Louis Léger Chardin (Tom s Friend) Dog Painting of a Terrier, by Louis Léger Chardin (1833-1918), Ca. 1880

19th Century Impressionist Animal Paintings

Eugène Louis BoudinLes Vaches - 19th Century Oil, Cows in River in Landscape by Eugene Louis Boudin, c.1880

1940s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonAu Cafe - Post Impressionist Figurative Interior Oil Painting by Marcel Cosson, c. 1940

Late 19th Century Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Ernest MeissonierUn Voyageur (A Traveler) by Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier, Oil on Panel

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonPreparing for the Ballet - Post Impressionist Oil Painting by Marcel Cosson, c.1930

1920s Portrait Paintings

Louis Latapie The Bather by Louis Latapie (1924), 1924

Mid-20th Century Fauvist Still-life Paintings

Louis ValtatFleurs Rouges à la Cruche Brune by LOUIS VALTAT - Still life painting, Flowers, Executed circa 1940

19th Century Realist Nude Paintings

Louis Robin The Tambourine Girl - French Art Orientalist Musical Nude Portrait Oil Painting, 1872

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Abstract Oil on Canvas by Louis Moyano Chile 1929-Paris 1965

Vintage 1950s American Paintings

“The Ballerina” by Louis Kronberg

1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Louis StanioUnder the Brooklyn Bridge by Louis Stanio Cityscape, 1960s

Late 19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Louis Étienne TimmermansA Fisherman’s Burial At Sea Framed 1880s Plaintive Marine Oil Painting

1940s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Louis DupuisPortrait of a woman vintage French post-impressionist Art Deco oil painting, 1940 s

1890s Realist Animal Paintings

Jef Louis LeemputtenAntique European 19th Century Dutch Sheep Grazing Framed Landscape Oil Painting, 1890

Early 20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Dr Paul Louis GachetViolin Books - 19th Century Oil Gouache, Still Life by Dr Paul Louis Gachet, 1901

Antique Late 18th Century Hungarian Louis XV Paintings

Original Oil Painting by A. Schausmann

1830s Victorian Portrait Paintings

Louis William DesangesPortrait of Harriet Cooper - British Victorian art female portrait oil painting, Circa 1830

1870s French School Landscape Paintings

Louis-Eugène Le RouxAntique French landscape oil painting of cows and woodland 19th Century, 1870 s

Antique 19th Century French Paintings

Orientalist Oil Painting of an Ottoman Holding a Tophane Pipe by Charles Bombled

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Paintings

19th Century Oil Painting by Charles Henry Tenre

1850s French School Animal Paintings

Louis Godefroy JadinAntique Dog Portrait "A Fine Gourmet!" 1855 by Louis Godefroy Jadin (1805-1882), 1855

Early 1900s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Charles Louis SignoretMarine seascape at sunset French oil on canvas by Charles Signoret 19Th century, 1900

1940s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonCircus Performers - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

1940s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonDanseuses au foyer - Post Impressionist Figurative Interior Oil by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

1920s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonDancer s Lodge - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1920

1930s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonLes Danseurs - Post Impressionist Oil, Ballerinas in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1930

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonDanseuse - Post Impressionist Oil, Ballet Dancers in Interior by Jean Cosson, 1930

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonPierrot Dancer - 20th Century Oil, Figures Dancing in Interior by Cosson, c.1940

1940s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonLe Foyer - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Alexandre Louis JacobBords d Etang sur la Marne - Impressionist Oil, River in Landscape by A Jacob, c.1930

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Constantin KlugePont Louis Philippe - Paris - Post Impressionist Oil, River Cityscape by C Kluge, c.1930

1940s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonPreparing for the Ballet - Post Impressionist Figurative Oil by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

1940s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonLe Bal - Figurative Interior Signed Post Impressionist Oil by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

1940s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonAu Cirque - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures Horse at Circus by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

1930s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel CossonLe Can-Can – Bal Tabarin - Post Impressionist Figurative Oil by Marcel Cosson, c. 1930

1920s Pointillist Landscape Paintings

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Au Cirque - Post Impressionist Figurative Oil Painting by Marcel Cosson, c.1920

Louis Hayet
Self-Portrait by Louis Hayet

Louis Aimé Japy
Fishing on a River - Impressionist Oil, Boat on River Landscape by Louis Japy, 1892

Louis Aimé Japy
Nympheas on Lake - Saint-Bonnet-les-Oules - Barbizon Landscape Oil by Louis Japy, c.1870

Louis Léger Chardin
(Tom s Friend) Dog Painting of a Terrier, by Louis Léger Chardin (1833-1918), Ca. 1880

Eugène Louis Boudin
Les Vaches - 19th Century Oil, Cows in River in Landscape by Eugene Louis Boudin, c.1880

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Au Cafe - Post Impressionist Figurative Interior Oil Painting by Marcel Cosson, c. 1940

Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier
Un Voyageur (A Traveler) by Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier, Oil on Panel

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Preparing for the Ballet - Post Impressionist Oil Painting by Marcel Cosson, c.1930

Louis Latapie
The Bather by Louis Latapie (1924), 1924

Louis Valtat
Fleurs Rouges à la Cruche Brune by LOUIS VALTAT - Still life painting, Flowers, Executed circa 1940

Louis Robin
The Tambourine Girl - French Art Orientalist Musical Nude Portrait Oil Painting, 1872

Louis Stanio
Under the Brooklyn Bridge by Louis Stanio Cityscape, 1960s

Louis Étienne Timmermans
A Fisherman’s Burial At Sea Framed 1880s Plaintive Marine Oil Painting

Louis Dupuis
Portrait of a woman vintage French post-impressionist Art Deco oil painting, 1940 s

Jef Louis Leemputten
Antique European 19th Century Dutch Sheep Grazing Framed Landscape Oil Painting, 1890

Dr Paul Louis Gachet
Violin Books - 19th Century Oil Gouache, Still Life by Dr Paul Louis Gachet, 1901

Louis William Desanges
Portrait of Harriet Cooper - British Victorian art female portrait oil painting, Circa 1830

Louis-Eugène Le Roux
Antique French landscape oil painting of cows and woodland 19th Century, 1870 s

Louis Godefroy Jadin
Antique Dog Portrait "A Fine Gourmet!" 1855 by Louis Godefroy Jadin (1805-1882), 1855

Charles Louis Signoret
Marine seascape at sunset French oil on canvas by Charles Signoret 19Th century, 1900

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Circus Performers - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Danseuses au foyer - Post Impressionist Figurative Interior Oil by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Dancer s Lodge - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1920

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Les Danseurs - Post Impressionist Oil, Ballerinas in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1930

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Danseuse - Post Impressionist Oil, Ballet Dancers in Interior by Jean Cosson, 1930

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Pierrot Dancer - 20th Century Oil, Figures Dancing in Interior by Cosson, c.1940

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Le Foyer - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

Alexandre Louis Jacob
Bords d Etang sur la Marne - Impressionist Oil, River in Landscape by A Jacob, c.1930

Constantin Kluge
Pont Louis Philippe - Paris - Post Impressionist Oil, River Cityscape by C Kluge, c.1930

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Preparing for the Ballet - Post Impressionist Figurative Oil by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Le Bal - Figurative Interior Signed Post Impressionist Oil by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Au Cirque - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures Horse at Circus by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Le Can-Can – Bal Tabarin - Post Impressionist Figurative Oil by Marcel Cosson, c. 1930

Joseph Louis Francois Lepine
Au bord de la riviere - Pointillist Figure in Landscape Oil by Joseph Lepine, c.1920

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Aux Courses - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures at Horse Races by Marcel Cosson, c.1930

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Harlequin et Danseuse - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures in Interior by M Cosson, 1930

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
At the Ball - Post Impressionist Oil, Dancers in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Aux Courses - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures at Horse Races by Marcel Cosson, c.1930

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Danseurs au Foyer - Post Impressionist Oil, Figures in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1930

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
The Ball - Post Impressionist Oil, Elegant Dancers in Interior by Marcel Cosson, c.1940

Jean-Louis-Marcel Cosson
Danseuse dans sa Loge - 20th Century French Oil, Figure in Interior by Cosson, c.1930

Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier
Head of a Soldier by Ernest Meissonier, Oil on Canvas, Signed With Monogram, 19th century

Louis Paul Pierre Dumont
Louis Paul Pierre Dumont, Coastal Landscape With Figures, c. 1870

Louis Aimé Japy
By The Lake, 1890

Louis Audibert
Baptism of Christ by Saint John the Baptist, Circa 1920

Louis Hayet
Landscape - 19th/20th Century Post-Impressionism, Farmhouse in Hills by L Hayet, c.1920

Edouard Louis Henry-Baudot
The Reapers by Henry-Baudot, 1905

Louis Léger Chardin
A Set of Three Dog Portraits by Jules Chardigny (1842-1892), Ca. 1880

Louis Godefroy Jadin
West Highland Terrier: dog portait by artist to the King Napoleon III 1856, 1856

Ada Kruse
"Alibhai" Thoroughbred Race Horse 1949 by Ada Kruse Louis B Mayer MGM Studios, 1949

Louis Dancourt
Along the Siene, Landscape Painting by Louis Dancourt, 1948