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.

Provence Oil Painting

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

CS-ArtOlivier de Provence 6, triptych, 2022

20th Century French Paintings

Large Oil on Canvas of a Vivid Provence Landscape

Early 20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Charles Malfroy Le Port de Martigues . A Port in Martigues Provence, South of France. Oil paint

1970s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

French Modernist1970 s French Modernist Painting Provence Collection Still Life Flowers in Jug, 1970 s

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lilya VolskayaProvence.Lovesick wastelands" landscape by Liliya Volskaya., 2025

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Provence, France. Lady Walking through Park., c. 1950 s

Late 19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Paul Emile LecomteVintage french art by Paul Emile Lecomte - Provence - oil signed on carton., 1877-1950

1990s Modern Landscape Paintings

Jean Jacques BoimondVillecroze, Provence-Alpes-Cote d Azur, 1994

Late 20th Century Fauvist Landscape Paintings

Antoine GirouxMulticolored Fauvist Coastal and Forest Scene. Provence.

Mid-20th Century French Paintings

20th Century French Impressionist Oil on Canvas Provence Olive Trees Landscape

1940s Landscape Paintings

Yves BrayerThe Town Hall of Les Baux-de-Provence, 1946

21st Century and Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Michel MarguerayView of Mont Ventoux Under the Provence Sky, circa 2000

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Pierre Eugène MontezinA Summers Afternoon Impressionist Provence Landscape Green, Yellow, Figurative

Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Louis BonamiciLouis BONAMICI (1878-1966) French Provence School Post Impressionist, 1920

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fanch LelFrench Impressionist Provence Seaside Village with Sailboats on the Horizon, 1999

2010s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Magdalena NałęczProvance 12 - 21st century, Colourful Landscape, Polish artist, 2014

2010s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Magdalena NałęczProvance 11 - 21st century, Colourful Landscape, Polish artist, 2014

2010s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Magdalena NałęczProvance 10 - 21st century, Colourful Landscape, Polish artist, 2014

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fanch LelImpressionist Promenade Scene with Red Parasols in Aix en Provence, 1992

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French SchoolPurple French Village on a Hilltop with Blossoming Trees Provence Landscape, 19th Century

1920s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Karl Larsen River Landscape, Provence , Salon d Automne, Paris, Benezit, Danish Modernist, 1922

1990s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Georges R. QuinioFrench Modern Art by Georges R. Quinio - En Provence, 1995

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Fanch LelImpressionist Landscape of Stone Houses and Cypress Trees in Provence France

2010s Constructivist Abstract Paintings

Natalia RomanAbstract Geometric Landscape Diptych, Sun-Kissed Provence Prairie, Gold and Red, 2022

20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Henri-André MartinFrench Modernist, large Abstract view of Les Alpilles mountains, Provence, 1993

Late 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

LARGE 20TH CENTURY FRENCH IMPRESSIONIST PROVENCE CHATEAU ON ROCKS LANDSCAPE, c.1970 s

Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Gilbert PelissierLarge French 20th Century Abstract Landscape Gorges De Verdon Provence

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josine VignonSunny Provence Landscape with Cypress and Olive Trees Vibrant Pastel Drawing, 1950 s

1920s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Chérie-Anne-Charles Fargue Spring in Provence , Paris, Salon d Automne, Post-Impressionist Woman Artist, 1927

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lilya VolskayaProvence. The flowering of irises" impressionistic landscape of the Volsky Lilyа, 2025

1980s French School Figurative Paintings

Jean Thomas"Sur la route de Gémenos au col de l’Espigoulier" - Provence, France, 1989

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Christopher SandersChristopher Sanders R.A. (1905-1991) Le Baux de Provence, France, 1950

Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Sheila McNab MacMillanSunflowers of Provence, Abstract Expression 20th C/early 21st C Scottish, late 20th century

Early 20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

French SchoolThe Market Square Aix En Provence, 1900 s French Impressionist Bustling Figures, 1900 s

1980s French School Figurative Paintings

Jean Thomas"Neige de printemps sur la Dent d’Aire" - Alpes de Haute-Provence , France, 1989

1980s French School Figurative Paintings

Jean Thomas"La vallée du Verdon depuis les balcons de la Mescla" - Provence, Var, France, 1989

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Regine DavidRiverbank Cottage Amid Verdant Hills and Rocky Cliffs in the Heart of Provence, 1950 s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

LOUIS DEL BIANCO (B.1925LOUIS DEL BIANCO (French 1925) LARGE OIL PAINTING - PROVENCAL SUMMER LANDSCAPE, 20th Century

1890s French School Figurative Paintings

Jean Thomas"L’étranglement du Verdon à son entrée dans le lac de Sainte-Croix" – Provence, 1989

2010s Abstract Still-life Paintings

CS-Art
Olivier de Provence 6, triptych, 2022

Charles Malfroy
Le Port de Martigues . A Port in Martigues Provence, South of France. Oil paint

French Modernist
1970 s French Modernist Painting Provence Collection Still Life Flowers in Jug, 1970 s

Lilya Volskaya
Provence.Lovesick wastelands" landscape by Liliya Volskaya., 2025

Paul Emile Lecomte
Vintage french art by Paul Emile Lecomte - Provence - oil signed on carton., 1877-1950

Jean Jacques Boimond
Villecroze, Provence-Alpes-Cote d Azur, 1994

Antoine Giroux
Multicolored Fauvist Coastal and Forest Scene. Provence.

Yves Brayer
The Town Hall of Les Baux-de-Provence, 1946

Michel Margueray
View of Mont Ventoux Under the Provence Sky, circa 2000

Pierre Eugène Montezin
A Summers Afternoon Impressionist Provence Landscape Green, Yellow, Figurative

Louis Bonamici
Louis BONAMICI (1878-1966) French Provence School Post Impressionist, 1920

Fanch Lel
French Impressionist Provence Seaside Village with Sailboats on the Horizon, 1999

Magdalena Nałęcz
Provance 12 - 21st century, Colourful Landscape, Polish artist, 2014

Magdalena Nałęcz
Provance 11 - 21st century, Colourful Landscape, Polish artist, 2014

Magdalena Nałęcz
Provance 10 - 21st century, Colourful Landscape, Polish artist, 2014

Fanch Lel
Impressionist Promenade Scene with Red Parasols in Aix en Provence, 1992

French School
Purple French Village on a Hilltop with Blossoming Trees Provence Landscape, 19th Century

Karl Larsen
River Landscape, Provence , Salon d Automne, Paris, Benezit, Danish Modernist, 1922

Georges R. Quinio
French Modern Art by Georges R. Quinio - En Provence, 1995

Fanch Lel
Impressionist Landscape of Stone Houses and Cypress Trees in Provence France

Natalia Roman
Abstract Geometric Landscape Diptych, Sun-Kissed Provence Prairie, Gold and Red, 2022

Henri-André Martin
French Modernist, large Abstract view of Les Alpilles mountains, Provence, 1993

Gilbert Pelissier
Large French 20th Century Abstract Landscape Gorges De Verdon Provence

Josine Vignon
Sunny Provence Landscape with Cypress and Olive Trees Vibrant Pastel Drawing, 1950 s

Chérie-Anne-Charles Fargue
Spring in Provence , Paris, Salon d Automne, Post-Impressionist Woman Artist, 1927

Lilya Volskaya
Provence. The flowering of irises" impressionistic landscape of the Volsky Lilyа, 2025

Jean Thomas
"Sur la route de Gémenos au col de l’Espigoulier" - Provence, France, 1989

Christopher Sanders
Christopher Sanders R.A. (1905-1991) Le Baux de Provence, France, 1950

Sheila McNab MacMillan
Sunflowers of Provence, Abstract Expression 20th C/early 21st C Scottish, late 20th century

French School
The Market Square Aix En Provence, 1900 s French Impressionist Bustling Figures, 1900 s

Jean Thomas
"Neige de printemps sur la Dent d’Aire" - Alpes de Haute-Provence , France, 1989

Jean Thomas
"La vallée du Verdon depuis les balcons de la Mescla" - Provence, Var, France, 1989

Regine David
Riverbank Cottage Amid Verdant Hills and Rocky Cliffs in the Heart of Provence, 1950 s

LOUIS DEL BIANCO (B.1925
LOUIS DEL BIANCO (French 1925) LARGE OIL PAINTING - PROVENCAL SUMMER LANDSCAPE, 20th Century

Jean Thomas
"L’étranglement du Verdon à son entrée dans le lac de Sainte-Croix" – Provence, 1989

Steve McElroy
Original abstract oil painting by easily searchable artist Steve McElroy., 2022

Pierre Neveu
Saint Martin de Castillon Provence Farmhouse and Lavender Fields Watercolour

Max Toutain
Provencal Landscape with French Mountain and Village Post Impressionist Oil

French School
1930 s Vintage French Oil, The Provencal Country House Gardens, c. 1930 s

Max Toutain
Still Life of Two Pears French Modernist Original 20th Century Painting Framed

Corne Akkers
Golden - 29-01-21, Drawing, Pastels on Paper, 2021

Maria Bertan
"High Plains Lavender" Contemporary Impressionist Oil Painting of Provence, 2019

Pamela Cawley
Provence Landscape Impressionist Oil Painting, British Artist, c.2000

Maria Bertrán
"Borie In Rows of Lavender " Contemporary Impressionist Oil of Provence, 2020

Gary Korlin
Silent Moment, Provence, Oil Landscape Painting, 2017

Gary Korlin
French Lilac, Provence - Oil Landscape Painting, 2017

Gary Korlin
Home by Noon, Provence - Oil Landscape Painting, 2017

Gary Korlin
Wild Flowers, Provence France - Oil Landscape Painting, 2017

Gary Korlin
The Photo Album, Provence, Figurative Oil Painting, 2017, 2017

Lina Bill
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France, landscape, painting impressionist, Provence, 1900

Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Crique en Provence (Paysage en Provence), 1905

Raymond Debieve
Provence, Raymond Debiève, unique piece, oïl paint on wood, 1969