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

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 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

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.

Spain Oil Painting

1990s Modern Landscape Paintings

Maria Tort XirauHuge Spanish/ French Oil Painting Beautiful Blue Coastline Seascape Houses, 1991

Late 20th Century Spanish Paintings

1980s Spanish Oil on Canvas Birds Painting with Bamboo Frame

Late 20th Century Spanish Paintings

1980s Spanish Oil on Canvas Birds Painting with Bamboo Frame

Late 20th Century Spanish Paintings

1980s Spanish Oil on Canvas Birds Painting with Bamboo Frame

Late 20th Century Spanish Paintings

1980s Spanish Oil on Canvas Birds Painting with Bamboo Frame

Late 20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Maria Tort XirauMale Ballerina Figures Dancing and Stretching Spanish Modernist Oil Painting

Mid-17th Century Baroque Portrait Paintings

Mid-17th-Century Spanish School Oil Painting, Portrait Of A Theologian, c. 1645

Late 20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Maria Tort XirauThe Ballerinas Large Spanish Modernist Oil Painting superb movement color

Mid-17th Century Baroque Figurative Paintings

Gaspar de Figueroa (Workshop)17thC Spanish Colonial Oil Painting, Workshop Of Figueroa, St. Francis Xavier, c. 1650

1990s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Joan Vives MaristanySnack on the beach spanish seascape oil on board painting, c.1990

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Del BiancoVintage Spanish Signed Oil Painting Old Town Back Streets Dappled Light

19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

John PhillipSpanish Musicians with Dancing Girl- British Victorian art oil painting portrait, 1847

Early 2000s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Marek NiedojadłoSpanish landscape - Small oil landscape painting, Colourful, Seaside, Polish art, 2008

1920s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Antonio Ross Y GuellSpanish Wooded Landscape Tardor Breda - 1920 s Impressionist art oil painting, Circa 1920

1970s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Antonio Sala HerreroView of Montjuïc Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting seascape, c.1975

1990s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

José Luis ChecaGandia port Valencia Spain seascape original oil on canvas painting, c.1990

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

18th-Century Spanish Baroque Oil Painting, The Divine Shepherdess, Virgin Mary, c. 1750

Late 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Georges BordonoveFrench Post Impressionist Oil Painting Spanish Hill Top Ancient Med Village

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Impressionist Animal Paintings

Juan SolerPlowing with Oxen: 21st Century Post-Impressionist Oil Painting Spain, c.2000

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ulrich Gleiter"Olvera (Spanish Town)" (2023), Original City/Landscape, Oil Painting on Linen, 2023

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

‘Rita’ Spanish Flamenco Dancer in Fiery Motion Vibrant Signed Oil Painting, C.1960 s

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

MIGUEL TUSQUELLAS CORBELLA 1940 s Winter Snow Landscape Listed Spanish Artist Signed Oil Painting

2010s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Maria Bertrán"Apricot Blossoms In The Field" Modern Impressionist Oil Painting of Spain, 2019

1970s Post-Modern Landscape Paintings

Jordi Pagans MontsalvatjeVinyet ermitage Sitges Spain oil on canvas painting mediterranean landscape, 1972

1970s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ramon Pichot i SolerCadaques in Calm oil on canvas painting mediterranean spanish seascape art, 1977

Early 2000s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josep MoscardoSanta Maria square Mataro Spain oil on canvas painting urbanscape, 2003

Early 2000s Photorealist Landscape Paintings

Domingo Alvarez GomezSailor fisherman in his boat Spain oil on canvas painting seascape, c.2000

Antique Mid-18th Century Spanish Paintings

18th Century Spanish School Still Life Flower Oil on Canvas Painting

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josep PuigdengolasLandscapes of the Pyrenees and Mallorca oil on board painting spain, c.1950

20th Century Old Masters Interior Paintings

Miguel Canals StudioFine Spanish Old Master style Oil Painting Flowers in Ornate Vase, 20th century

1980s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Ignacio Gil SalaChildren playing in the park Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1985

18th Century Baroque Figurative Paintings

Escuela Española (XVIII)Spanish Oil on Copper — Virgin Dolorosa, XVIII

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Irina ForresterRemembering Spain, oil, horizontal, landscape, abstract, 2025

1970s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ramon Pichot i SolerCadaqués from the Bay oil on board painting spanish mediterranean seascape, c.1980

1980s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josep Marfa GuarroTossa de mar spanish seascape original oil on cardboard painting mediterranean, 1985

1920s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Joaquin Terruella MatillaBoats on the beach oil on cardboard painting impressionism spanish seascape, c.1920

1930s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Charles Picart le DouxFrench Oil on Canvas Post Impressionist Portrait Painting Beach Sea Scene Spain, 1933

Mid-20th Century Spanish Baroque Revival Paintings

20th Century Oil on Canvas Spanish Flowers Painting, signed by Chueca

1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Antonio Sala HerreroSant Feliu de Guixols Spain oil on canvas painting mediterranean seascape, c.1975

1970s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Maria Tort Xirau
Huge Spanish/ French Oil Painting Beautiful Blue Coastline Seascape Houses, 1991

Maria Tort Xirau
Male Ballerina Figures Dancing and Stretching Spanish Modernist Oil Painting

Maria Tort Xirau
The Ballerinas Large Spanish Modernist Oil Painting superb movement color

Gaspar de Figueroa (Workshop)
17thC Spanish Colonial Oil Painting, Workshop Of Figueroa, St. Francis Xavier, c. 1650

Joan Vives Maristany
Snack on the beach spanish seascape oil on board painting, c.1990

Del Bianco
Vintage Spanish Signed Oil Painting Old Town Back Streets Dappled Light

John Phillip
Spanish Musicians with Dancing Girl- British Victorian art oil painting portrait, 1847

Marek Niedojadło
Spanish landscape - Small oil landscape painting, Colourful, Seaside, Polish art, 2008

Antonio Ross Y Guell
Spanish Wooded Landscape Tardor Breda - 1920 s Impressionist art oil painting, Circa 1920

Antonio Sala Herrero
View of Montjuïc Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting seascape, c.1975

José Luis Checa
Gandia port Valencia Spain seascape original oil on canvas painting, c.1990

Georges Bordonove
French Post Impressionist Oil Painting Spanish Hill Top Ancient Med Village

Juan Soler
Plowing with Oxen: 21st Century Post-Impressionist Oil Painting Spain, c.2000

Ulrich Gleiter
"Olvera (Spanish Town)" (2023), Original City/Landscape, Oil Painting on Linen, 2023

MIGUEL TUSQUELLAS CORBELLA
1940 s Winter Snow Landscape Listed Spanish Artist Signed Oil Painting

Maria Bertrán
"Apricot Blossoms In The Field" Modern Impressionist Oil Painting of Spain, 2019

Jordi Pagans Montsalvatje
Vinyet ermitage Sitges Spain oil on canvas painting mediterranean landscape, 1972

Ramon Pichot i Soler
Cadaques in Calm oil on canvas painting mediterranean spanish seascape art, 1977

Josep Moscardo
Santa Maria square Mataro Spain oil on canvas painting urbanscape, 2003

Domingo Alvarez Gomez
Sailor fisherman in his boat Spain oil on canvas painting seascape, c.2000

Josep Puigdengolas
Landscapes of the Pyrenees and Mallorca oil on board painting spain, c.1950

Miguel Canals Studio
Fine Spanish Old Master style Oil Painting Flowers in Ornate Vase, 20th century

Ignacio Gil Sala
Children playing in the park Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1985

Escuela Española (XVIII)
Spanish Oil on Copper — Virgin Dolorosa, XVIII

Irina Forrester
Remembering Spain, oil, horizontal, landscape, abstract, 2025

Ramon Pichot i Soler
Cadaqués from the Bay oil on board painting spanish mediterranean seascape, c.1980

Josep Marfa Guarro
Tossa de mar spanish seascape original oil on cardboard painting mediterranean, 1985

Joaquin Terruella Matilla
Boats on the beach oil on cardboard painting impressionism spanish seascape, c.1920

Charles Picart le Doux
French Oil on Canvas Post Impressionist Portrait Painting Beach Sea Scene Spain, 1933

Antonio Sala Herrero
Sant Feliu de Guixols Spain oil on canvas painting mediterranean seascape, c.1975

Josep Guinovart Bertrán
Abstract Spanish Catalan Oil Painting Josep Guinovart from Joan Prats Gallery, 1976

Juan Gil
Landscape with hermitage on board painting spanish Spain, 1934

Gabriel Casarrubios
Post-Impressionist Oil Painting of Fishermen on a Beach in Spain, c.2000

Maria Tort Xirau
Huge Spanish/ French Modernist Oil Painting Elegant Couple in Tender Embrace, 1991

Alvar Sunol Munoz-Ramos
Àlvar Suñol "La prière du torero" 1963 Large Spanish Modernist Oil Painting, 1963

Antonio Sala Herrero
Gray day seaport of Barcelona Spain oil on canvas painting seascape, 1974

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

William Crosbie
Nude Portrait of a Spanish Woman - Scottish art female portrait oil painting, 1981

Enric Beltrán Messa
Landscape with Lake and Bell Tower oil on canvas painting spanish landscape, c.1980

Eleanor Woolley
Spanish_town_Shadows, original painting, landscape, contemporary, 2024

Heiko Mattausch
"Church in Palma de Mallorca/Spain" by Heiko Mattausch, Original Oil Painting, 2023

Isidoro Lazaro
Marbella beach Spain spanish seascape mediterranean art oil on canvas, c.2000

Juan Guillermo
Modernist Spanish Abstract Impressionist Oil Canvas Still Life Painting 1950, Circa 1950