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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

1970 Oil Paintings

Late 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Georges BordonoveLarge French 1970's Oil Painting Honfleur Harbour at Sunset with Boats, 1970

Late 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Georges Bordonove1970's French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Painting Farm Houses Brown Landscape, 1970

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Animal Paintings

Eric GoddardFine British Horse Racing Oil Painting 'Steeple Chase' signed and dated 1970, c. 1970

1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Georges Bordonove1970's French Impressionist Oil Etretat Cliffs Coastline with Fisherfolk Beach, 1970

Late 20th Century Italian Paintings

Giacomo Soffiantino 20th Century Oil on Board Italian Painting, 1970

Mid-20th Century Modern Interior Paintings

1970's French Large 1970's French Still Life Oil Painting Green Bottles Interior Scene, c. 1970's

20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

French 1970's1970's Very Large French Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Moon Surface Figures, c. 1970's

1970s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Connie CowperModernist Mosque, Vintage Abstracted 1970s Architectural Landscape, 1970

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Nude Paintings

1970's French Expressionist1970'S HUGE FRENCH EXPRESSIONIST SIGNED OIL - NUDE LADY STILL LIFE COMPOSITION, c. 1970's

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

1970's FrenchOrange & Green Flowers & Plants Interior Scene French Oil Painting

1970s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Ramon SantiagoCompanions, Contemporary Oil Painting by Ramon Santiago, 1970, 1970

20th Century Expressionist Landscape Paintings

1970's FrenchPont Neuf Paris Misty River Seine Scene, French Expressionist Signed Oil

20th Century Paintings

Gordon HouseArc in Register, 1970 - Oil, Bold Abstract Painting, 1970

1970s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Juan García RipollésGuitarista, Oil Painting by Juan Garcia Ripolles 1970, 1970

20th Century Abstract Paintings

Gordon HouseGrid Arc, 1970 - Bold Abstract Oil Painting, 1970

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

French SchoolHuge 1970's French Oil Painting Figurative Oil Painting Workers on Scaffolding, 1970's

1970s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Lê PhổFlowers and Figures - Vietnamese/French - 1970 - Impressionism - Oil Painting, 1970

Vintage 1970s Spanish Paintings

Spanish Painting Oil on Canvas, Spain, 1970

1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ivan SorokinIvan Sorokin. 1970 Winter landscape. Russian art Oil Painting., 1970

1970s Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Juan García RipollésThe Artist III, Oil Painting, 1970 by Juan Garcia Ripolles, 1970

1970s Surrealist Abstract Paintings

T. Fabris1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Spiralling Shapes & Patterns, 1970's

1970s Surrealist Abstract Paintings

T. Fabris1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Abstract Robot Sculpture, 1970's

1970s Realist Landscape Paintings

Denis GilbertRichmond Bridge London Landscape - British 1970's art cityscape oil painting, 1970

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Paintings

Karl Brücher Henriksen Large Oil Painting from 1970

1950s Modern Animal Paintings

Edouard Legrand (1892 - 1970)Large Vintage American Modernist Horse Barn Landscape Framed Equestrian Painting, 1950

20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Serge Guerin (1916)20th Century French Geometric Abstract Composition Oil Painting 1970's, 1970

1970s Landscape Paintings

Vintage Italian City Scape Florence Italy Oil Painting 1970

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Kay KettleKay Kettle "Below Carmel Highlands" Original Oil Painting C.1970, Circa 1970

Late 20th Century Surrealist Abstract Paintings

T. Fabris1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Green Abstract Composition, 1970's

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

J.BredecheSunlit Woodland Landscape Large 1970's French Impressionist Oil Painting, 1970's

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Paintings

French School1970's French Abstract Modernist Signed Oil Figurative Portrait Oil Painting

1970s Surrealist Abstract Paintings

T. Fabris1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting - Pink Red Abstract Pierrot Figure, 1970's

1970s Surrealist Abstract Paintings

T. Fabris1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Abstract Robotic Figure, 1953

1970s Landscape Paintings

Trevor Adrian ThomasVintage Coastal Inlet With Sailboats Seascape Landscape Oil Painting 1970

1970s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Laurence Henry IrvingRiver Landscape - British 1970's Post Impressionist art oil painting, 1972

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Jesse F. SantosJesse F. Santos "Harvesting Rice" Philippine Landscape Oil Painting c.1970, 1970

20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

William Black'Helios' by William Black, British, Cornish, oil painting semi-circle, 1970, 1970

1970s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French School1970's French Town Scene with Figures on Old Stone Bridge Oil Painting, 1970's

20th Century Impressionist Abstract Paintings

Barbera DoyleBARBARA DOYLE 1970's MODERN BRITISH OIL PAINTING - Blue Abstract, c. 1970's

20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Georges Bordonove
Large French 1970's Oil Painting Honfleur Harbour at Sunset with Boats, 1970

Georges Bordonove
1970's French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Painting Farm Houses Brown Landscape, 1970

Eric Goddard
Fine British Horse Racing Oil Painting 'Steeple Chase' signed and dated 1970, c. 1970

Georges Bordonove
1970's French Impressionist Oil Etretat Cliffs Coastline with Fisherfolk Beach, 1970

1970's French
Large 1970's French Still Life Oil Painting Green Bottles Interior Scene, c. 1970's

French 1970's
1970's Very Large French Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Moon Surface Figures, c. 1970's

Connie Cowper
Modernist Mosque, Vintage Abstracted 1970s Architectural Landscape, 1970

1970's French Expressionist
1970'S HUGE FRENCH EXPRESSIONIST SIGNED OIL - NUDE LADY STILL LIFE COMPOSITION, c. 1970's

1970's French
Orange & Green Flowers & Plants Interior Scene French Oil Painting

Ramon Santiago
Companions, Contemporary Oil Painting by Ramon Santiago, 1970, 1970

1970's French
Pont Neuf Paris Misty River Seine Scene, French Expressionist Signed Oil

Gordon House
Arc in Register, 1970 - Oil, Bold Abstract Painting, 1970

Juan García Ripollés
Guitarista, Oil Painting by Juan Garcia Ripolles 1970, 1970

Gordon House
Grid Arc, 1970 - Bold Abstract Oil Painting, 1970

French School
Huge 1970's French Oil Painting Figurative Oil Painting Workers on Scaffolding, 1970's

Lê Phổ
Flowers and Figures - Vietnamese/French - 1970 - Impressionism - Oil Painting, 1970

Ivan Sorokin
Ivan Sorokin. 1970 Winter landscape. Russian art Oil Painting., 1970

Juan García Ripollés
The Artist III, Oil Painting, 1970 by Juan Garcia Ripolles, 1970

T. Fabris
1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Spiralling Shapes & Patterns, 1970's

T. Fabris
1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Abstract Robot Sculpture, 1970's

Denis Gilbert
Richmond Bridge London Landscape - British 1970's art cityscape oil painting, 1970

Edouard Legrand (1892 - 1970)
Large Vintage American Modernist Horse Barn Landscape Framed Equestrian Painting, 1950

Serge Guerin (1916)
20th Century French Geometric Abstract Composition Oil Painting 1970's, 1970

Kay Kettle
Kay Kettle "Below Carmel Highlands" Original Oil Painting C.1970, Circa 1970

T. Fabris
1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Green Abstract Composition, 1970's

J.Bredeche
Sunlit Woodland Landscape Large 1970's French Impressionist Oil Painting, 1970's

French School
1970's French Abstract Modernist Signed Oil Figurative Portrait Oil Painting

T. Fabris
1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting - Pink Red Abstract Pierrot Figure, 1970's

T. Fabris
1970’s French Surrealist Signed Oil Painting Abstract Robotic Figure, 1953

Trevor Adrian Thomas
Vintage Coastal Inlet With Sailboats Seascape Landscape Oil Painting 1970

Laurence Henry Irving
River Landscape - British 1970's Post Impressionist art oil painting, 1972

Jesse F. Santos
Jesse F. Santos "Harvesting Rice" Philippine Landscape Oil Painting c.1970, 1970

William Black
'Helios' by William Black, British, Cornish, oil painting semi-circle, 1970, 1970

French School
1970's French Town Scene with Figures on Old Stone Bridge Oil Painting, 1970's

Barbera Doyle
BARBARA DOYLE 1970's MODERN BRITISH OIL PAINTING - Blue Abstract, c. 1970's

Barbera Doyle
BARBARA DOYLE (B.1917) 1970's MODERN BRITISH OIL PAINTING, c. 1970's

Lou Fink
1970 Abstract Oil Painting "the Patriot" Red White Blue Assemblage Art Lou Fink, 1970

Akos Biro
Pastel Pink 1970's Abstract, Colourful Oil Painting, Original, c.1970s

Gilbert Stone
Gilbert Stone "Blackbirds Aren't Black" Original Oil Painting C.1970, Circa 1970

French Cubist 20th Century
Blue Grey Cubist French Signed Oil Painting c.1970's Period, 1970's

French School
Large French Post-Impressionist Oil Painting Town & Church Landscape, 1970's, 1970's

Charles Gresham
Charles Gresham "Reading by the Window" Original Oil Painting c.1970, Circa 1970

J.Bredeche
Shepherds at Sunrise Large 1970's French Post-Impressionist Oil Painting, 1970's

French School
1970's French Post-Impressionist Reclining Nude Thick Impasto Oil Painting, 1970's

Albert Michini
Mid Century Modern Dancers Oil Painting; Listed Artist Albert Michini, ca 1970’s, Ca 1970’s

Gilbert Pelissier
French 20th Century Huge Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting on Canvas c.1970, 1970