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.

Equestrian Oil Paintings

1970s Animal Paintings

American Impressionist Equestrian Oil Painting At The Races Finish Line, 1970

Late 19th Century Landscape Paintings

Alfred Wordsworth ThompsonAntique Orientalist Equestrian Oil Painting by Wordsworth Thompson, 1896

1950s Animal Paintings

JenkinsVintage White Stallion Equestrian Oil Painting, 1950

20th Century Country Paintings

20th Century English Equestrian Oil Painting Framed

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansLarge Contemporary Equestrian Oil Painting. Horse Painting 200 x 180 cm, 2025

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansLarge Horse Oil Painting. Contemporary Equestrian Oil Painting 220 x 180 cm, 2023

1970s Impressionist Animal Paintings

English Equestrian artistLarge British Sporting Art Oil Painting White Horse in Green Fields signed 20thC, 1971

Early 20th Century Figurative Paintings

Orientalist Oil Painting with Equestrian Subject, Early 20th century

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

British Sporting ArtFine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

British Sporting ArtFine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

20th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

British Sporting ArtFine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

2010s Realist Animal Paintings

Janet CrawfordJanet Crawford, "Shimmering Sunlight", 24x20 Equestrian Landscape Oil Painting, 2020

1910s Figurative Paintings

Clarence RoweAntique Western River Crossing Equestrian Landscape Oil Painting circa 1910, 1910

Antique 19th Century European Paintings

19th Century Oil On Canvas Equestrian Painting

1960s Animal Paintings

Blue Pegasus Equestrian Fantacy Painting

2010s Realist Animal Paintings

Janet CrawfordJanet Crawford, "#3", 16x20 Equestrian Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas

1880s Impressionist Animal Paintings

Helena Buttner (1861 - 1947)Antique Hungarian Sporting Art Equestrian Horse Race Signed Framed Oil Painting, 1885

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansEquestrian Painting. Horse Oil Painting on Unprimed Belgian Canvas 200 x 180 cm, 2025

2010s Realist Animal Paintings

Janet CrawfordJanet Crawford, "Saddle", 20x16 Equestrian Horse Tack Oil Painting on Canvas, 2021

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Rubins J. SpaansLarge Contemporary Horse Oil Painting. Equestrian Portrait. 190 x 170 cm, 2025

1960s Animal Paintings

Vintage Equestrian American Mystical Abstract oil Painting Woman Riding a Horse

21st Century and Contemporary American Impressionist Animal Paintings

Ben Fenske"Pony and Groom" 2014 oil painting on wood, impressionist sketch, equestrian, 2014

2010s Academic Paintings

Chris Brizzard'Rider at Sunset' Equestrian and Horse Oil on Canvas Painting by Chris Brizzard, 2020

Antique Mid-19th Century French Romantic Paintings

Original Oil on Mahogany Equestrian painting by Benjamin Herring

2010s Modern Animal Paintings

Irena OrlovWhite Beauty Rustic Horse Oil Painting Canvas Equestrian Art 58X58" Horse Art, 2018

Early 20th Century Impressionist Animal Paintings

Geoffrey MortimerVintage Equestrian English Oil Painting in Ornate Frame Mare and Foal Landscape, Early 20th Century

Antique 19th Century Romantic Paintings

English Equestrian Scene Oil on Canvas Painting by Elizabeth Shelly

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Georgie Dowling ‘Hunter’ (Bay Horse), Georgie Dowling, Original painting, equestrian painting, 2022

Mid-20th Century Animal Paintings

G VilletFrench Mid Century Oil on Canvas Equestrian Portrait, 1962

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Animal Paintings

Juan Álvarez CebriánEquestrian rider, 2025

2010s Abstract Expressionist Animal Paintings

Irena OrlovNatural Rustic Horse Oil Painting on Canvas, Equestrian Art 72 W X 48" H, Rolled, 2018

1920s American Impressionist Animal Paintings

Joseph Thurman Pearson Jr.Horses Feeding, American Impressionist Landscape and Equestrian Painting, 1920's

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Equestrian Portrait Florentine Painter 17/18th Century Paint Oil on canvas Italy, 1680-1750

21st Century and Contemporary Animal Paintings

Tracy Wall"Balanced Carriage" by Tracy Wall, Original Equestrian/Horse Painting, 2024

2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings

Carlos Gamez de FranciscoEquestrian Style and Decor II - Contemporary surrealistic horse painting, 2023

2010s Naturalistic Animal Paintings

Matthew Paoletti"Four Horses" Contemporary Naturalistic Equestrian Animal Painting of Horses, 2022

1960s Modern Animal Paintings

Leon D'Usseau'Mare and Foal', Equestrian Modernist Oil, Chouinard, LACMA, Metropolitan Museum

1960s Modern Animal Paintings

Antique American Realist Horse Portrait Barn Interior Equestrian Framed Painting, 1850

1950s Modern Animal Paintings

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

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Alfred Wordsworth Thompson
Antique Orientalist Equestrian Oil Painting by Wordsworth Thompson, 1896

Jenkins
Vintage White Stallion Equestrian Oil Painting, 1950

Rubins J. Spaans
Large Contemporary Equestrian Oil Painting. Horse Painting 200 x 180 cm, 2025

Rubins J. Spaans
Large Horse Oil Painting. Contemporary Equestrian Oil Painting 220 x 180 cm, 2023

English Equestrian artist
Large British Sporting Art Oil Painting White Horse in Green Fields signed 20thC, 1971

British Sporting Art
Fine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

British Sporting Art
Fine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

British Sporting Art
Fine Equestrian Horse Portrait British Oil Painting - Horse standing, 20th century

Janet Crawford
Janet Crawford, "Shimmering Sunlight", 24x20 Equestrian Landscape Oil Painting, 2020

Clarence Rowe
Antique Western River Crossing Equestrian Landscape Oil Painting circa 1910, 1910

Janet Crawford
Janet Crawford, "#3", 16x20 Equestrian Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas

Helena Buttner (1861 - 1947)
Antique Hungarian Sporting Art Equestrian Horse Race Signed Framed Oil Painting, 1885

Rubins J. Spaans
Equestrian Painting. Horse Oil Painting on Unprimed Belgian Canvas 200 x 180 cm, 2025

Janet Crawford
Janet Crawford, "Saddle", 20x16 Equestrian Horse Tack Oil Painting on Canvas, 2021

Rubins J. Spaans
Large Contemporary Horse Oil Painting. Equestrian Portrait. 190 x 170 cm, 2025

Ben Fenske
"Pony and Groom" 2014 oil painting on wood, impressionist sketch, equestrian, 2014

Chris Brizzard
'Rider at Sunset' Equestrian and Horse Oil on Canvas Painting by Chris Brizzard, 2020

Irena Orlov
White Beauty Rustic Horse Oil Painting Canvas Equestrian Art 58X58" Horse Art, 2018

Geoffrey Mortimer
Vintage Equestrian English Oil Painting in Ornate Frame Mare and Foal Landscape, Early 20th Century

Georgie Dowling
‘Hunter’ (Bay Horse), Georgie Dowling, Original painting, equestrian painting, 2022

G Villet
French Mid Century Oil on Canvas Equestrian Portrait, 1962

Juan Álvarez Cebrián
Equestrian rider, 2025

Irena Orlov
Natural Rustic Horse Oil Painting on Canvas, Equestrian Art 72 W X 48" H, Rolled, 2018

Joseph Thurman Pearson Jr.
Horses Feeding, American Impressionist Landscape and Equestrian Painting, 1920's

Tracy Wall
"Balanced Carriage" by Tracy Wall, Original Equestrian/Horse Painting, 2024

Carlos Gamez de Francisco
Equestrian Style and Decor II - Contemporary surrealistic horse painting, 2023

Matthew Paoletti
"Four Horses" Contemporary Naturalistic Equestrian Animal Painting of Horses, 2022

Leon D'Usseau
'Mare and Foal', Equestrian Modernist Oil, Chouinard, LACMA, Metropolitan Museum

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

Anthony Woodward
Huge British Modern Oil Young Rider on Horseback Fine Equestrian Portrait

Georgie Dowling
Last Resort (White Horse), Georgie Dowling, Original painting, Equestrian art, 2022

Walter Beach Humphrey
Woman in Equestrian Clothing, 1928

Gaetano Jerace
Little Mule and white rabbit: 1890s novecento animal equestrian horse painting, circa 1895

James N Hess
Afternoon Ride, Pair of Equestrian Landscape Paintings of Horses with Riders, 1885

Garth Bayley
Red Rump - Horse Racing, Original Horse Painting, Animal, Sport, Equestrian Art, 2021

James McGinley
1884, original 22x54 impressionist equestrian landscape

Joseph Sundwall
The Mudders, original 15x30 contemporary equestrian landscape

Barry DeBaun
The Horsemen, original 40x30 realistic equestrian landscape

Leonid Gervits
Equestrian Show Jumping Portrait by Leonid Gervits, 2000

Joseph Sundwall
Bearing the Light, original 28x24 realist equestrian landscape

Carlos Gamez de Francisco
American Contemporary Art by Carlos Gamez de Francisco - Equestrian Style, 2024

Howard Everett Smith
Equestrian feeding a horse. Original holiday cover for The Sportsman magazine, 1934

Joseph Sundwall
Waiting on Brandy, original 24 x 28 figurative equestrian hunt landscape

Rudolf Kosow
Incident II (horse leg hoof equestrian man surrealistic animal tennis brown art), 2025

Morando Luque
'Gaucho on a Criollo', Argentine Sunset, Pampas, Equestrian Study, Horse, Pony

David Morier
An equestrian portrait of Field Marshal Sir John Ligonier, 1st Earl of Ligonier