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.

Oil Painting 1913

Early 20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Isaac Lichtenstein 1Rare Oil Painting Arab Man Bezalel School Jerusalem 1913, Judaica, 1913

1910s Pre-Raphaelite Landscape Paintings

Edward Steel Harper JnrLife Kindled of a Fiery Birth - British art 1913 landscape oil painting, 1913

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

AtirAtir - 1913 Oil, A Street in Galicia, 1913

20th Century Landscape Paintings

N. WrayN. Wray - Signed & Framed 1913 Oil, Riverside Cottage, 1913

1910s Figurative Paintings

Douglas DuerThe Mediator, 1913, 1913

Vintage 1910s German Art Nouveau Paintings

Still Life with Apples Oil on Canvas Painting, Walter Speidel, 1913

1910s Naturalistic Figurative Paintings

Alessandro LupoWorking Horses - Oil on Canvas by Alessandro Lupo - 1913, 1913

Vintage 1910s Italian Paintings

Giuseppe Solenghi signed/dated 1913 oil painting (65x50cm) Great wall decor!

20th Century Landscape Paintings

A. E. AskwithA. E. Askwith - 1913 Oil, In the Springtime, Gomersal, 1913

Late 19th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Sir Alfred EastOil Painting by Sir Alfred East, RA, RBA (1844 – 1913), 1880

1910s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Andre Chéronnet ChampollionMeenakshi Temple Madurai Tamil India 1913 Hindu Priest Sacred Elephant Oil Paint, 1913

1970s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Joachim Probst (1913 - 1980) Antique American Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Framed Oil Painting, 1971

1910s Landscape Paintings

Paul AubinView of Martigues, 1913, South of France, 1913

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

1960s French Abstract Oil Painting by Pierre Havret (b. 1913)

1910s Portrait Paintings

William Haskell CoffinSaturday Evening Post Cover, October 11, 1913, 1913

1910s Figurative Paintings

Charles MacLellanSaturday Evening Post Cover, September 13, 1913, 1913

Early 20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)Mid 20th Century Architectural City Back Streets Modernist Cubist Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Helmut Reuter (1913-1985)Antique German Signed Oil Painting Winter Snow Sunset Lane with Figures Walking

20th Century Paintings

Kurt Larisch (1913-2009) "Quo Vadis Opus" Oil on Canvas Painting

Mid-19th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

George Alexander (British, 1832-1913)Very Large Victorian English Circular Oil Painting Kirkeneaton, Nr Pontefract, 1855

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Jean ChebretJean Chebret (1913-2000) - 20th Century Oil, Summer Lake, Unknown

Vintage 1970s Swedish Paintings

Oil Painting by Nalle Werner, 1913-1991. Signed and dated 1978.

1910s Impressionist Animal Paintings

Julius Paul Junghanns“In June (Im Juni)” By Julius Paul Junghanns dated "1913", 1913

Early 20th Century Danish Paintings

Original Oil on Canvas Still Life of Hunting Game, Signed & Dated J Madsen 1913

20th Century Figurative Paintings

Auguste Moreau-DeschanvresAfternoon tea , 1912 Oil on canvas Auguste Moreau-Deschanvres (1838-1913)

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Abstract Oil on Panel, John Sacarro (1913-1981)

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Abstract Oil on Panel, John Sacarro (1913-1981)

1910s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Carl Johansson Vast Autumn Landscape With Blue Mountains by Swedish Artist Carl Johansson, 1913, 1913

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Alan Bengall Charlton (1913 -1981) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Corbridge Roman Site, 20th Century

Early 20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Marcel PireMarcel Pire, 1913 – 1981, Belgian Painter, 'Wheat Field with Working Farmers', 1913 – 1981

21st Century and Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Attrib. Ernest Greenwood R.C.A. (1913-2009) - Oil, Morning In The City, 21st Century

Vintage 1960s Danish Modern Paintings

Svend Saabye '1913-2004', Danish Artist, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Composition

21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings

John Whitlock CodnerJohn Whitlock Codner RWA (1913-2008) - Framed Oil, Still Life on a Silver Tray, 21st Century

1910s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Hugo CarlbergMoonlit Tranquility: Hugo Carlberg’s Atmospheric Nocturne, c. 1910–1913

Early 1900s Realist Portrait Paintings

Edmond Theodor Van HovePortrait par Edmond Theodor VAN HOVE (1853-1913)

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Sir David MurrayNo. 4 The Birk And The Bracken, dated 1913

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Irina Belotelkin RoublonIrina Roudakoff Belotelkin (Russian / American, 1913-2009) Country Landscape c.1, Circa 1960s

Early 20th Century Animal Paintings

Horse and Dogs in a Highland Landscape, dated 1913 by William E. POWELL

19th Century Portrait Paintings

Portrait Of A Gipsy Girl, 19th Century by Alix Louise ENAULT (1860-1913)

19th Century Hudson River School Landscape Paintings

Isaac Lichtenstein 1
Rare Oil Painting Arab Man Bezalel School Jerusalem 1913, Judaica, 1913

Edward Steel Harper Jnr
Life Kindled of a Fiery Birth - British art 1913 landscape oil painting, 1913

Atir
Atir - 1913 Oil, A Street in Galicia, 1913

N. Wray
N. Wray - Signed & Framed 1913 Oil, Riverside Cottage, 1913

Douglas Duer
The Mediator, 1913, 1913

Alessandro Lupo
Working Horses - Oil on Canvas by Alessandro Lupo - 1913, 1913

A. E. Askwith
A. E. Askwith - 1913 Oil, In the Springtime, Gomersal, 1913

Sir Alfred East
Oil Painting by Sir Alfred East, RA, RBA (1844 – 1913), 1880

Andre Chéronnet Champollion
Meenakshi Temple Madurai Tamil India 1913 Hindu Priest Sacred Elephant Oil Paint, 1913

Joachim Probst (1913 - 1980)
Antique American Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Framed Oil Painting, 1971

Paul Aubin
View of Martigues, 1913, South of France, 1913

William Haskell Coffin
Saturday Evening Post Cover, October 11, 1913, 1913

Charles MacLellan
Saturday Evening Post Cover, September 13, 1913, 1913

Marjorie Schiele (1913-2008)
Mid 20th Century Architectural City Back Streets Modernist Cubist Oil Painting

Helmut Reuter (1913-1985)
Antique German Signed Oil Painting Winter Snow Sunset Lane with Figures Walking

George Alexander (British, 1832-1913)
Very Large Victorian English Circular Oil Painting Kirkeneaton, Nr Pontefract, 1855

Jean Chebret
Jean Chebret (1913-2000) - 20th Century Oil, Summer Lake, Unknown

Julius Paul Junghanns
“In June (Im Juni)” By Julius Paul Junghanns dated "1913", 1913

Auguste Moreau-Deschanvres
Afternoon tea , 1912 Oil on canvas Auguste Moreau-Deschanvres (1838-1913)

Carl Johansson
Vast Autumn Landscape With Blue Mountains by Swedish Artist Carl Johansson, 1913, 1913

Marcel Pire
Marcel Pire, 1913 – 1981, Belgian Painter, 'Wheat Field with Working Farmers', 1913 – 1981

John Whitlock Codner
John Whitlock Codner RWA (1913-2008) - Framed Oil, Still Life on a Silver Tray, 21st Century

Hugo Carlberg
Moonlit Tranquility: Hugo Carlberg’s Atmospheric Nocturne, c. 1910–1913

Edmond Theodor Van Hove
Portrait par Edmond Theodor VAN HOVE (1853-1913)

Sir David Murray
No. 4 The Birk And The Bracken, dated 1913

Irina Belotelkin Roublon
Irina Roudakoff Belotelkin (Russian / American, 1913-2009) Country Landscape c.1, Circa 1960s

Julie Hart Beers
Summer along the Boquet River, 1875 by Julie Hart Beers (American, 1835-1913), 1879

Antique English School
Jack Russell Terrier Dogs Barn Stable Interior Antique Signed English Painting, 1913

Fritz Muller
Bavarian Gentleman Holding a Candle Fine German Oil Painting Portrait of Man

Douglas Warner Gorsline
Antique American Cubist Still Life Cat Portrait Framed & Signed Oil Painting, 1950

Harold Speed
Harold Speed, British Impressionist painting of a beauty by a fountain

Gustav Klimt
Farm Garden Sunflowers by Gustav Klimt, Das Werk lifetime collotype, 1908-1912, 1908-1914

Gustav Klimt
Malcesine on Lake Garda by Gustav Klimt, Das Werk landscape collotype, 1908-1912, 1908-1914

Gustav Klimt
Church in Cassone by Gustav Klimt, Das Werk lifetime collotype, 1908-1912, 1908-1914

Brita Barnekow
Interior with Mandolin Player, sign. Brita Barnekow , 1913, Danish school, 1913

Helmut Reuter
Helmut Reuter (German 1913 - 1985); The Country House; oil on canvas

Antonin Marek Machourek
Antonin Marek Machourek (Czech 1913 - 1991); Figure I; oil on canvas;

George Albert Harris
George Albert Harris (American 1913 - 1991); Coming Home; oil on canvas;

Antonin Marek Machourek
Antonin Marek Machourek (Czech 1913 - 1991); Woman with Fish; oil on canvas;

Antonin Marek Machourek
Antonin Marek Machourek (Czech 1913 - 1991); Woman with Fan; oil on canvas;

Emile Vernon
Emile Vernon 1913, French, Young Woman by a Lemon Tree, Oil on Canvas

Chester S. Kingsley
St. Anne's Church, Bermuda, c. 1913-14, Chester S. Kingsley (b. 1878, American), c. 1913-14

Julie Hart Beers
After the Storm, Landscape by Julie Hart Beers (1835-1913, American), 19th Century