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

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

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

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 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 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 15

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 16

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

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 18

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 19

Are oil paintings more valuable than paintings done in acrylic?

Accepted Answer

Oils typically command higher prices than acrylic paintings, because they generally require more skill.

Question 20

How much is an original oil painting worth?

Accepted Answer

The%20cost%20of%20an%20original%20oil%20painting%20has%20a%20very%20wide%20range.%20For%20emerging%20new%20artist%20could%20be%20in%20the%20lower%20end%2C%20ranging%20from%20the%20%24500%20to%20%2410%2C000%20depending%20on%20the%20size%20and%20subject%20matter%2C%20for%20the%20mid-career%20artists%20who%20are%20already%20established%2C%20their%20prices%20range%20in%20the%20thousands%20and%20hundreds%20of%20thousands%20of%20dollars%20and%20lastly%20the%20original%20oil%20painting%20art%20of%20very%20established%20and%20popular%20artists%20that%20could%20have%20auction%20records%20in%20the%20millions%20of%20dollars.%20In%20this%20category%20are%20some%20of%20the%20well%20known%20examples%20of%20the%20old%20master%20paintings%20and%20other%20contemporary%20artworks.

Oil Painting 1893

Late 19th Century Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Frank Weston BensonFirelight, 1893, 1893

Late 19th Century Realist Portrait Paintings

Portrait of Old Woman 1893 by Famous Russian Master Oil Painting on Canvas Frame, 1893

Late 19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

W. HowdenVictorian Oil Horse Standing in Stable Interior Signed & Dated 1893, 1893

Antique 1890s Paintings

Oil Painting Sign H. George 1893 Man of Horse with Hunting Dogs

1890s Landscape Paintings

Vincenzo CaprileCottage with figures - 1893, 1893

19th Century Portrait Paintings

Attrib. Albert AndréAttrib. Albert André (1869-1954) - 1893 Oil, Washing In The Ganges, 1893

Antique 19th Century French Paintings

Dogs in Oil on Canvas, France, 1890/1893

Late 19th Century Landscape Paintings

William HubacekSan Francisco Bay near Golden Gate, 1893 by William Hubaeck, California Painting, 1893

Late 19th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Charles Morris Young1893 American Tonalist Impressionist Moonlit Landscape, 1893

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

SONIA MERVYNSonia Mervyn (1893 1977) British Impressionist Still Life Vintage Oil Painting , 1956

1890s Victorian Animal Paintings

W.MitchellVictorian Dog Painting English Artist Head Portrait of a Hound 1893, signed oil

1930s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Harry Anthony De Young (1893 - 1956) Antique American Texas Impressionist Fall Landscape Signed Framed Oil Painting, 1939

Mid-19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Victorian Sporting Oil Painting Spaniel Dogs Putting up Pheasant in Landscape, 1950's

Mid-19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Fine Victorian English Oil Painting Three Terrier Dogs by Rabbit Hole landscape

1890s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Hugh Ditzler Period American Impressionist World Columbian Expositian Fair 0f 1893, 1893

Late 19th Century Still-life Paintings

Thomas Collins (fl.1857-1893) - Framed Oil, Pansies & Primroses, Late 19th Century

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Mark Beard[Edith Thayer Cromwell (1893-1962)] Elephant, n.d.

Early 19th Century Portrait Paintings

Alexandre SoldéAlexandre Soldé (1822–1893) -French School Early 19thC Oil, Countryside Sojourn, Unknown

1870s French School Portrait Paintings

Henry Guillaume Schlesinger (1814-1893)Oil On Canvas Portrait Of A Young Lady 19th century, ca 1874

Antique 19th Century French Paintings

Antique French Oil Painting on Board, “The Unveiling” by Emile Meyer, 1823-1893

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Gerald Trice Martin (1893-1961)- Early 20th Century Oil, Lady with Bead Necklace, 20th Century

20th Century Still-life Paintings

Gustav Svensson (1893-1957) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Daffodils and Tulips, 20th Century

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Walter RoesslerWalter Roessler (1893-1960) - Early 20th Century Oil, Man with a Feathered Hat, 20th Century

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Gerald Trice Martin (1893-1961)- Early 20th Century Oil, Lady in Green Day Dress, 20th Century

1890s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Auguste Grass-MickGrenelle, Paris - 19th Century French Impressionist Antique Oil Painting, 1893

1890s Modern Still-life Paintings

Henri Hebert Smoking a pipe and drinking wine (1893) - Henri Hebert Swiss school, 1893

Mid-19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

George ArmfieldCircle of George Armfield (1808-1893) Terrier Dogs Ratting in Barn- 19th C Oil

Late 19th Century Victorian Portrait Paintings

Annie Louisa SwynnertonDebutante - British Victorian oil painting portrait Elsie Elizabeth Ebsworth , 1893

Early 1900s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Imre GothImre Goth, 1893-1982, Hungary, "Little lady with doll" Oil on canvas circa 1931, 1931

1890s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

'Seascape with Sailboat' original oil painting attributed to Edna McKeage, 1893

1940s Photorealist Still-life Paintings

Sergei Petrovich Ivanov (1893 - 1983)Antique Russian Trompe L'Oeil Super Realist Kitchen Still Life Signed Painting, 1945

1920s Paintings

Louis ValtatOriginal, Louis Valtat Oil Painting, circa 1920

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Joseph BroghammerDeath Of My Sister’s House (Hummingbird, Portrait, Storytelling, Oil Painting), Oil on Canvas

1930s Art Nouveau Figurative Paintings

Jacques Martin-FerrièresJacques Martin-Ferrières 'French, 1893-1972', 1937

19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Henry Frederick Lucas Lucas19th Century horse portrait oil painting of a champion Shire mare, 1893

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Germain Raingo-PelouseGermain Raingo-Pelouse (1893-1963) lovely impressionist river landscape

19th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

Robert John Hammond19th Century landscape oil painting of figures fishing by a river lock , 1893

Late 19th Century Hudson River School Figurative Paintings

Thaddeus WelchThe Columbian Exhibition, the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair

1950s Abstract Paintings

John A DominiqueJohn A Dominique (1893-1994) Beautiful Abstract Impressionist Landscape , 1956

Antique 19th Century Belgian Paintings

Frank Weston Benson
Firelight, 1893, 1893

W. Howden
Victorian Oil Horse Standing in Stable Interior Signed & Dated 1893, 1893

Vincenzo Caprile
Cottage with figures - 1893, 1893

Attrib. Albert André
Attrib. Albert André (1869-1954) - 1893 Oil, Washing In The Ganges, 1893

William Hubacek
San Francisco Bay near Golden Gate, 1893 by William Hubaeck, California Painting, 1893

Charles Morris Young
1893 American Tonalist Impressionist Moonlit Landscape, 1893

SONIA MERVYN
Sonia Mervyn (1893 1977) British Impressionist Still Life Vintage Oil Painting , 1956

W.Mitchell
Victorian Dog Painting English Artist Head Portrait of a Hound 1893, signed oil

Harry Anthony De Young (1893 - 1956)
Antique American Texas Impressionist Fall Landscape Signed Framed Oil Painting, 1939

Hugh Ditzler
Period American Impressionist World Columbian Expositian Fair 0f 1893, 1893

Mark Beard
[Edith Thayer Cromwell (1893-1962)] Elephant, n.d.

Alexandre Soldé
Alexandre Soldé (1822–1893) -French School Early 19thC Oil, Countryside Sojourn, Unknown

Henry Guillaume Schlesinger (1814-1893)
Oil On Canvas Portrait Of A Young Lady 19th century, ca 1874

Walter Roessler
Walter Roessler (1893-1960) - Early 20th Century Oil, Man with a Feathered Hat, 20th Century

Auguste Grass-Mick
Grenelle, Paris - 19th Century French Impressionist Antique Oil Painting, 1893

Henri Hebert
Smoking a pipe and drinking wine (1893) - Henri Hebert Swiss school, 1893

George Armfield
Circle of George Armfield (1808-1893) Terrier Dogs Ratting in Barn- 19th C Oil

Annie Louisa Swynnerton
Debutante - British Victorian oil painting portrait Elsie Elizabeth Ebsworth , 1893

Imre Goth
Imre Goth, 1893-1982, Hungary, "Little lady with doll" Oil on canvas circa 1931, 1931

Sergei Petrovich Ivanov (1893 - 1983)
Antique Russian Trompe L'Oeil Super Realist Kitchen Still Life Signed Painting, 1945

Louis Valtat
Original, Louis Valtat Oil Painting, circa 1920

Joseph Broghammer
Death Of My Sister’s House (Hummingbird, Portrait, Storytelling, Oil Painting), Oil on Canvas

Jacques Martin-Ferrières
Jacques Martin-Ferrières 'French, 1893-1972', 1937

Henry Frederick Lucas Lucas
19th Century horse portrait oil painting of a champion Shire mare, 1893

Germain Raingo-Pelouse
Germain Raingo-Pelouse (1893-1963) lovely impressionist river landscape

Robert John Hammond
19th Century landscape oil painting of figures fishing by a river lock , 1893

Thaddeus Welch
The Columbian Exhibition, the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair

John A Dominique
John A Dominique (1893-1994) Beautiful Abstract Impressionist Landscape , 1956

Jacques Martin-Ferrières
Jacques Martin Ferrieres 'French 1893-1972' Landscape, 1926

Robert Fowler
Portrait of Maiden in Coastal Landscape - Scottish Victorian art oil painting, Circa 1893

George Armfield
Portrait Of A Terrier, dated 1865 by George Armfield (1808-1893)

Herman Jensen
Herman Jensen, A Musician, Oil Painting , c. 1920

Rasmus Carl Rasmussen
Skagen Colony Danish School Oil Painting, 1899

Jacques Martin-Ferrières
"Village Près de la Mer en Italie" Jacques Martin-Ferrières (1893-1972), 1950s

Angela Stones
Old London Bridge fantasia mid-century oil painting by Angela Stones, 1968

John Atkinson Grimshaw
Scalby Road, Scarborough, Moonlight Oil Painting, Grimshaw, 1874, 1874

Thomas Edward Mostyn
The Campfire, 19th Century Oil Painting, English, Signed

Orovida Pissarro
The Fortune Teller by Orovida Pissarro - Oil painting, 1950s

Orovida Pissarro
Spring (Primrose Gathering) by Orovida Pissarro - Oil painting, 1956

John Bucknell Russell
19th Century sporting oil painting of salmon & trout , C1880

Orovida Pissarro
Ice Cream Picnic by Orovida Pissarro - Oil painting, 1953