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

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 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

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 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

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 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

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 18

Did Cy Twombly use oil paint?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Cy Twombly did use oil paint, although his method was quite unique. He would run his fingers in the paint to create channels, and would then use oil paint in ‘globs’. House paint overtop would then merge the paints into a completed piece. Shop a selection of Cy Twombly’s pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 19

How much does it cost to have an oil painting cleaned?

Accepted Answer

That%20depends%20on%20the%20size%20of%20the%20piece%2C%20the%20condition%20of%20the%20painting%2C%20and%20to%20some%20degree%20the%20value.%20also%20where%20you%20live.%20

Question 20

Are old oil paintings worth money?

Accepted Answer

The value of an oil painting depends on the quality and artist. Work with an appraiser to determine the value. While some online resources can be helpful when you’re looking for information about the value of an item, the suggested value you find may not be the actual value of your item, since that will depend on a number of factors, including the shape it’s in. Browse a selection of expertly vetted authentic vintage oil paintings on 1stDibs.

Egypt Oil Painting

Late 17th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Cleopatra Queen of Egypt 17' century Painting Oil on Canvas, 1680

Late 17th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Cleopatra Queen of Egypt 17' century Painting Oil on Canvas, 1680

Late 17th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Cleopatra Queen of Egypt 17' century Painting Oil on Canvas, 1680

Late 17th Century Academic Figurative Paintings

Cleopatra Queen of Egypt 17' century Painting Oil on Canvas, 1680

Vintage 1970s Austrian Paintings

Oil Painting by Unknown Artist Egyptian Rider

21st Century and Contemporary Animal Paintings

20th Century Oil - Egyptian Conflict, Unknown

Antique Late 19th Century Egyptian Paintings

Antique Orientalist Painting, Cairo, Egypt, Oil on Panel, Tony Binder circa 1895

Late 19th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Anton BinderAntique Orientalist Oil Painting on Panel, Cairo, Egypt Anton (Tony) Binder 1895, circa 1895

2010s Impressionist Paintings

Oleksandr KhrapachovEgypt. Hurghada., 2016

Mid-17th Century Baroque Figurative Paintings

17th Century Old Master Religious Oil painting - Rest on the Flight into Egypt, circa 1650

1950s Cubist Abstract Paintings

John W. HatchJohn Hatch American Cubist Abstract Oil Painting 1950's Mid C Egyptian Mural, 1950's

Early 2000s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Tatyana PalchukHunting Egypt. 2001. Oil on canvas, 68x101 cm , 2001

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings

Sally SmithDreaming of Egypt, Original Abstract Painting, 2021, 2021

1880s Academic Landscape Paintings

Henri LANGEROCKLANGEROCK Belgian painting landscape orientalist Egypt Cairo 19th

18th Century Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

The Flight Into Egypt Oil On Canvas 18th Century, 1700s

19th Century Landscape Paintings

August Löffler Large Orientalist Painting of an Egyptian Landscape by Löffler, c. 1850

Late 20th Century Surrealist Figurative Paintings

Kate OrrPlaques of Egypt, c.1990's

Early 19th Century Other Art Style Landscape Paintings

Tommaso Minardi (attr.)Tommaso Minardi Flight to Egypt 19 century oil paper wood, early 19th century

20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Louis Carl HvastaFlight Into Egypt, 1962

2010s Impressionist Paintings

Will EskridgeHot Pink, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2019

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Mary PrattFinding Glamour, Oil Painting, 2022

2010s Surrealist Portrait Paintings

Alexandra Manukyan"Silent Melody, " Oil Painting, 2022

Antique 17th Century Italian Paintings

17th Century Rest on The Flight to Egypt Emilian school Painting Oil on Canvas

19th Century Landscape Paintings

Frederick Arthur Bridgman"Colossi of Memnon, Egypt" Rare Orientalist Landscape Painting by F.A. Bridgman, C. 1874

Antique 17th Century Italian Paintings

17th Century Rest on the flight to Egypt Emilian School Painting Oil on panel

Late 18th Century Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Rest on the Flight into Egypt Oil on Canvas XVIII-XIX Century, 1700s-1800s

2010s Abstract Interior Paintings

C. DimitriLover of an Egyptian

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Jo GalangCalla Lily, Oil Painting, 2021

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings

Sally SmithDreaming of Egypt No. 2, 2021

Vintage 1940s Egyptian Paintings

Joseph Misraki, Egypt, born in 1895 “Reclining Nude”

Early 20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Moses - Oil Painting - Early 20th Century , Early 20th Century

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Julie HedrickJULIE HEDRICK RA (Egypt) Sun God, 2021

19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings

Heywood Hardy19th Century coaching scene oil painting , C1880

1870s Figurative Paintings

Carl Friedrich Heinrich WernerThe Rug Merchant, 19th Century Orientalist Oil Signed Oil Painting, 1879

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Glenn IbbitsonHorus The Magician. Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting, 2010

1980s Post-War Landscape Paintings

Francesc Poch RomeuMenorca portal Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1980

21st Century and Contemporary Post-Modern Figurative Paintings

Richard TurnerTwo Ladies in Landscape - British Surrealist Oil Painting , c. 2010

Late 19th Century Portrait Paintings

Walter Charles Horsley The Distraction, Late 19th Century Oil Painting, Orientalist

1980s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Francesc Poch RomeuSpanish landscape Menorca Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1980

19th Century Pre-Raphaelite Portrait Paintings

Anton Binder
Antique Orientalist Oil Painting on Panel, Cairo, Egypt Anton (Tony) Binder 1895, circa 1895

Oleksandr Khrapachov
Egypt. Hurghada., 2016

John W. Hatch
John Hatch American Cubist Abstract Oil Painting 1950's Mid C Egyptian Mural, 1950's

Tatyana Palchuk
Hunting Egypt. 2001. Oil on canvas, 68x101 cm , 2001

Sally Smith
Dreaming of Egypt, Original Abstract Painting, 2021, 2021

Henri LANGEROCK
LANGEROCK Belgian painting landscape orientalist Egypt Cairo 19th

August Löffler
Large Orientalist Painting of an Egyptian Landscape by Löffler, c. 1850

Kate Orr
Plaques of Egypt, c.1990's

Tommaso Minardi (attr.)
Tommaso Minardi Flight to Egypt 19 century oil paper wood, early 19th century

Louis Carl Hvasta
Flight Into Egypt, 1962

Will Eskridge
Hot Pink, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2019

Mary Pratt
Finding Glamour, Oil Painting, 2022

Alexandra Manukyan
"Silent Melody, " Oil Painting, 2022

Frederick Arthur Bridgman
"Colossi of Memnon, Egypt" Rare Orientalist Landscape Painting by F.A. Bridgman, C. 1874

C. Dimitri
Lover of an Egyptian

Jo Galang
Calla Lily, Oil Painting, 2021

Sally Smith
Dreaming of Egypt No. 2, 2021

Julie Hedrick
JULIE HEDRICK RA (Egypt) Sun God, 2021

Heywood Hardy
19th Century coaching scene oil painting , C1880

Carl Friedrich Heinrich Werner
The Rug Merchant, 19th Century Orientalist Oil Signed Oil Painting, 1879

Glenn Ibbitson
Horus The Magician. Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting, 2010

Francesc Poch Romeu
Menorca portal Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1980

Richard Turner
Two Ladies in Landscape - British Surrealist Oil Painting , c. 2010

Walter Charles Horsley
The Distraction, Late 19th Century Oil Painting, Orientalist

Francesc Poch Romeu
Spanish landscape Menorca Spain oil on canvas painting, c.1980

19th century British School
Self Portrait, 19th Century Pre-Raphaelite Oil Painting

Henry Bacon
The Beekeeper's Daughter oil painting by Henry Bacon, 1881

Fathi Afifi
"Fisherman" Oil painting 12" x 16" inch by Fathi Afifi, circa 1980

Monique Sakellarios
Monique Sakellarios, "California Poppies", 14x18 Floral Landscape Oil Painting

Richard Turner
Classical Maidens Eastern Landscape Huge British Surrealist Oil Painting , c. 2003

Gene Pompa
Natural Oasis - Italian Oil Painting Grey White Brown Yellow, 2022

Aleksandrs Zviedris
Ship painting. 1952, oil on cardboard, 64x48, 5 cm, 1952

Yousra Hafad
"Last Night" Oil Painting 43"x39" inch by Yousra Hafad , 2019

Narcisse Berchere
Coastal Oil Painting with a Middle Eastern Minaret by Berchère, 19th Century

Ashraf Zamzami
"Returning" Oil Painting 57" x 81" inch by Ashraf Zamzami, 2022

David Roberts
Elgin Cathedral Ruins - Scottish 19thC art architectural landscape oil painting, 1848

Edwin Longsden Long
Matilda Wetherall Smoking a Cigarette - British Victorian Portrait oil painting, Circa 1870

Yolande Ardissone
"Bateaux a Carnac" Impressionist Marine Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas, 20th Century

Christopher Klein
Heli Hatchlings, Surreal Oil Painting - Giant Chameleons Crab Apples Helicopter, circa 2012

Yousra Hafad
"Marine Blue" Oil painting 55" x 39" inch by Yousra Hafad , 2019

Zohra Efflatoun
"Contemplating" Oil Painting 27" x 19" inch by Zohra Efflatoun, circa 1970

Christopher Klein
MusCATteer - Surreal Rural Scene, Hyper-realistic Original Oil Painting, Framed, circa 2012

Irina Pushkareva
Cradle of the First People, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel, 2019

Shaaban Zaki
"Farmer" Portrait Oil Painting 16" x 12" inch by Shaaban Zaki, circa 1930