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.

Bates Oil Painting

2010s Surrealist Animal Paintings

Rudolf KosowInvestigation (bat fox bat oil painting surrealism figurative animal vintage), 2018

20th Century Landscape Paintings

John Bates NoelOil Painting by John Bates Noel "A Rural Landscape", 1910

1970s Abstract Geometric Abstract Paintings

Leo BatesLarge Geometric Abstract Painting by Leo Bates, 1976

1980s Surrealist Abstract Paintings

Myriam Bat YosefFeminist Surrealist French Abstract Apres Mondrian Oil Painting Myriam Bat Yosef, 1984

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Andrea BatesBirch Shapes, Andrea Bates, Original Woodland Landscape Painting, Affordable Art, 2021

Late 20th Century Landscape Paintings

Joan Elliot BatesOriginal Oil on Board, Joan Elliot Bates, "Windy Day, Blackshore on the Blyth"

Early 1900s Victorian Landscape Paintings

David Bates b.1840David Bates, Behind The Village, Capel Curig, 1901

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Delton Demarest"Sugarmill Bat" (2024) by Delton Demarest, Original Oil Painting, 2024

21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Shawn Sullivan"Bat Nap" by Shawn Sullivan, Oil Painting of Bat Man Napping with Yellow Bird, 2024

19th Century Landscape Paintings

John Bates NoelPair of 19th century landscape oil paintings of the River Avon & Berwyn Valley, C1900

19th Century Landscape Paintings

David Bates b.184019th Century Welsh landscape oil painting of figures near a watermill, 1894

Early 20th Century Landscape Paintings

David Bates b.1840Early 20th Century Worcestershire landscape oil painting of a plough team, 1908

19th Century Landscape Paintings

David Bates b.184019th Century Welsh landscape oil painting of figures by the River Glaslyn, 1895

2010s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Scott Daniel EllisonMan Bat, 2015

19th Century Victorian Landscape Paintings

David Bates b.184019th Century North African river landscape oil painting of a man using a Shadoof, C1900

2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings

Scott Daniel EllisonBat in Cave, 2014

2010s Surrealist Animal Paintings

Linda Ridd HerzogBat in the Hat

2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Gerard StricherComme un Coeur Qui Bat, 2023

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Tadeusz Zych"Bat and Him" Red /Oil Pastel on cardboard/ 70 x 50 cm, 2013

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Tadeusz Zych"Bat and Him" Blue / Oil Pastel on cardboard / 68 x 48 cm, 2013

2010s Naturalistic Landscape Paintings

Andrea BatesCow Parsley in May, 2018

2010s Abstract Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Andrea BatesGreek Village, 2018

1890s Victorian Landscape Paintings

David BatesA Conversation by the Bridge, 1888

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Andrea BatesSpring Landscape near Broughton, 2021

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Abstract Paintings

Andrea BatesAutumn Birches, 2021

2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Mimi BatesSolares 52 X 42, 2011

Late 20th Century Animal Paintings

Gary ErbeGary Erbe Trompe L'Oeil Bat Subject Oil on Canvas, "All Creatures", circa 1970s

1920s Victorian Landscape Paintings

John Bates NoelEnglish Victorian Antique landscape, Figures gathering Primroses, circa 1924

1920s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Cyrus Bates CurrierEarly 20th Century Distant Canyon Landscape, c.1925

1940s American Modern Portrait Paintings

Spencer Douglass CrockwellUp at Bat, The Saturday Evening Post Cover, August 10, 1940, 1940

1880s Victorian Landscape Paintings

David Bates b.184019th century English River landscape with man fishing by the riverside, circa 1880

1880s Academic Landscape Paintings

David Bates b.1840“Lake View”, 1886

Early 1900s Academic Landscape Paintings

David Bates b.1840“A Corner of Lowes Water”, 1900

19th Century Landscape Paintings

David Bates b.1840Loading the Crop, 1902

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Paintings

"The Mill at Penns, Warwickshire, " Oil on Canvas by David Bates

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Paintings

"On the Avon" and "In the Berwin Valley" Pair, Oil on Canvas by John Bates Noel

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Kevin TobinBlue Bat, 2021

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Kevin TobinBat Legs [Hip-Replacement], 2021

1940s Portrait Paintings

Max WeilerPortrait of Hans Bator, 1948

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Rudolf Kosow
Investigation (bat fox bat oil painting surrealism figurative animal vintage), 2018

John Bates Noel
Oil Painting by John Bates Noel "A Rural Landscape", 1910

Leo Bates
Large Geometric Abstract Painting by Leo Bates, 1976

Myriam Bat Yosef
Feminist Surrealist French Abstract Apres Mondrian Oil Painting Myriam Bat Yosef, 1984

Andrea Bates
Birch Shapes, Andrea Bates, Original Woodland Landscape Painting, Affordable Art, 2021

Joan Elliot Bates
Original Oil on Board, Joan Elliot Bates, "Windy Day, Blackshore on the Blyth"

David Bates b.1840
David Bates, Behind The Village, Capel Curig, 1901

Delton Demarest
"Sugarmill Bat" (2024) by Delton Demarest, Original Oil Painting, 2024

Shawn Sullivan
"Bat Nap" by Shawn Sullivan, Oil Painting of Bat Man Napping with Yellow Bird, 2024

John Bates Noel
Pair of 19th century landscape oil paintings of the River Avon & Berwyn Valley, C1900

David Bates b.1840
19th Century Welsh landscape oil painting of figures near a watermill, 1894

David Bates b.1840
Early 20th Century Worcestershire landscape oil painting of a plough team, 1908

David Bates b.1840
19th Century Welsh landscape oil painting of figures by the River Glaslyn, 1895

Scott Daniel Ellison
Man Bat, 2015

David Bates b.1840
19th Century North African river landscape oil painting of a man using a Shadoof, C1900

Scott Daniel Ellison
Bat in Cave, 2014

Linda Ridd Herzog
Bat in the Hat

Gerard Stricher
Comme un Coeur Qui Bat, 2023

Tadeusz Zych
"Bat and Him" Red /Oil Pastel on cardboard/ 70 x 50 cm, 2013

Tadeusz Zych
"Bat and Him" Blue / Oil Pastel on cardboard / 68 x 48 cm, 2013

Andrea Bates
Cow Parsley in May, 2018

Andrea Bates
Greek Village, 2018

David Bates
A Conversation by the Bridge, 1888

Andrea Bates
Spring Landscape near Broughton, 2021

Andrea Bates
Autumn Birches, 2021

Mimi Bates
Solares 52 X 42, 2011

Gary Erbe
Gary Erbe Trompe L'Oeil Bat Subject Oil on Canvas, "All Creatures", circa 1970s

John Bates Noel
English Victorian Antique landscape, Figures gathering Primroses, circa 1924

Cyrus Bates Currier
Early 20th Century Distant Canyon Landscape, c.1925

Spencer Douglass Crockwell
Up at Bat, The Saturday Evening Post Cover, August 10, 1940, 1940

David Bates b.1840
19th century English River landscape with man fishing by the riverside, circa 1880

David Bates b.1840
“Lake View”, 1886

David Bates b.1840
“A Corner of Lowes Water”, 1900

David Bates b.1840
Loading the Crop, 1902

Kevin Tobin
Blue Bat, 2021

Kevin Tobin
Bat Legs [Hip-Replacement], 2021

Max Weiler
Portrait of Hans Bator, 1948

Kevin Tobin
Bat Legs [Hip-Replacement], 2021

Dewey Bates
Two Sisters, 1884

Simone Gad
Facade San Francisco Victorian Jaune Avec Pinup Contact Sheet 1960/70s Elmer Bat, 2005

David Bates b.1840
Oil Painting by David Bates "Mill on the Inny, Cornwall" Rural Victorian, 1879

John Bates Noel
John Bates Noel (1870-1927) - Framed Oil, The Beech Wood Malvern, Unknown

Cyrus Bates Currier
Impressionist View of Eucalyptus Trees in California by Cyrus Bates Currier, 1940

David Bates b.1840
David Bates, Rural Landscape With Thatched Cottage, Country Track & Pond, 1871

Christopher Klein
Temptation of St. Anthony, Surrealist Oil Painting with Female, Bat and Saint, 2019

Martin Säflund
Abstract Painting Boat "Båt" by Swedish Artist Martin Säflund, c.1960-70, Oil, c.1960-70

Christopher Klein
Cat as Catch Can -Surreal Painting, Cat, Medieval Falconry, Bat-Eared Elephant, 2019

Andrea Bates
Sunny Lane in Spring, 2017

Andrea Bates
Landscape near Gagingwell, 2017

Leo Bates
Triangle Composition, 1969

Will Pope
Bat Mobile Slides Out! (The Ice Storm)

Sharon Kopriva
Portrait of a Catholic Cardinal with a Taxidermy Bat, 21st Century

John Bates Noel
Extensive English rural landscapes with figures and oak trees, 1880

Christopher Klein
Amber Waves - Bat Holding Amber Encased Human Floats Above Dystopian Farmland, 2017

Arthur Devis
Portrait of Mrs Bates as a shepherdess, seated in a landscape

Mia Chaplin
What Does it feel like to be a Bat - by featured artist Mia Chaplin, 2018

John Bates Noel
John Bates Noel, Under April Skies, Oil Painting, c. 1920