Question 1

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 2

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 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

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

How much do oil paintings cost?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Jacobsen Oil Painting

Vintage 1930s Danish Other Paintings

The painting "The Weavers", oil on canvas, signed David Jacobsen.

Vintage 1940s Scandinavian Other Paintings

The painting "Forest landscape" ref. August Jacobsen, oil on canvas.

1910s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Ludvig Jacobsen'Bacchanal', Paris Salon Modernist Oil, Royal Academy, Charlottenborg, Benezit, 1926

1870s Academic Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenTHINGVALLA

1920s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ludvig Jacobsen'Rural Farm Scene', Post-Impressionist, Paris Salon, Royal Academy, Benezit, Circa 1925

19th Century Paintings

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo JacobsenAmericas Cup Race, c. 1870-75

19th Century Paintings

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo JacobsenThe American Steam-Sailer St. Louis

1920s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

H. W. JacobsenMonastery Ruins by the River - Landscape, 1923

19th Century Landscape Paintings

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo JacobsenPortrait Of The Steam/Sail Ship The Prins Frederik Hendrik., 1896

19th Century Landscape Paintings

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo JacobsenPortrait Of The Screw-Steamer Pennland In New York Harbor, 1887

19th Century Landscape Paintings

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo JacobsenThe Screw-Steamer Westernland., 1887

Recent Sales

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Paul JacobsenStill Life with Oil Lamp, 2014

2010s Contemporary Paintings

Paul JacobsenOctober (4), 2015

1910s Paintings

Antonio JacobsenThe Bark Columbia (Ships in New York Harbor), 1915

Early 2000s Contemporary Paintings

Paul JacobsenElectro-Magnetic Pulse, 2008

1870s Academic Paintings

Antonio JacobsenNew York Yacht Club Race, 1878, 1878

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Paul JacobsenXO, 2016

Early 1900s American Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenThe Clipper William Volckens, 1909

1890s Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenTransitional Steamship Anapa, 1897

1890s Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenMallory Line Steamer San Jacinto, 1904

1890s Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenAmerican Line Steamship St. Paul, 1905

1890s Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenSloman Union Line Transitional Steamer Bellagio

1890s Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenPlant Line Steamship Evangeline, 1913

1890s Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenTransitional Steamer Alvo

Early 20th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenPlant Line S.S. Evangeline, Halifax/London/Glasgow, 1912- 1921, 1913

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Paul JacobsenShadow Box Arrangements, 2014

Early 2000s Contemporary Nude Paintings

Paul JacobsenNocturne, 2009

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Paul JacobsenInterior with Blankets, 2014

1930s Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenAntique Southern Nautical Seascape Oil Painting, "Creole" by Antonio Jacobsen, 1897

1930s Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio JacobsenAntique Nautical Seascape Oil Painting, "Horatio Hall 1908" by Antonio Jacobsen, 1908

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Painting Egill Jacobsen, 1963 Oil on Canvas Cobra Group

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Johann JacobsenJohann Jacobsen (1883-1953) - Framed Early 20th Century Oil, Danish Riverscape, Unknown

Early 20th Century North American Paintings

Antonio Jacobsen Oil on Board of “S.S. Massachusetts”

Early 1900s Landscape Paintings

Antonio Jacobsen"The Bransford" Antonio Jacobsen, Marine Ship Portrait, Great Lakes Seascape, 1903

Late 19th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Antonio Nicolo JacobsenAntonio Nicolo Jacobsen, 1850 – 1921, American Painter, Liner La Champagne, 1889

1990s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Eric JacobsenGreen, Orange, and Blue Abstract Impressionist Autumn Landscape Painting, 1999

Antique 19th Century Austrian Victorian Paintings

Tyrol View Oil on Canvas Painting by Frederik Christian Kiærskou, 1867

Antique 1890s American Paintings

Antonio Jacobsen "La Navarre" Liner from Transat, Oil on Canvas

Vintage 1960s Danish Modern Paintings

Jens Chr. Jacobsen, Modernist Landscape, Oil on Canvas, Dated 1966

Ludvig Jacobsen
'Bacchanal', Paris Salon Modernist Oil, Royal Academy, Charlottenborg, Benezit, 1926

Antonio Jacobsen
THINGVALLA

Ludvig Jacobsen
'Rural Farm Scene', Post-Impressionist, Paris Salon, Royal Academy, Benezit, Circa 1925

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen
Americas Cup Race, c. 1870-75

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen
The American Steam-Sailer St. Louis

H. W. Jacobsen
Monastery Ruins by the River - Landscape, 1923

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen
Portrait Of The Steam/Sail Ship The Prins Frederik Hendrik., 1896

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen
Portrait Of The Screw-Steamer Pennland In New York Harbor, 1887

Antonio Nicolo Gasparo Jacobsen
The Screw-Steamer Westernland., 1887

Paul Jacobsen
Still Life with Oil Lamp, 2014

Paul Jacobsen
October (4), 2015

Antonio Jacobsen
The Bark Columbia (Ships in New York Harbor), 1915

Paul Jacobsen
Electro-Magnetic Pulse, 2008

Antonio Jacobsen
New York Yacht Club Race, 1878, 1878

Paul Jacobsen
XO, 2016

Antonio Jacobsen
The Clipper William Volckens, 1909

Antonio Jacobsen
Transitional Steamship Anapa, 1897

Antonio Jacobsen
Mallory Line Steamer San Jacinto, 1904

Antonio Jacobsen
American Line Steamship St. Paul, 1905

Antonio Jacobsen
Sloman Union Line Transitional Steamer Bellagio

Antonio Jacobsen
Plant Line Steamship Evangeline, 1913

Antonio Jacobsen
Transitional Steamer Alvo

Antonio Jacobsen
Plant Line S.S. Evangeline, Halifax/London/Glasgow, 1912- 1921, 1913

Paul Jacobsen
Shadow Box Arrangements, 2014

Paul Jacobsen
Nocturne, 2009

Paul Jacobsen
Interior with Blankets, 2014

Antonio Jacobsen
Antique Southern Nautical Seascape Oil Painting, "Creole" by Antonio Jacobsen, 1897

Antonio Jacobsen
Antique Nautical Seascape Oil Painting, "Horatio Hall 1908" by Antonio Jacobsen, 1908

Johann Jacobsen
Johann Jacobsen (1883-1953) - Framed Early 20th Century Oil, Danish Riverscape, Unknown

Antonio Jacobsen
"The Bransford" Antonio Jacobsen, Marine Ship Portrait, Great Lakes Seascape, 1903

Antonio Nicolo Jacobsen
Antonio Nicolo Jacobsen, 1850 – 1921, American Painter, Liner La Champagne, 1889

Eric Jacobsen
Green, Orange, and Blue Abstract Impressionist Autumn Landscape Painting, 1999

Antonio Jacobsen
S.S. Chateau Margaux - 19th Century Oil, Maritime Landscape by Antonio Jacobsen, 1888

Roald Jacobsen
At the ball. Paris. Oil on canvas, 50, 2x69, 3 cm, 1978

Ludvig Jacobsen
The Plaza, Toledo, 1929

Ludvig Jacobsen
'The Nymph of the Woods', Paris Salon, Royal Academy, Charlottenborg, Benezit, circa 1925

Ludvig Jacobsen
Flowers in a Stoneware Vase, Circa 1935

Antonio Jacobsen
The Packet James Foster, 1915

David Jacobsen
19th Century Oil painting by David Jacobsen – Landscape Scene

Antonio Jacobsen
Aransas Steam Liner Nautical Painting Signed by Antonio Jacobsen and dated 1905

Antonio Jacobsen
Transitional Steamer Iroqouis, 1891

Victor Charreton
Promenade Estivale - Post Impressionist Landscape Oil by Victor Charreton, c.1910

C.B.
'Sunset Over El Capitan', American Impressionism, Yosemite, California Landscape, Circa 1925

Alfred Émile Léopold Stevens
Sur la Plage - Impressionist Oil, Figures in Coastal Landscape by Alfred Stevens, 1895

Abel Warshawsky
Mural Study, Early 20th Century American Impressionist Painting

Emile Ancelet
1921 Large French POINTILLIST IMPRESSIONIST Garden Painting Mother W/ Daughter, 1921

Jelle Troelstra
Jelle Troelstra, Portrait Of A Seated Woman, Oil Painting, 1916

Adolphe Lalyre
Le Concert des Sirènes, late 19th Century

Marguerite Arosa
Baigneuse, 1884

Victor Charreton
Figure before a Church - Post Impressionist Landscape Oil by Victor Charreton, c.1920

Victor Gabriel Gilbert
Bathing in the Forest

Antoine Emile Plassan
French 19th century, Lady looking at a jewel in an interior, South of France, circa 1870

Diogenes Maillart
Fine 19th Century French Symbolist Oil Painting Portrait of Mythological Queen

Pierre Auguste Renoir
Pierre Auguste Renoir Portrait de femme - Berthe Poret, 1862-1863

Louis Hayet
Les Grands Boulevards - Post Impressionist Figures in Cityscape by Louis Hayet, c.1890