Question 1

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 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

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 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

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 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

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.

Geraniums Oil Painting

2010s Other Art Style Paintings

Federico Cortesegeraniums, Painting, Oil on Paper, 2015

2010s Other Art Style Paintings

Federico Cortesegeraniums, Painting, Oil on Paper, 2015

2010s Impressionist Paintings

Grace DiehlCourtyard Geraniums, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2023

2010s Art Nouveau Interior Paintings

Momalyu LiubovGeraniums Blooming. Floral Oil painting, 2023

2010s Realist Still-life Paintings

Conrado López"Geranium" Original Oil and Acrylic Painting, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Paintings

Stephanie RichardsGeraniums in Flower, Contemporary Floral Still Life Oil Painting, 2024, 2024

1990s Contemporary Paintings

Evelyne BallestraGeraniums, 1993

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Abstract Paintings

Elvic Steele1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Wild Geranium': Botanical Floral Study, circa 1960's

Late 19th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Francois GailliardFramed Belgian Luminist Oil Painting Le Petit Jardinier With Potted Geraniums, 1887

Mid-20th Century Modern Still-life Paintings

Mid Century Modern Swedish Expressive Still Life Oil Painting - Geraniums & Jugs, 1960s

1930s Art Deco Still-life Paintings

Herbert Davis RichterStill Life of Fuchsias, Geraniums and Marionettes - British 30's oil painting, Circa 1930

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Framed 20th Century Oil - Working Cocker with the Geraniums, Unknown

2010s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Maria Bertrán"Geraniums In The Window" Contemporary Impressionist Oil of Italian Alps, 2010

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Barbara Hack"Geraniums" (2022) Original Painting by Barbara Hack - Floral Still Life, 2022

1960s Modern Still-life Paintings

Stéphanie Caroline GuerzoniThe Geranium by Stéphanie Guerzoni - Oil on Canvas - 53x36.5 cm, 1969

2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings

Anastasia PeliasRitual Devotion (chinese lake, geranium lake), 2012

2010s Outsider Art Still-life Paintings

Robert Richter"Geraniums, " Original Line Work Floral Still-life Oil signed by Robert Richter, 2011

1940s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Rose CampbellGeranium and Abalone Shell Still Life, 1944

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Geraniums, a Cigar & Nude Figure Still Life

2010s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Lilya VolskayaMagic geranium" still life framed by Volskay Lilya., 2025

1970s American Modern Interior Paintings

William Lionel SheetsSonoma Kitchen Table - after Henri Matisse - Still Life with Geranium, 1970

Early 19th Century Still-life Paintings

Study of orchid, tulips, hyacinths, crocuses, peace lily and geraniums

1930s Impressionist Interior Paintings

Elisabeth Pohlenz MostarOranges and Geranium in an Interior: 1934 elegant still life Berlin Woman artist, 1934

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Francis SillsPlants on Porch - Contemporary Botanical Geranium Flowers Potted Plants, 2017, 2017

1940s Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Victor Isbrand'Still Life with Geranium', Paris, Post-Impressionist, Royal Academy, Denmark, Circa 1949

Late 20th Century Still-life Paintings

Paul ResikaGeraniums, 1985

20th Century Nude Paintings

Julian RoblesGirl with Geraniums

Gershon BenjaminGeranium Still Life, 1948

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Julian RoblesJulian Robles (American 1933); Girl with Geraniums; oil on canvas

21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Jacques CarpentierHappy Geranium Vase

1970s Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

c. daveauVintage geranium oil painting, floral still life, flowers, 1960's

Late 19th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

19th Century George Gibbs "Geraniums" Still Life Oil Painting, 19th Century

2010s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Oksana KalenyukGeraniums, Flowers, Impressionism Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang, 2019

21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Contemporary Oil - Geraniums In Blue, Unknown

Late 19th Century Still-life Paintings

Late 19th Century Oil - Red Geranium, Unknown

21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Joan Hunn SWA - 1982 Oil, Geraniums, 1982

21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Brian WilliamBrian William - 2021 Oil, White Geraniums, 2021

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Ingrid SmulingWild Geranium in Little White Jug - 21st Century Contemporary Oil Painting, 2020

2010s Realist Still-life Paintings

Sean FarrellSean Farrell, "Dogwoods and Red Geraniums", 24x15 Floral Still Life Oil Painting, 2022

2010s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Alina KhrapchynskaGeranium -Still Life Oil Painting Purple Pink Red Green White Brown Yellow, 2021

Federico Cortese
geraniums, Painting, Oil on Paper, 2015

Federico Cortese
geraniums, Painting, Oil on Paper, 2015

Grace Diehl
Courtyard Geraniums, Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2023

Momalyu Liubov
Geraniums Blooming. Floral Oil painting, 2023

Conrado López
"Geranium" Original Oil and Acrylic Painting, 2023

Stephanie Richards
Geraniums in Flower, Contemporary Floral Still Life Oil Painting, 2024, 2024

Evelyne Ballestra
Geraniums, 1993

Elvic Steele
1960's British Surrealist Oil Painting - 'Wild Geranium': Botanical Floral Study, circa 1960's

Francois Gailliard
Framed Belgian Luminist Oil Painting Le Petit Jardinier With Potted Geraniums, 1887

Herbert Davis Richter
Still Life of Fuchsias, Geraniums and Marionettes - British 30's oil painting, Circa 1930

Maria Bertrán
"Geraniums In The Window" Contemporary Impressionist Oil of Italian Alps, 2010

Barbara Hack
"Geraniums" (2022) Original Painting by Barbara Hack - Floral Still Life, 2022

Stéphanie Caroline Guerzoni
The Geranium by Stéphanie Guerzoni - Oil on Canvas - 53x36.5 cm, 1969

Anastasia Pelias
Ritual Devotion (chinese lake, geranium lake), 2012

Robert Richter
"Geraniums, " Original Line Work Floral Still-life Oil signed by Robert Richter, 2011

Rose Campbell
Geranium and Abalone Shell Still Life, 1944

Lilya Volskaya
Magic geranium" still life framed by Volskay Lilya., 2025

William Lionel Sheets
Sonoma Kitchen Table - after Henri Matisse - Still Life with Geranium, 1970

Elisabeth Pohlenz Mostar
Oranges and Geranium in an Interior: 1934 elegant still life Berlin Woman artist, 1934

Francis Sills
Plants on Porch - Contemporary Botanical Geranium Flowers Potted Plants, 2017, 2017

Victor Isbrand
'Still Life with Geranium', Paris, Post-Impressionist, Royal Academy, Denmark, Circa 1949

Paul Resika
Geraniums, 1985

Julian Robles
Girl with Geraniums

Gershon Benjamin
Geranium Still Life, 1948

Julian Robles
Julian Robles (American 1933); Girl with Geraniums; oil on canvas

Jacques Carpentier
Happy Geranium Vase

c. daveau
Vintage geranium oil painting, floral still life, flowers, 1960's

Oksana Kalenyuk
Geraniums, Flowers, Impressionism Original oil Painting, Ready to Hang, 2019

Brian William
Brian William - 2021 Oil, White Geraniums, 2021

Ingrid Smuling
Wild Geranium in Little White Jug - 21st Century Contemporary Oil Painting, 2020

Sean Farrell
Sean Farrell, "Dogwoods and Red Geraniums", 24x15 Floral Still Life Oil Painting, 2022

Alina Khrapchynska
Geranium -Still Life Oil Painting Purple Pink Red Green White Brown Yellow, 2021

K. Andrews
K. Andrews - 20th Century Oil, Jugs And Geraniums, Unknown

F Lysse.
The Geranium, Large Mid Century Botanical Oil on board, 1939

Brian William
Brian William - 2021 Oil, Pink Geraniums in Blue Pots, 2021

Ingrid Smuling
Wild geranium, larkspur and cornflower.- 21st Century Dutch Still-life painting, 2023

Colin Cairness Clinton Campbell
Colin Cairness Clinton Campbell (1894-1970) - Framed Oil, The Red Geraniums, Unknown

Margot Glass
Wild Geranium, Gold Metallic Plant Leaves, Stem, Botanical On Black, 2024

Keith Johnson
Impressionist English Still life of Pink and white geranium flowers in a studio, 1970

Thomas Worsey
Geraniums on a Bank - British Victorian art floral still life oil painting, 1872

Ingrid Smuling
Geranium in Chinese Pul - 21st Century Contemporary Still-Life Painting, 2021

Gyenes Lajos
'Geraniums in a Satsuma Vase', Japanese Ceramics, Hungarian oil still life, 1920

Daisy Craddock
Geraniums and Pond, 2022, red and vibrant, floral still life painting

Harrie Kuyten
Harrie Kuyten - Signed 20th Century Dutch Oil, Still Life with Geraniums and Jug, Early 20th Century

Anastasia Pelias
Untitled (chinese lake, geranium lake, indigo, florentine red), 2014

Jane Smaldone
Still Life with Red Sky and Geranium, 2010

Helen Enoch Gleiforst
Red Geraniums in Copper Cache Pot w/Hall Water Pitcher, 1950

Henry Wallace
19th century Antique English study of Pink and White Geranium Flowers, circa 1890