What are old paintings called?

Old paintings are sometimes called historical paintings. Those produced after 1860 or ’70 are generally referred to as modern paintings, so anything produced before that may be thought of as historical. The term contemporary usually describes paintings that are no more than 20 years old. Find a wide variety of fine art from some of the world's top galleries and dealers on 1stDibs.

How do you tell if an old painting is a print?

To tell if an old painting is a print, use a magnifying glass to look at its surface up close. A real painting will have visible brushstrokes left behind by the artist. A print will usually have a smooth surface and may look like it's made up of tiny dots, depending on the printing process used to produce it. If you're still unsure about your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer can assist you. Explore a collection of paintings on 1stDibs.

How can you tell how old an oil painting is?

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.

What is considered an old master painting?

A painting produced by a skilled, noteworthy European artist that was produced before the 19th century may be considered an Old Master painting. The informal term was derived from the title of an artist who trained in a guild long enough to become a master, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who studied in a Florence painters’ guild. However, Old Masters paintings, prints and other art is now used to refer to work made by any artist with a high level of skill in painting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking who worked in Europe between 1300 and 1800. Some artists considered Old Masters include William Blake, Caravaggio, Jacques-Louis David, Frans Hals, Francisco Goya, Peter Paul Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Titian and Jan Vermeer. On 1stDibs, find a variety of paintings from some of the world’s top galleries.

Are old paintings worth money?

Yes, some old paintings are worth money. The artist, size, historical significance and condition of a piece, as well as other factors, contribute to its value. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer can evaluate your painting and give you an idea of how much it may be worth. Explore a diverse assortment of paintings on 1stDibs.

How old was Picasso when he painted Harlequin?

Pablo Picasso was 36 years old when he painted his “Harlequin” series. He completed the six paintings in 1901. They depict scenes from Parisian cafes and draw inspiration from the works of Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. You'll find a selection of Pablo Picasso art on 1stDibs.

How do I find out how much an old painting is worth?

To find out how much an old painting is worth, you have two main options. The first is to look at historic sale prices for similar paintings by the same artist. If you're unsure who painted your piece, try snapping a photo of the signature and conducting a search with the app Smartify. Because the condition, size and other characteristics play a major role in determining how much a painting is worth, you may prefer to take the second approach — having a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer evaluate your painting. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of paintings.

Are old copies of paintings worth anything?

Whether old copies of paintings are worth something varies. Prints of paintings produced and then signed by the artist may sometimes have significant value. However, later prints and hand-painted reproductions are less likely to be worth something. The age, condition, medium and other factors will all contribute to the potential price of a copy. If you'd like to get a professional's opinion on the value of a particular piece, a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of paintings.

How do I know if my old painting is worth money?

There are two main ways to know if your old painting is worth money. First, you can conduct online research using trusted resources to determine how much similar paintings by the artist have sold for in the past. If you're unsure who the artist is, try the app Smartify, which provides identifications using artists' signatures. A second option is to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of paintings.

Are old oil paintings worth money?

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.

Old Paint

Flemish Frame

17th And 18th Century Oil Paintings

Oil On Panel 17th Century

16th Century Old Master Painting

Italian Oil Painting Old Man

Old Masters Paintings Of Venice

2010s Figurative Paintings

Materials

Spray Paint

Spanish Old MasterAntique Spanish Old Master Oil on Wood Panel, Head Portrait of Christ

$2,377Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Spanish Old Master Oil on Wood Panel, Head Portrait of Christ

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Artist/ School: 18/19th Century Spanish School Title :Head study of Christ Medium: oil painting on wood panel, period gilt framed panel : 6 x 5 inches Provenance: private collect...

Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Jean OldsGreen Bridge, Abstract Mixed Media Collage with Fabric by Jean Olds, circa 1983

$1,850

Green Bridge, Abstract Mixed Media Collage with Fabric by Jean Olds

By Jean Olds

Located in Long Island City, NY

This colorful abstract paper and fabric collage was created by American artist Jean Olds. Olds is known for her work with collages and flat mixed-media sculptures. This work in her t...

Category

1980s Contemporary Mixed Media

Materials

Fabric, Paper, Mixed Media, Acrylic

$2,161Sale Price|20% Off

Mary & Jesus 18th Century French Old Master oil painting on canvas

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

There are areas of old adhesive residue and patching visible to the reverse, consistent with previous conservation work.

Category

18th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Oil

Recent Sales

Gail OldingDuty - Contemporary sculpture, porcelain, acrylic paint on wood by Gail Olding, 2018

Unavailable

H 64.97 in W 7.88 in

Duty - Contemporary sculpture, porcelain, acrylic paint on wood by Gail Olding

By Gail Olding

Located in London, GB

Wood, acrylic paint, porcelain British artist Gail Olding born in London, studied for her BA (Hons) at The London College of Printing in Photography in the late 80's and during the ...

Category

2010s Conceptual Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Wood, Acrylic

Gail OldingFormate no. 2 - Contemporary conceptual sculpture by Gail Olding, 2014

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

H 62 in W 42 in D 2 in

Textured Forms - Yellow, blue & brown paint texture detail UV cured ink on metal

By Joe Aker

Located in Houston, TX

Full of strong lines and geometries, this work is surprisingly simple: the subject matter in question is a group of old, painted foam construction panels -- arguably a rather ordinar...

Category

2010s Contemporary Color Photography

Materials

Metal

Heinrich Richter (b.1884)Heinrich Richter "Der alte Clown" ( The Old Clown ) Oil Paint on Board, 1977, 1977

Unavailable

H 35.43 in W 29.13 in

Heinrich Richter "Der alte Clown" ( The Old Clown ) Oil Paint on Board, 1977

By Heinrich Richter (b.1884)

Located in Berlin, DE

Oil on hardboard, 1977 by Heinrich Richter-Berlin ( 1884-1981 ), Germany. Signed and dated lower right: Hein-Rich-ter-Bln Nov 77 Verso signed, dated and inscribed. Framed. Height: 35...

Category

Late 20th Century Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Barbara Hangan"Old Pink", 2018

Unavailable

H 32 in W 28 in

"Old Pink"

By Barbara Hangan

Located in New York, NY

Currently, I use oil paints and an old Flemish painting technique. I prefer them for their richness and texture.

Category

2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Paul StrisikOld Cottonwood

Unavailable

H 16 in W 24 in

Old Cottonwood

By Paul Strisik

Located in Santa Fe, NM

Oil painting by Paul Strisik

Materials

Oil

Jaroslav LeonetsOld House, 2019

Unavailable

H 19.75 in W 23.63 in D 1 in

Old House

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

"Old House" is a unique oil painting merging academic and contemporary painting styles to build a narrative. Jaroslav Leonets is a young Ukrainian artist creating remarkable figurati...

Category

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Matthew BarterOld Sternman, 2021

Unavailable

H 20 in W 11 in D 10 in

Old Sternman

Located in Portland, ME

Old Sternman, 2021 Base is available for additional $250.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Art

Materials

Oil

Abram TromkaOld Kentucky, 1938

Unavailable

Ed SmithOld South, 2023

Unavailable

H 48 in W 48 in D 1.5 in

Old South

By Ed Smith

Located in New Orleans, LA

Ed Smith was born in Naples Italy in 1959. He received his BFA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and his MFA from Brooklyn College CUNY. After working at Queens college...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Other Art Style Animal Paintings

Materials

Oil

Masaya NakayamaOld Friends, 2022

Unavailable

H 36 in W 36 in D 2 in

Old Friends

Located in Dallas, TX

Old Friends 2022 Acrylic, Color pencil, on Washi (Japanese handmade paper) over wood panel. Brooklyn-based Japanese artist Masaya Nakayama creates work by wrapping wooden panels wit...

Category

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Materials

Materials

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

G.J. BarnesThe Old Clockmaker, 19th Century

Unavailable

H 25.5 in W 30.5 in

The Old Clockmaker

By G.J. Barnes

Located in Vancouver, BC

'The Old Clockmaker' by G. J. Barnes. A fine genre oil painting of a clockmaker dusting the workings of a grandfather clock. Likely mid-late 19th century, English. Canvas signed bott...

Category

19th Century Figurative Paintings

Materials

Materials

Oil, Wood

The Old Man, Circa 1900

Unavailable

H 21.66 in W 18.12 in D 1.58 in

The Old Man

Located in La Ferrière sur Risle, FR

The Old Man is a beautiful portrait of a French notable at the end of the nineteen century. What can be called a sage. It is reminiscent of the busts of the philosopher of ancient Gr...

Category

1890s Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Joseph Conrad-FermOld as Rome, 2022

Unavailable

H 48 in W 60 in

Old as Rome

By Joseph Conrad-Ferm

Located in Palm Beach, FL

“I don’t have a college art degree and I don’t have an art critic's vocabulary. I paint when I’m feeling good and I paint when feeling otherwise. I find the right music to fit my ...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic

Alexander KremerOld House, July, 2002

Unavailable

H 21.75 in W 29.38 in

Old House, July

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Wonderful pastoral landscape by well-known third generation St. Petersburg painter, Alexander Kremer. Kremer's paintings are a mix of realism and impressionism in the best tradition...

Category

Early 2000s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Val CarsonOld Green Roofs

Unavailable

H 30 in W 40 in

Old Green Roofs

By Val Carson

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Oil on Canvas

Category

2010s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Simon BalyonOld Red Bank, 2014

Unavailable

H 24 in W 36 in

Old Red Bank

By Simon Balyon

Located in Red Bank, NJ

Simon Balyon depicts a scene from Old Red Bank, New Jersey in this painting. People are walking down the streets of Red Bank on a post-rainy day. The sun begins to appear behind the ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Irina NovikovaRooftops, Old City, 2011

Unavailable

H 47 in W 31.38 in

Rooftops, Old City

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

This painting is a beautiful rendition of the coast along the Mediterranean Sea. Novikova is a St. Petersburg based artist and graduate of the famous Repin Institute.

Category

2010s Realist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Elizabeth NourseThe Older Sister

Unavailable

H 34 in W 28 in

The Older Sister

By Elizabeth Nourse

Located in Cincinnati, OH

Elizabeth Nourse Born: October 26, 1859, Mount Healthy, OH Died: October 8, 1938, Paris, France “The Older Sister” Oil on Board 24 1/2" x 18 1/2" Framed Dimensions 34" x 28" ...

Category

Late 19th Century American Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Emily GoldfieldThe Old Place, 2018

Unavailable

H 6 in W 12 in D 1 in

The Old Place

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Oil on Canvas, Framed.

Category

2010s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Nathan ChantobThe Old Lady, 2018

Unavailable

H 51.19 in W 38.19 in D 1.19 in

The Old Lady

By Nathan Chantob

Located in Honfleur, FR

One of the latest painting by emerging French artist Nathan Chantob.

Category

2010s Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Rolf HansAn old love, 1985

Unavailable

H 74.81 in W 63 in

An old love

By Rolf Hans

Located in Eltville, DE

Oil on canvas On the reverse signed, dated and titled 190 x 160 cm Provenance: From the artist's estate The world in general is colorful, with color one approaches the ideal, col...

Category

1980s Modern Abstract Paintings

Materials

Oil

Fred PapsdorfOld Farmhouse, 1935

Unavailable

H 18 in W 25 in

Old Farmhouse, 1935

Located in Franklin, MI

A fine example of the magic realism of this Detroit artist whose work is included in the Whitney Museum of Art

Category

1930s Realist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Judith LevinThe Old Teapot, 2016

Unavailable

H 28 in W 36 in

The Old Teapot

By Judith Levin

Located in Red Bank, NJ

English artist, Judith Levin, paints a soft and elegant still life. The bouquets of purple flowers billow out of a white porcelain teapot and two other vases. A matching plate is pro...

Category

2010s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Canvas, Oil

Neal GreigRiver Boyne (old bridge), 2022

Unavailable

H 48.43 in W 60.24 in

River Boyne (old bridge)

Located in Belfast, GB

River Boyne (old bridge) 2022 Oil on Board 123 x 153 cm "Exploring the language of paint and investigating creativity of the moment are fundamental aspects on my journey of making a...

Category

2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Philip HarrisAn Old Friend Remembered, 2010

Unavailable

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in

An Old Friend Remembered

By Philip Harris

Located in London, GB

Oil on linen 40 x 40 cm

Materials

Linen, Oil

Tad SuzukiOld Town Early Spring

Unavailable

H 24.02 in W 36.23 in

Old Town Early Spring

By Tad Suzuki

Located in London, GB

Acrylic on canvas 61 x 92 cm

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Oil

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Located in Hagley, England

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Get Updated with New Arrivals

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Old Paint For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the old paint you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. You can easily find an example made in the Impressionist style, while we also have 150 Impressionist versions to choose from as well. If you’re looking for an old paint from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. If you’re looking to add an old paint to create new energy in an otherwise neutral space in your home, you can find a work on 1stDibs that features elements of brown, black, gray, blue and more. Creating an old paint has been a part of the legacy of many artists, but those crafted by Angelo Granati, Salvatore Marinelli, Carlo De Tommasi, Ettore Ferrante and Francesca Strino are consistently popular. Frequently made by artists working in paint, oil paint and fabric, these artworks are unique and have attracted attention over the years. A large old paint can be an attractive addition to some spaces, while smaller examples are available — approximately spanning 1.19 high and 1 wide — and may be better suited to a more modest living area.

How Much is an Old Paint?

An old paint can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price for items in our inventory is $5,979, while the lowest priced sells for $140 and the highest can go for as much as $1,495,000.

Finding the Right Paintings for You

Painting is an art form that has spanned innumerable cultures, with artists using the medium to tell stories, explore and communicate ideas and express themselves. To bring abstract paintings, landscape paintings, still-life paintings and other original paintings into your home is to celebrate and share in the long tradition of this discipline.

When we look at paintings, particularly those that originated in the past, we learn about history, other cultures and countries of the world. Like every other work of art, paintings — whether they are contemporary creations or works that were made during the 19th century — can often help us clearly see and understand the world around us in a meaningful and interesting way.

Cave walls were the canvases for what were arguably the world’s first landscape paintings, which depict natural scenery through art. Portrait paintings and drawings, which, along with sculpture, were how someone’s appearance was recorded prior to the advent of photography, are at least as old as Ancient Egypt. In the Netherlands, landscapes were a major theme for painters as early as the 1500s. Later, artists in Greece, Rome and elsewhere created vast wall paintings to decorate stately homes, churches and tombs.

Today, creating a wall of art is a wonderful way to enhance your space, showcase beautiful pieces and tie an interior design together.

No matter your preference, whether you favor Post-Impressionist paintings, animal paintings, Surrealism, Pop art or another movement or specific period, arranging art on a blank wall allows you to evoke emotions in a room while also showing off your tastes and interests. A symmetrical wall arrangement may comprise a grid of four to six pieces or, for an odd number of works, a horizontal row. Asymmetrical arrangements, which may be small clusters of art or large, salon-style gallery walls, have a more collected and eclectic feel.

Download the 1stDibs app, which includes a handy “View on Wall” feature that allows you to see how a particular artwork will look on a particular wall, and read about how to arrange wall art. And if you’re searching for the perfect palette for your interior design project, what better place to turn than to the art world’s masters of color?

On 1stDibs, you’ll find an expansive collection of paintings and other fine art for your home or office. Browse abstract paintings, portrait paintings, paintings by emerging artists and more today.

Questions About Old Paint

What are old paintings called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 12, 2024
Old paintings are sometimes called historical paintings. Those produced after 1860 or ’70 are generally referred to as modern paintings, so anything produced before that may be thought of as historical. The term contemporary usually describes paintings that are no more than 20 years old. Find a wide variety of fine art from some of the world's top galleries and dealers on 1stDibs.
How do you tell if an old painting is a print?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
To tell if an old painting is a print, use a magnifying glass to look at its surface up close. A real painting will have visible brushstrokes left behind by the artist. A print will usually have a smooth surface and may look like it's made up of tiny dots, depending on the printing process used to produce it. If you're still unsure about your piece, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer can assist you. Explore a collection of paintings on 1stDibs.
How can you tell how old an oil painting is?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
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.
What is considered an old master painting?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
A painting produced by a skilled, noteworthy European artist that was produced before the 19th century may be considered an Old Master painting. The informal term was derived from the title of an artist who trained in a guild long enough to become a master, such as Leonardo da Vinci, who studied in a Florence painters’ guild. However, Old Masters paintings, prints and other art is now used to refer to work made by any artist with a high level of skill in painting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking who worked in Europe between 1300 and 1800. Some artists considered Old Masters include William Blake, Caravaggio, Jacques-Louis David, Frans Hals, Francisco Goya, Peter Paul Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Titian and Jan Vermeer. On 1stDibs, find a variety of paintings from some of the world’s top galleries.
Are old paintings worth money?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024
Yes, some old paintings are worth money. The artist, size, historical significance and condition of a piece, as well as other factors, contribute to its value. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer can evaluate your painting and give you an idea of how much it may be worth. Explore a diverse assortment of paintings on 1stDibs.
How old was Picasso when he painted Harlequin?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Pablo Picasso was 36 years old when he painted his “Harlequin” series. He completed the six paintings in 1901. They depict scenes from Parisian cafes and draw inspiration from the works of Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. You'll find a selection of Pablo Picasso art on 1stDibs.
How do I find out how much an old painting is worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
To find out how much an old painting is worth, you have two main options. The first is to look at historic sale prices for similar paintings by the same artist. If you're unsure who painted your piece, try snapping a photo of the signature and conducting a search with the app Smartify. Because the condition, size and other characteristics play a major role in determining how much a painting is worth, you may prefer to take the second approach — having a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer evaluate your painting. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of paintings.
Are old copies of paintings worth anything?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024
Whether old copies of paintings are worth something varies. Prints of paintings produced and then signed by the artist may sometimes have significant value. However, later prints and hand-painted reproductions are less likely to be worth something. The age, condition, medium and other factors will all contribute to the potential price of a copy. If you'd like to get a professional's opinion on the value of a particular piece, a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of paintings.
How do I know if my old painting is worth money?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
There are two main ways to know if your old painting is worth money. First, you can conduct online research using trusted resources to determine how much similar paintings by the artist have sold for in the past. If you're unsure who the artist is, try the app Smartify, which provides identifications using artists' signatures. A second option is to have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of paintings.
Are old oil paintings worth money?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.

Why We Can’t Resist This Monumental Croque Madame

A hyperrealist canvas by Heinz Schönhammer transforms a café classic into an unforgettable still life.

Françoise Gilot Brings Light to a Lyrical Late-Career Landscape

A 2001 canvas turns forest into color and line — a confident gesture from a fiercely independent artist.

Impressionist Rebel Camille Pissarro Made the Everyday Feel Radical

In Denver, a major new retrospective reveals how the painter’s devotion to ordinary life — and his fearless shifts in style — shaped modern art.

The Real World Portraitist of “The Gilded Age,” Season Three

Only the best painter could suit the calculatedly extravagant Bertha Russell.

See Kent Monkman’s Magical Realist Take on Frontier History

With a solo show at the Denver Art Museum and a commission from the Met, the Cree Canadian painter has become an international sensation.

Yale’s Trove of British Art Is Back on View in a Refreshed Louis Kahn Building

After a two-year closure, they Yale Center for British Art opens its doors again, with all sorts of changes to its building and programming.

At 89, Artist Lucio Pozzi Is Reaching New Career Heights

The Italian-American’s 2020 abstract painting “The Hoe” personifies his “art of not knowing.”

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