Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
When was oil paint invented?
1 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.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
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Shop for Oil Paintings on 1stDibs
Edge of the Island, plein air wide view of an open glowing field and water
Located in Edgartown, MA
“People sometimes ask me how I start a painting. Starting a painting is easy. I just put down two strokes of color. The interaction between these two marks is the beginning of the di...
Category
2010s Abstract Impressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Seascape Moonlight with Crashing Waves Vintage British Oil Painting
Located in Preston, GB
Seascape Moonlight with Crashing Waves Vintage British Oil Painting
Art measures 20 x 16 inches
Frame measures 24 x 20 inches
This painting depicts a serene and dramatic coastal sc...
Category
1980s Post-War Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Bat Nap" by Shawn Sullivan, Oil Painting of Bat Man Napping with Yellow Bird
Located in Denver, CO
Shawn Sullivan's (US Based) "Bat Nap" is an original, handmade oil painting in the trompe-l'œil style that depicts Bat Man napping with a yellow bird. This piece is unframed yet read...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
"Follow Me" by Shawn Sullivan, Oil Painting of Male Mask with Red Bird
Located in Denver, CO
Shawn Sullivan's (US Based) "Follow Me" is an original, handmade oil painting in the trompe-l'œil style that depicts a male mask with a red bird. This piece is unframed yet ready to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Pocket Gooseberry (Hairy) 2, Orig. Oil Painting, Still Life, Gooseberry, Frui
Located in Deddington, GB
Pocket Green Gooseberry (Hairy) 2 is an original oil painting by Dani Humberstone as part of her Pocket Painting series featuring small scale realistic oil paintings, with a nod to b...
Category
2010s Realist Still-life Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas
White Ducks Swimming in Pond Contemporary English Impressionist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Swimming Ducks
English Impressionist, 21st century
oil on board, unframed
board : 8 x 10 inches
provenance: private collection, UK
condition: very good and sound condition
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Impressionist Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil