Oil painting is beloved worldwide and stands out as a unique art form. This article delves into what makes these paintings valuable. As the paint dries, it becomes firmer, but over time, pigments can subtly change with exposure. You might notice older oil paintings taking on a yellowish tint. Despite this, their exceptional quality has made them highly cherished in the art world. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind the enduring worth of oil painting.
Note: This article is part of our archival content and belongs to a previous phase of our publication. Amaranth Magazine is now a dedicated literary magazine.
The factors that make oil paintings valuable:
1- The Authenticity of the Oil Painting
Oil painting is full of life and brightness. Its value and uniqueness come from being genuine. What makes an oil painting authentic is its history. The value of a painting is closely tied to its historical background, including the different painting styles used over time. Oil painting has many styles which adds to its diversity. Most oil paintings made before the nineteenth century used layered techniques. This means they started with a smooth background of thinly applied paint, then added more layers on top.
In 2008, it was discovered that oil painting goes back to the 7th century AD when artists used poppy seed or walnut oil to paint cave scenes. The use of oil in painting was officially recorded in Europe in the 11th century, and by the 16th century, it became the main medium in Venetian painting.
2. The Material of the Artwork
During the prehistoric times, when humans first began expressing themselves through art. Early civilizations utilized a mixture of animal fat and earth pigments to formulate the earliest oil-based paint.
In the late Middle Ages, linseed oil became the preferred medium for oil painting. Its predictable drying rate and resistance to yellowing made it ideal for artists. This enabled them to work in layers, resulting in highly detailed and intricate artworks. The first recorded recipe for oil paint, using linseed oil and natural pigments, marked a significant milestone, bringing about greater consistency and standardization in paint production.
During the 20th century, the manufacturing of oil paint experienced an unprecedented level of innovation, surpassing the imaginations of artists from previous eras. The introduction of new synthetic pigments significantly broadened the range of available colors. Advancements in binder and stabilizer technology, driven by scientific progress, enhanced the durability and versatility of paints. This era witnessed fruitful collaboration between chemists and artists, leading to groundbreaking developments that pushed the limits of what could be achieved with oil paint.
Generally, the materials used in a painting affect the price of the artwork. The higher the quality of the colors used, the more valuable the artwork tends to be.
3. The Popularity of the Artist
If a piece is crafted by a renowned artist, it secures its place in art history and holds significant value. Many artists have pushed the boundaries of oil painting with innovative and bold approaches. Among them, Leonardo da Vinci’s creation of the Mona Lisa is particularly noteworthy, and his masterpiece holds immeasurable value. Regarded as one of the world’s most priceless artworks, it has served as inspiration for countless artists. Another notable painting is Salvador Dalí’s Persistence of Memory, renowned for its enigmatic quality and reflection of Dalí’s fascination with modern scientific achievements, transcending abstract theories.
4. The Condition of the Oil Painting
The condition of a painting significantly impacts its value. Damage to an artwork reduces its worth. Without proper preservation, colors can gradually shift, resulting in a yellow hue over time. Moreover, cautious handling is necessary to avoid any potential harm to the artwork.
5. The Painting Surface
The selection of surface material is closely linked to the value of the artwork. It could be paper, cardboard, or wood. Paintings on canvas are generally considered more valuable than those on paper due to their enhanced durability. Oil paintings, typically executed on canvas, contribute to the longevity of the piece. Additionally, this choice often increases the cost of the artwork, thus raising its value. Canvas serves as the foundation for the painting, usually made from tightly stretched linen fabric over a sturdy wooden frame and can be customized to various sizes according to preference.
6. The Secret Story of the Artwork and the Artist
If an artist has a remarkable story or faces adversity in life, or if they pass away prematurely, leaving behind only a few works, their artworks often increase in value due to heightened public demand and limited availability. Conversely, when a piece carries a compelling narrative, it transcends mere visual appeal and delves into captivating stories behind the artwork. Paintings serve various purposes.
In ancient Egypt, art held a mystical significance. Whether expressed through painting, sculpture, carving, or script, art possessed the ability to uphold universal harmony and bestow eternal life by invoking the favor of various gods to intercede on behalf of individuals, both in their earthly existence and beyond death.
“The Death of Socrates (French: La Mort de Socrate)” is an oil painting on canvas created by French artist Jacques-Louis David in 1787. Reflecting the neoclassical style prevalent in the 1780s, the artwork portrays scenes from the Classical era, specifically depicting the narrative of Socrates’ execution as recounted by Plato in his work “Phaedo.” In this story, Socrates stands accused of corrupting the youth of Athens and introducing unfamiliar deities, resulting in his sentencing to death by consuming poison hemlock.
7. The Subject of Oil Painting
Paintings that center on specific subjects tend to carry more value than generic ones. The process of selecting subject matter in painting requires thoughtful consideration. Instead of focusing solely on the overall composition at the outset, it’s crucial to dedicate precise attention to sketching the primary shapes accurately. In crafting a beautiful landscape painting, outlining these primary shapes first is essential to establish the placement of colors in each section. It’s important to note that landscape sketches usually start with outlining general shapes, with finer details added later in the process.
8. The Influence on the Viewer
The impact of a painting relies on its ability to engage viewers. Does it capture their attention? A painting that effectively captivates the viewer is considered more valuable. This influence is manifested through the colors and their effective use in the artwork. Each color evokes a unique response, and when combined, they create a distinct impression on the viewer.
9. Oil Painting Techniques
The value of artwork isn’t solely determined by painting techniques, but these techniques do significantly influence its worth. Techniques that require more time, difficulty, or labor tend to enhance the value of the artwork. Oil painting encompasses various techniques, each contributing to the complexity and value of the piece. For example, Alla Prima or wet-on-wet painting involves applying paint directly to the canvas without an underpainting, offering a quicker drying process but presenting its own challenges, thus lending a unique value to paintings executed in this manner. Impasto is another technique where paint is applied with a palette knife, resulting in visually striking and valuable effects.
The meticulous underpainting technique involves applying a thin layer of paint, allowing it to dry, and then adding intricate details. Additionally, layering paint on dry colors creates depth in the artwork. The time-intensive nature of these techniques adds layers of value to the artwork.
10. The Type of Drying Oil Used in Painting
Drying oil, commonly extracted from nuts or seeds, is essential in oil paint production. While linseed oil is most popular, other oils like poppy, sunflower, and walnut are also used. The slow-drying nature of oil paint allows for gradual painting development, offering flexibility for adjustments. Oil paints blend well, enabling subtle color variations and detailed effects. They can be thinned with solvents and dry at different speeds depending on thickness and pigments used, gradually hardening over decades.
In summary, the enduring worth of an oil painting is influenced by various factors including authenticity, materials used, artist reputation, artwork condition, subject matter, techniques employed, and type of drying oil utilized. Each element contributes to the overall value of the painting, making oil paintings highly cherished cultural treasures appreciated for their timeless allure and ability to captivate viewers.
Resources:
https://www.britannica.com/art/oil-painting
https://www.wildlifeandart.com/blogs/the-painters-block/history-of-oil-paint
https://australian.museum/learn/cultures/international-collection/ancient-egyptian/art-in-ancient-egypt/#:~:text=In%20ancient%20Egypt%2C%20art%20was,in%20life%20and%20in%20death.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_of_Socrates
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/o/oil-paint#:~:text=The%20drying%20oil%20is%20a,oils%20can%20also%20been%20used.
