The History of Oil Paint

September 9, 2007

when did it start? 1410
is it still in use? Yes
where did it come from? Ancient Rome and Greece
when was it in its prime? 15th century up to today
who are some significant figures in its development as a technology? Jan Van Eyck, Antonello da Messina, Leonardo da Vinci, Peter Paul Rubens
what are some well-known examples of its use? Man in the Red Turban, Raft of the Medusa, The Oath of the Horatii

TECHNOLOGY
how does the medium encode information? what materials does it use? Pigment is suspended in a carrier, usually linseed oil.
what are the physical characteristics of the medium? Oil Paint is a viscous substance. Substances can be added to it to change its characteristics. Oil can be thinned out, or made very thick.
how long does it last? how might it change over time? Oil paint can last for centuries, depending on what it is made up of. Many oils will yellow and crack over time. As Oil hardens it chemically bonds to become one large surface.
what is it best at doing? Oil paint is best at mimicking life. It has the ability to transition one color to another very smoothly. Oil can also be used for more graphic work when other addatives are used.
is it portable? Yes

PERCEPTION
which senses does it best engage? The visual
which senses does it not engage? Hearing, taste
what limits exist to perception for your technology? (ie, what
conditions are best for perceiving it?) A well lit room is necessary for adequately viewing a painting. Natural light is a preference, and a white wall as a backdrop work best.

ENVIRONMENT
with what institutions is it associated? Academia, Art Museums, Galleries
who funds for the production? Private patrons, museums, galleries, schools, government
what associations do we have with it? Classic art, fine art, the Canon
who is it for? Anyone