Expensive pigments like lapis lazuli and malachite were historically exclusive to affluent families in Western societies.

Traditional oil painting, utilizing linseed oil mixed with pigments, is renowned for its permanence and vibrant colors.

The opaque nature of oil paint allows artists to layer colors on treated canvas or board, creating a three-dimensional effect. In the late 19th century, technological advancements introduced new materials like acrylics, altering the landscape of oil painting.

Modern Western oil painting diverges significantly from classical styles. It encompasses realistic, impressionistic, and abstract forms, breaking from traditional principles to prioritize subjective expressions of thoughts, emotions, and aesthetic concepts. The early to mid-20th century saw impressionistic and abstract oil paintings dominate the Western art scene.

Contemporary oil painting reflects everyday life, depicting diverse individuals in various states. This shift from an "elegant" and "niche" focus to a more "secular" and "popular" narrative reveals a transformation in people's understanding and appreciation of oil painting.

Post-20th century, the perception of oil painting evolved beyond mere objective representation, embracing its capacity for philosophical reflection, life consciousness, and spiritual exploration. The art now emphasizes the nuanced dimensions of human experience, expanding its role in conveying complex and diverse real-world scenarios.

This shift signifies a broader societal change in recognizing the multifaceted value and significance of oil painting beyond mere visual representation.

The historical significance of expensive pigments, such as lapis lazuli and chalcopyrite, echoes the exclusivity associated with traditional Western art, mainly reserved for the elite. These opulent materials, sourced from minerals, were once a hallmark of affluence in the creation of artworks by the privileged class.

The narrative of traditional oil painting, employing linseed oil and pigments, continues to thrive as a meticulous craft on treated canvases or boards.

This technique allows for a time-tested method of rendering realistic colors that remain vibrant after drying, a characteristic that contributes to the enduring appeal of oil paintings.

The evolution of oil painting in the late 19th century marked a pivotal juncture, with innovative materials like acrylic paint challenging the hegemony of traditional oil colors.

This technological leap expanded the palette available to artists, fostering new possibilities in artistic expression. The gradual shift towards these alternative materials signaled a departure from the rigid confines of traditional oil painting, giving rise to a more dynamic and experimental era in art.

Western modern oil painting, a departure from its classical roots, transcends conventional boundaries in form and content. The emergence of realistic, impressionistic, and abstract forms has liberated artists from the constraints of traditional realism, emphasizing subjective expression over objective representation.

This departure has fostered a diverse and dynamic artistic landscape where artists draw inspiration from oriental art, utilizing light, shadow, color, and line composition in unconventional ways.

In the early to mid-20th century, impressionistic and abstract oil paintings emerged as dominant forces, challenging conventional norms and paving the way for a more nuanced understanding of artistic expression. The narrative focus shifted from the exclusive realms of the elegant and niche to the more inclusive and popular depiction of everyday life.

The 20th century marked a paradigm shift in society's perception of oil painting. No longer confined to mere visual representation, the art form began to be appreciated as a vehicle for profound philosophical reflection and an exploration of life's significance.