<P> Most Renaissance sources , in particular Vasari , credited northern European painters of the 15th century , and Jan van Eyck in particular , with the `` invention '' of painting with oil media on wood panel supports ( `` support '' is the technical term for the underlying backing of a painting ) . However , Theophilus ( Roger of Helmarshausen ? ) clearly gives instructions for oil - based painting in his treatise , On Various Arts , written in 1125 . At this period , it was probably used for painting sculptures , carvings and wood fittings , perhaps especially for outdoor use . However , early Netherlandish painting in the 15th century was the first to make oil the usual painting medium , and explore the use of layers and glazes , followed by the rest of Northern Europe , and only then Italy . </P>
<P> Most Renaissance sources , in particular Vasari , credited northern European painters of the 15th century , and Jan van Eyck in particular , with the `` invention '' of painting with oil media on wood panel supports ( `` support '' is the technical term for the underlying backing of a painting ) . However , Theophilus ( Roger of Helmarshausen ? ) clearly gives instructions for oil - based painting in his treatise , On Various Arts , written in 1125 . At this period , it was probably used for painting sculptures , carvings and wood fittings , perhaps especially for outdoor use . However , early Netherlandish painting in the 15th century was the first to make oil the usual painting medium , and explore the use of layers and glazes , followed by the rest of Northern Europe , and only then Italy . </P>
where did painters perfect the technique of painting with an oil medium
where did painters perfect the technique of painting with an oil medium
Netherlandish painting
Netherlandish painting