How can you tell if a painting is oil or a lithograph?

Answer 1

You can distinguish an oil painting from a lithograph by examining the texture and surface. Oil paintings typically have a rich, textured surface with visible brush strokes, while lithographs are usually smooth and may appear flat, as they are printed from a stone or metal plate. Additionally, you can look for signs of layering and blending in oil paintings, which are less common in lithographs. Lastly, checking the back of the artwork may provide clues; oil paintings often have canvas or wood supports, while lithographs are usually on paper.