Oil painting as a technique in the creation of visual art has a long history, dating back to ancient times. However, the specific invention of oil painting as it is commonly understood today is often attributed to Northern European artists of the 15th century during the Northern Renaissance.

The development and popularization of oil painting are associated with the use of oil as a medium for suspending pigments. Artists began to mix pigments with linseed oil, which dried more slowly than the previously used egg tempera. This slow drying time allowed artists to work with the paint for longer periods, enabling them to achieve more complex and detailed compositions.

One of the early pioneers of the oil painting technique was Jan van Eyck, a Flemish painter of the 15th century. His meticulous and detailed works, such as the famous "Arnolfini Portrait," showcased the possibilities of the oil medium.

The use of oil painting spread across Europe during the Renaissance and became the dominant painting technique during the 16th century. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Titian further contributed to the refinement and popularity of oil painting.

While oil painting became widely adopted during the Renaissance, it's important to note that artists in other parts of the world, such as China, had also been using oil-based pigments in combination with various binders for centuries before the European Renaissance. However, the specific techniques and styles associated with the European tradition of oil painting distinguish it as a significant development in the history of art.