Which statement about oil painting is true?

• A. It originated in ancient Greece with quick-drying properties.
• B. It dries almost instantly and cannot be blended.
• C. It was developed in the 15th century in Northern Europe and uses linseed oil as a binder, allowing slow drying and glazes.
• D. It is exclusively used for watercolor effects.

Answer: (C)

Oil painting is defined by its slow-drying binder and the ability to blend and build color through glazing. It was developed in Northern Europe during the 15th century, using linseed oil as the traditional binder. The oil keeps pigment in suspension and dries gradually, giving painters a long window to mix tones, soften edges, and layer translucent glazes that create depth and luminosity.

The other statements don’t fit because oil paint doesn’t come from ancient Greece, it doesn’t dry instantly, and it isn’t limited to watercolor-like effects. This medium enables blending and rich, layered surfaces thanks to that slow drying and the linseed oil binder.