The signature of an oil painting is related to the commercial nature of the oil painting. At first, painters used signatures as a sign of publicity. They signed their names on their works in order to expand their influence and increase orders for their works. Over time, signatures became a common practice for painters.

According to historical records, the signature of oil painters can be seen in the works of Arleich Dürer. Dürer signed the picture by combining the two letters A and D at the beginning of his name.

Oil painters’ signatures come in various forms, but they are usually signed in an inconspicuous place in the corner. Some painters sign their names in "props" or patterns to integrate them with the painting. For example, Holbein's signature in "Portrait of Ammerbach" is written on a wooden sign on the tree in the background. Delacroix's "Liberty Leading the People" is signed on the sloping wood in the distance. Serov's "The Girl and the Peach" is signed on the lower right, close to the tablecloth.

The pinyin letters of the commonly used abbreviations of oil painters in my country. Modern painters often sign their names directly or use pinyin and name combinations. They also sign the year of creation and the title of the work on the back of the painting. Exhibited works must indicate the size of the work, the material of the work, the year of creation, the author and work unit, and the detailed mailing address. Some painters also often set special marks in the middle or corners of the painting to avoid imitation. It is often used by painters to sign one's own name on the picture. For example, the painter Mr. Hu Yichuan signed his name with "Chuan", which is concise and easy to distinguish.