Canvas sheets are a form of support medium for oil painting. While the term “canvas” refers technically to the extremely durable plain-woven fabric material, its use in art is so ubiquitous that “canvas” may be used to refer to canvas sheets. The use of canvas sheets originated in 14th-century Italy, but did not become widespread until the 16th and 17th centuries. Modern-day artists still use them, and they are the most popular form of support medium in oil painting today.
