From a broad macro perspective, oil painting can be categorically divided into two major branches: creative works based on objective reproduction and those based on subjective expression.

After periods such as the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Academism, Romanticism, Realism, and Photorealism, artists have employed different styles and techniques to convey their ideas and purposes.

The works associated with these movements fall under the category of creative works based on objective reproduction.

Baroque, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries, was originally characterized by the term "Baroque," signifying untidiness, twisted forms, and grotesqueness. Painters of this movement, such as Rubens, embraced strong, exaggerated, dynamic, and flamboyant artistic language, promoting the distortion of movement and the richness and volume of form.

The Rococo school, prevalent in the 18th century, derived its name from the shape of a shell, embodying a cumbersome, delicate, slender, and sweet art style. Representative painters, including Watteau and Fragonard, captured the essence of Rococo with their intricate works.

Classicism and Academism, rooted in the respect for the aesthetic principles of ancient Greece and Rome, focused on symmetry, balance in composition, solemnity, splendor, sublimity, and upward momentum. Artists such as Raphael and Ingres exemplified these principles, as they emphasized exquisite technique and in-depth portrayal.

Romanticism, emerging in France in the early 19th century, was marked by works like Géricault's "Raft of the Medusa." This movement emphasized the expression of feelings and imagination, breaking away from the strict compositions of classical art. The use of dynamic composition, expressive light, and color conveyed passion and emotion in Romantic paintings.

Realism, as exemplified by works like Millet's "Gleaners," prioritized faithfulness to the object to represent a true-to-life visual image, reflecting the essence of real life. This movement sought to capture the ordinary and the mundane with precision.

Drawing parallels between art and psychology, Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs provides a framework for understanding human motivations. Similarly, the emotional content of oil paintings can be divided into five levels: hyper-realistic, realistic, impressionistic, abstract, and hyper-abstract.

This classification does not imply a hierarchical judgment; rather, it seeks to explore the relationship between the chosen painting language and the artist's emotions.

The evolution of oil painting reflects the diverse creative expressions of artists throughout history.

The distinction between objective reproduction and subjective expression showcases the vast range of styles and techniques employed by painters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of artistic movements and cultural evolution.

Artistic expression, particularly in oil painting, serves as a mirror reflecting the cultural and societal ethos of different eras. The diverse movements mentioned—Realism, Romanticism, Baroque, and more—underscore the evolution of artistic techniques and thematic explorations.

Beyond mere stylistic nuances, these movements encapsulate societal shifts, from the rigid symmetry of Classicism to the emotional turbulence of Romanticism.

The parallel drawn between Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of human needs and the emotional content of paintings is intriguing. This conceptual framework transcends the canvas, delving into the intricacies of human psychology and the artist's quest for self-actualization.

The notion of categorizing paintings into emotional tiers—hyper-realistic, realistic, impressionistic, abstract, and hyper-abstract—adds a nuanced layer to artistic interpretation.

It fosters an understanding that goes beyond aesthetics, emphasizing the interconnectedness of emotions, societal context, and the artist's unique journey.

In essence, oil painting becomes a dynamic dialogue between the past and present, manifesting as a timeless expression of the human experience.