Who is credited as the inventor of modern oil paint as we know it today?

Jan Van Eyck is credited as the inventor of modern oil paint as we know it today due to his significant advancements in the medium during the early Renaissance period. Although oil painting existed prior to Van Eyck, he was instrumental in refining the technique and developing a more versatile and stable medium that allowed for greater detail, depth, and luminosity.

His innovation involved using oil as a binder for pigments, which provided artists with the ability to create a wide range of textures and subtle color blends. This approach also extended the drying times of paint, giving artists more time to manipulate and layer their work. Van Eyck's meticulous technique is evident in his works, such as "The Arnolfini Portrait," showcasing the potential of oil paint in capturing realism and intricate details.

This proficiency in oil painting laid a foundation for future artists, impacting the trajectory of Western art, which is why his contributions are recognized as revolutionary in the medium's development.