Color matching of polychromic easel oil paintings in the presence of different light sources and the differentiation of the paintings. Paintings were classified according to the color matching properties determined in the presence of these light sources. Coloring is the only criterion that characterizes the dependence of chromatic properties of works of art on color matching with light sources. Exhibition lighting of paintings of any color combinations requires five light sources to insure satisfactory color matching. Light sources are selected by taking into account the damaging effects of the visible parts of the spectrum.