A stretched canvas is a type of support used for painting, typically made from cotton or linen fabric. The fabric is tightly pulled over a wooden frame, known as a stretcher, and secured at the back. This creates a smooth, taut surface that artists can paint on, allowing for a variety of techniques and styles. Stretched canvases come in various sizes and can be pre-primed with gesso, which prepares the surface for paint. They are popular among artists, including famous figures like Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, for their versatility and ease of use in both oil and acrylic painting.