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Realist Abstract Sculptures

REALIST STYLE

Realist art attempts to portray its subject matter without artifice. Similar to naturalism, authentic realist paintings and prints see an integration of true-to-life colors, meticulous detail and linear perspectives for accurate portrayals of the world. 

Work that involves illusionistic techniques of realism dates back to the classical world, such as the deceptive trompe l’oeil used since ancient Greece. Art like this became especially popular in the 17th century when Dutch artists like Evert Collier painted objects that appeared real enough to touch. Realism as an artistic movement, however, usually refers to 19th-century French realist artists such as Honoré Daumier exploring social and political issues in biting lithographic prints, while the likes of Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet painting people — particularly the working class — with all their imperfections, navigating everyday urban life. This was a response to the dominant academic art tradition that favored grand paintings of myth and history. 

By the turn of the 20th century, European artists, such as the Pre-Raphaelites, were experimenting with nearly photographic realism in their work, as seen in the attention to every botanical attribute of the flowers surrounding the drowned Ophelia painted by English artist John Everett Millais.

Although abstraction was the guiding style of 20th-century art, the realism trend in American modern art endured in Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth and other artists’ depictions of the complexities of the human experience. In the late 1960s, Photorealism emerged with artists like Chuck Close and Richard Estes giving their paintings the precision of a frame of film.

Contemporary artists such as Jordan Casteel, LaToya Ruby Frazier and Aliza Nisenbaum are now using the unvarnished realist approach for honest representations of people and their worlds. Alongside traditional mediums, technology such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and immersive installations are helping artists create new sensations of realism in art.

​​Find authentic realist paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Realist
Hyperreal Blue Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Blue hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. These hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble real wa...
Category

2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Hyperreal Pink Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Pink hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. These hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble real wa...
Category

2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Hyperreal Lemonade Yellow Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hyperreal lemonade yellow glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etc...
Category

2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Hyperreal Blue Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Blue hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. These hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble real wa...
Category

2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Hyperreal Green Lagoon Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Emerald green glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. 100% hot sculpted glass. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted ...
Category

2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Hyperreal Green, Pink & Purple Glass Balloon Sculpture Set
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 3 hyperreal glass water balloon sculptures by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glas...
Category

2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Hyperreal Light Purple Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Light purple glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resembl...
Category

2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

"On the Wings of an Eagle", Chester Fields, Bronze and Steel Sculpture, 54x40x24
By Chester Fields
Located in Dallas, TX
"On the Wings of an Eagle by Chester Fields is one of his most popular sculptures. This is number 26 of 75 made. It is made with the following: Bronze Casting Deluxe Patina Gold Beak...
Category

1990s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Stainless Steel

Defi a Newton
Located in Palm Beach, FL
ARMAN 1928 - 2005 Bronze sculpture, 2004 Polished bronze with black patina, 2004, stamped with foundry stamp and numbered, published by Venturi Arte, Bologna Signed and numbered...
Category

Early 2000s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Gold Leaf

Bronze and steel sculpture by David Kimball Anderson 'Untitled 1'
Located in White Plains, NY
'Untitled 1' by David Kimball Anderson, 2021. Bronze, steel, and paint, 18 x 8 x 8 in. This sculpture features a rounded vase cast in bronze and finished in patinas of grey. It featu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze, Steel

Sharing Space
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Description Resting upon a golden cushion, this two-faced subject has the look of a mask that one would be able to wear. ...
Category

1990s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Marble

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Vintage Hand Blown Faceted Fruit Form Murano Glass Sculpture Vase for Arcade
Located in Surfside, FL
Vase designed by Laura de Santillana in edition for Arcade, 2001. this is from a series of tropical fruit and plant form inspired vases with the same matte, hand engraved, finish: PAPAIA, made in three different shades of green. MANGO, made in dark red glass. PASSION, made in an orange red glass. MARACUIA, made in golden yellow glass COCCO, made in brown glass Produced by maestro Simone Cenedese in Murano Mouth-blown, hand-shaped, cut glass. Country of Manufacture Italy. Signed by maker and sticker label from Arcade. Hand-Crafted LAURA DE SANTILLANA After finishing her studies, she moved to New York, where she attended the School of Visual Arts 1975 – 1977 and works with Massimo Vignelli as a graphic designer. she returned to Italy and began her active collaboration with the Venini & C, where she came in contact with many Italian and foreign artists. During this period she used the techniques of Murano to create refined works with unusual colors, perfecting the “vetro mosaico” technique. Her glassworks have received many prizes and recognitions, and are held by the most important museums of the world. She collaborated with Venini between 1976 and 1985, during which she designed a range of articles. 1995 Starts collaboration with Simone Cenedese, which continues to this day. 2001-2002 Begins working in bronze and in wax sculpture at the Fonderia Brustolin, Verona SELECT SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2018: In This Light, Galleri Glas, Stockholm 2017: Ciel Terrestre, Galerie Pierre Marie Giraud, Bruxelles 2016:Laura Diaz de Santillana, Stefan Vogdt/Galerie der Moderne, Munich Sleeves, Caterina Tognon, Venezia I fedeli, Studio Museo F. Messina, Chiesa di S. Sisto, Milano 2015: Laura de Santillana, O cha dogu, Ippodo Gallery, Tokyo, Japan 2014: Tokyo-ga, Ippodo Gallery, Tokyo, Japan 2013: Big Flats, Galerie L’Arc en Seine, Paris, France 2012: Laura de Santillana Meteors, David Richard Gallery, Santa Fe, NM, USA 2011: Grands Transparents, Galerie L’Arc en Seine, Paris, France Liquid Glass, Traver Gallery, Seattle, WA, USA 2010:Laura de Santillana, Prague Festival, Istituto di Cultura Italiano, Prague, Czech 2008: Laura de Santillana, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Los Angeles, CA, USA 2007: Khadi, Galleria Marina Barovier, Venice, Italy 2006: Bodhis, Galerie L’Arc en Seine, Paris, France Bodhis, Barry Friedman Gallery, New York, NY, USA 2005: New Work, Sanske Galerie, Zurich, Switzerland 2001Laura de Santillana Works, Museo Correr, Venice, Italy (catalog) Laura de Santillana Works, Barry Friedman Gallery, New York, NY, USA (catalog) Metals, Elliott...
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21st Century and Contemporary Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

Early 20th Century Decoratively Distressed Mirror
Located in Troy, NY
This French mirror is beautifully distressed by hand and is decorated with silver and brass over its face. The frame of the mirror is decorated with inlaid wood that creates a patter...
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20th Century Realist Abstract Sculptures

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Robert Levin Signed Hand-Blown Frosted Glass Objects In Bowl
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2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

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Vintage Hand Blown Faceted Fruit Form Murano Glass Sculpture Vase for Arcade
Located in Surfside, FL
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Early 2000s Realist Abstract Sculptures

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Emile Galle Monumental Cameo Vase, Art Nouveau 28 inches tall
Located in Miami, FL
Great price! Wonderfully intricate grape and vine motif. It creates a dominant presence in person. This is a statement piece It's on sale for a limited time only. Incredible v...
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Early 1900s Realist Abstract Sculptures

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Contemporary Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Geologic Editions #12', 2018 by David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
Please allow a three month turnaround time for piece to be made. About the Geologic Editions: The Geologic Editions are studies for Colorado Cascade Mural. David pieced together bit...
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2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

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Fire Fly - large, red, translucent, feathers, solid glass wall sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
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2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

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Contemporary Cast Glass Sculpture, 'Geologic Editions #1', 2018 by David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
Please allow a three month turnaround time for piece to be made. About the Geologic Editions: The Geologic Editions are studies for Colorado Cascade Mural. David pieced together bit...
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2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

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Stainless Steel

Shaped by fire — sculptural glass vase, volume IV, steamy translucent
Located in Helsinki, FI
sculptural glass vase, volume IV, steamy translucent approximate dimensions: 15–18 cm Shaped by fire collection of glass vessels represent...
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2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Shaped by fire — sculptural glass vase (horizontal) — volume III no.4
Located in Helsinki, FI
sculptural glass vase no.4 (horizontal) of 4 unique pieces of volume III approximate dimensions: Ø 4 x 30 cm length Shaped by fire collection of glass vessels...
Category

2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Previously Available Items
A Still-Life Realist Bronze Sculpture, "How Sweet It Is"
Located in San Diego, CA
A one of a kind 30x24x24 Still Life Realist Bronze Sculpture executed by artist Maidy Morhous. A certificate of authenticity will be provided upon its purchase or delivery. An acc...
Category

2010s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Le Monsieur qui ricane
Located in New York, NY
Bronze, modeled circa 1860 and cast later. Incised with the artist's initials and numbered 22/30. With the foundry mark Cire perdue Valsuani. Published: Gobin, "Daumier Sculpteur, 1...
Category

1860s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Le Bourgeois qui flâne
Located in New York, NY
Bronze, modeled circa 1860 and cast later. Incised with the artist's initials and numbered 13/30. With the foundry mark Cire perdue Valsuani. Published: Gobin, "Daumier Sculpteur, 1...
Category

1860s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Realist/Naturalistic Female Portrait Bust of Artist Audra Evert
Located in Houston, TX
Female bronze portrait bust of female artist Audra Evert completed while attending Ohio University. The artist Emmet Thornell beautifully captured the ...
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20th Century Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bald Eagle Marquetry Inlay
Located in Soquel, CA
Beautiful mixed-wood marquetry of bald eagle with the moon and mountains in the background, circa 1980. Signed lower right illegibly. List of types of wood ...
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1980s Realist Abstract Sculptures

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Wood

Bald Eagle Marquetry Inlay
Bald Eagle Marquetry Inlay
H 15 in W 12 in D 1 in
A Girl and Her Horse - Bronze Sculpture - Edition of Six
By Derek Wernher
Located in Soquel, CA
Sculpture of a horse and girl by Derek Wernher (American, 1938-2017). Signed and dated "WERNHER 1979©" edition -/6 on the base by the back right leg of the horse. There is felt a...
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1970s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Ghost like floating figure
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Initialed “WK” in ink on tail end of figure Kuhn’s sculptures were collected by the noted early modernist collector John Quinn (1870- 1924). Among the works in Quinn’s collection wa...
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1920s Realist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Pigment

Realist abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Realist abstract sculptures available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including David Kimball Anderson, Arman, Bela Bacsi, and Honoré Daumier. Frequently made by artists working with Bronze, and Metal and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Realist abstract sculptures, so small editions measuring 2 inches across are also available. Prices for abstract sculptures made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,850 and tops out at $21,000, while the average work sells for $12,000.

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