Realist Art
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
Lemons with bowl & lime, classic still life oil painting by Tim Snowdon
Located in BUNGENDORE, AU
Original artwork by Tim Snowdon
Lemons with bowl and lime, oil on linen, 35.5cm x 40.5cm, 2021
A part of Snowdon's exhibition ‘Conversations’, this piece ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art
Materials
Oil, Linen
The Old Club
Located in Clinton Township, MI
The Old Club is a well known private boat club located in the St.Clair Flats, Michigan.
This print is excellent for decorating with a nautical theme.
Category
Late 20th Century Realist Art
Materials
Lithograph
Magic Realism Acrylic Portraiture Painting, "Badseed" by Christopher Polentz
Located in San Diego, CA
A 10” x 11.5” x 1” Magical Realism Acrylic Portrait Painting executed on Vellum by artist Christopher Polentz. A certificate of authenticity will accompany the piece upon its purchas...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Acrylic, Vellum
Winter's Warm Embrace, Oil Painting
By Jo Galang
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Deep within a forest on the West Coast, golden winter light bathes the scene. Despite the chilliness of the season, the magnificence of the surroundings prevail...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Magic Realism Acrylic Portrait, "Stenographer" by Christopher Polentz
Located in San Diego, CA
A 16” x 22” x 3” Magical Realism Acrylic Portrait Painting executed on Wood Panel with Custom Framing and Found Objects by artist Christopher Polentz. A certificate of authenticity w...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Found Objects, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Marquette Lighthouse: Lake Superior
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Marquette Lighthouse is a well known landmark for anyone who has visited the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! This is signed by the artist Leo Kuschel who lived near the Great Lakes. I...
Category
20th Century Realist Art
Materials
Lithograph
Alpine Valley Landscape with High Hills and River 19th Century Oil Painting
Located in Stockholm, SE
This artwork captures all the beauty of the German valley in the lower Alps, showcasing a breathtaking scenery that includes ruins atop high hills, hazed mountains in the distance, s...
Category
Late 19th Century Realist Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Cotton Canvas, Oil
Oberwesel on Rhein Scenic Landscape 19th century British Master Oil Painting
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painting is signed “H. Gritten” in the lower center. Spectacular depiction of one of most picturesque town on the middle Rhein was painted in the mid-19th century by British artist H...
Category
Mid-19th Century Realist Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Cotton Canvas, Oil
Waxwing flew in. 2021., canvas, oil, 60x70 cm
By Igor Maikov
Located in Riga, LV
Waxwing flew in. 2021., canvas, oil, 60x70 cm
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Magic Realism Acrylic Portrait Painting, "Comet" by Christopher Polentz
Located in San Diego, CA
A 18” x 9.5” x 3” Magical Realism Acrylic Portrait Painting executed on Vellum by artist Christopher Polentz. A certificate of authenticity will accompany the piece upon its purchase...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Acrylic, Vellum
Magic Realism Acrylic Portraiture Painting, "Brother" by Christopher Polentz
Located in San Diego, CA
A 15” x 19” x 1” Magical Realism Acrylic Portrait Painting executed on Wood Panel with Custom Framing by artist Christopher Polentz. A certificate of authenticity will accompany the ...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Acrylic, Wood Panel
Cabane Lake in the Pyrenees Landscape . figurative. lake.mountains. blue
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
cabane. lake in the Pyrenees Landscape . figurative. lake.mountains. blue
Original watercolor by the Spanish artist
Joaquin Cabane. 1922/1993
Painter and watercolorist, Joaquim Caba...
Category
1990s Realist Art
Materials
Watercolor
Black Welsh Cob. Wales Native Heritage Horse Breed Society.
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Elin Siân Blake.
Welsh ( b.1981).
Black Welsh Cob.
Charcoal on paper.
Signed lower right.
Image size 7.7 inches x 10.4 inches ( 19.5cm x 26.5cm ).
Frame size 16.5 inches x 18.1 inc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art
Materials
Paper, Charcoal
Stable Friends. Welsh Farmer. Turning Horses. Camaraderie Across Generations
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Elin Siân Blake.
Welsh ( b.1981).
Stable Friends.
Pastels on colored paper.
Signed lower right.
Image size 11.2 inches x 7.7 inches ( 28.5cm x 19.5cm ).
Frame size 18.7 inches x 15....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art
Materials
Paper, Pastel
City park at winter. 2023., canvas, oil, 60x74.5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
City park at winter. 2023., canvas, oil, 60x74.5 cm
Rolands Krishjans (1966)
In 1984 I finished J. Rozenthals art school in Riga.
In 1993 I graduated from Latvian Art Academy with...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Antique Bottle Collection. Chemist Shop. Garden Dig Finds. Victorian Dump Tip
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Elin Siân Blake.
Welsh ( b.1981).
Antique Bottle Collection.
Oil on canvas.
Signed lower left.
Image size 11.2 inches x 9.3 inches ( 28.5cm x 23.5cm ).
Frame size 16.3 inches x 14.2...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Lido Life, Slim Aarons Estate Photograph in Venice, Italy
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lido Life: A group of friends squeeze onto an inflatable raft at the Venice Lido, Venice, Italy, 1957.
This vibrant photograph by Slim Aarons, taken in 1957 at the Venice Lido, enca...
Category
1950s Realist Art
Materials
Lambda
Original Magic Realism Acrylic Animal Painting, Christopher Polentz, "Eagle"
Located in San Diego, CA
A 4.5” x 10” x .5” Surrealism Acrylic Portrait Painting executed on Vellum by artist Christopher Polentz. A certificate of authenticity will accompany the piece upon its purchase or ...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Acrylic
A Man of Mangea 1784 final voyage of Captain Cook by John Webber
By John Webber
Located in Paonia, CO
A Man of Mangea is from the 1784 First Edition Atlas Accompanying Capt. James Cook and King; Third and Final Voyage of Captain James Cook. John Webber (1752-1793) was the official a...
Category
1780s Realist Art
Materials
Engraving
Ty Nain (Grandma’s House). A Welsh Cottage Interior. Hearth. Cast Iron Oven.
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Elin Siân Blake.
Welsh ( b.1981).
Ty Nain (Grandma’s House).
Oil on artist’s canvas board.
Signed lower left.
Image size 19.5 inches x 15.6 inches ( 49.5cm x 39.5cm ).
Frame size 22...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Polo Match, Cirencester, Player Leading Pony. Cotswolds. Framed Watercolor.
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Elin Siân Blake.
Welsh ( b.1981).
Polo Match, Cirencester, Player Leading Pony.
Watercolor on paper.
Signed lower right.
Image size 11.2 inches x 15.4 inches ( 28.5cm x 39cm ).
Fram...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
Polo Match, Cirencester, The First Chukka. Cotswolds. Parkland.Framed Watercolor
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Elin Siân Blake.
Welsh ( b.1981).
Polo Match, Cirencester, The First Chukka.
Watercolor on paper.
Signed lower right.
Image size 11.2 inches x 15.6 inches ( 28.5cm x 39.5cm ).
Frame...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
Polo Match, Cirencester, Player and Pony. Cotswolds. Parkland. Framed Watercolor
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Elin Siân Blake.
Welsh ( b.1981).
Polo Match, Cirencester, Player and Pony.
Watercolor on paper.
Signed lower right.
Image size 15.2 inches x 11.6 inches ( 38.5cm x 29.5cm ).
Frame...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
Milly with Minstrel. Children with their Pony in Dappled Summer Sunlight.
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Harold Walton Freckleton.
English ( b.1890 - d.1979 ).
Milly with Minstrel.
Oil on Canvas.
Signed lower right.
Image size 24.4 inches x 29.52 inches ( 62cm x 75cm ).
Frame size 30.7 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Realist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Winter in the city. Oil on canvas, 73.5x85 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Winter on Barona Street. Oil on canvas, 73.5x85 cm
Rolands Krishjans (1966)
In 1984 I finished J. Rozenthals art school in Riga.
In 1993 I graduated from Latvian Art Academy with d...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary Surrealism Acrylic Portrait, Christopher Polentz, "Princess II"
Located in San Diego, CA
A 17"x 64" x 3" Magical Realism Acrylic Portrait Painting executed on Wood Panel with Custom Framing by artist Christopher Polentz. A certificate of authenticity will accompany the p...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Acrylic, Wood Panel
Eton College watercolour
Located in London, GB
To see more, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller."
Francis Barraud (1856 - 1924)
Eton College
Watercolour
12 x 18 cm
Inscribed f...
Category
20th Century Realist Art
Materials
Watercolor
Rosie Pink, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Jo Beer
Located in Yardley, PA
I love Rosie’s quirky style, it’s sort of steampunk. Her hair colour changes frequently so I captured her pink phase. I wanted a slightly kitsch feel so added an Orla Kiely p...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Rocks. 2023, canvas, oil, 75x90 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Rocks. 2023, canvas, oil, 75x90 cm
Rolands Krishjans (1966)
In 1984 I finished J. Rozenthals art school in Riga.
In 1993 I graduated from Latvian Art Academy with degree in monume...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
When I was a Boy. Upper Class Country Pursuits Interior. Victorian. Edwardian.
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
John Arthur Lomax.
English ( b.1857 - d.1923 ).
When I was a Boy.
Oil on Panel. Signed.
Image size 9.5 inches x 11.4 inches ( 24cm x 29cm ).
Frame size 17.3 inches x 19.5 inches ( ...
Category
Late 19th Century Realist Art
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
Family Portrait Mother with Children Playing Coins Framed Antique Oil Painting
Located in Stockholm, SE
Family genre scene late 19th early 20th century. The boy, tired of posing for a portrait painter, decided to play by spinning a coin on the table, this game greatly impressed his you...
Category
Early 20th Century Realist Art
Materials
Wood, Oil, Cardboard
Matthew Jay Russell, "Three Dories", 30x48 White Boat Blue Seascape Oil Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
"Three Dories" is a 30x48 oil painting on canvas by artist Matthew Jay Russell, featuring three lone white rowboats in the still soft blue waters. The subtle lighting blends the hori...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Mother and child
Located in Täby, SE
Teuvo Kotilainen was born in 1925 in Rääkylä and died 2010 in Tampere. He was a finnish sculptor inspired by Jussi Mäntynen and his lynxs and he performed several himself but also or...
Category
1970s Realist Art
Materials
Bronze
Wolf Guardian Peering From the Shadows in a Woodland Landscape
Located in Charleston, US
Valarie Wolf's animal painting "From the Shadows" unveils a majestic wolf, piercingly gazing out from the depths of the forest underbrush, inviting you into a world of enchantment ...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Slim Aarons 'Venice Gondolas', Estate Edition
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gondolas moored in Venice, 1957. In the background is the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, on San Giorgio Maggiore island.
Captured with the exquisite clarity and charm that epitomiz...
Category
1950s Realist Art
Materials
Lambda
A Young Woman of Otaheite, Dancing (Tahiti) 1784 Captain Cooks Voyage by Webber
By John Webber
Located in Paonia, CO
A Young Woman of Taheite Dancing (Tahiti) is from the 1784 First Edition Atlas Accompanying Capt. James Cook and King; Third and Final Voyage of Captain James Cook.John Webber (1752-...
Category
1780s Realist Art
Materials
Engraving
What's the Deal, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
I myself am not a gambler but I do find casinos a wonderful source for entertainment and observation. Body and facial language tells us a great deal of what is happening behind the ...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Cabane Landscape Pyrenees original realist watercolor painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Landscape Pyrenees original realist watercolor painting
Original work on paper by the Spanish artist CABANE
Joaquin Cabene. 1922/1993
Painter and watercolorist, Joaquim Cabané trave...
Category
Late 20th Century Realist Art
Materials
Watercolor
A Man of Kamtschatka (Russia) 1784 Captain Cooks Final voyage by John Webber
By John Webber
Located in Paonia, CO
A Man of Kamtschatka (Russia) is from the 1784 First Edition Atlas Accompanying Capt. James Cook and King; Third and Final Voyage of Captain James Cook. John Webber (1752-1793) was t...
Category
1780s Realist Art
Materials
Engraving
Caps of the Natives of Oonalashka (Alaska) Captain Cooks Voyage by John Webber
By John Webber
Located in Paonia, CO
Caps of the Natives of Oonalashka (Alaska) is from the 1784 First Edition Atlas Accompanying Capt. James Cook and King; Third and Final Voyage of Captain James Cook. John Webber (175...
Category
1780s Realist Art
Materials
Engraving
Sins of My Neighbour, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting refers to benefiting from the evils of others while not directly participating but permitting it to occur. The fox kills the ravens feast. :: Painting :: Realism :: Thi...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Contemporary portrait "Poolside Party"
Located in Zofingen, AG
It's strange to paint frills and ruffles when all I have in my head are post-apocalyptic images. But I've never swum in a pool, nor have I been to a real party, even when I was in sc...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
A View at Bolcheretzko (Russia) 1784 Captains Cook Final Voyage by John Webber
By John Webber
Located in Paonia, CO
A View at Bolcheretzko (Russia) is from the 1784 First Edition Atlas Accompanying Capt. James Cook and King; Third and Final Voyage of Captain James Cook.John Webber (1752-1793) was ...
Category
1780s Realist Art
Materials
Engraving
Betrayal, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Our society throughout time has guided its direction by how it has raised its young. Betrayal has always been a part of their upbringing. :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes ...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Rose. 1991, cardboard, oil, 34x24 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Rose. 1991, cardboard, oil, 34x24 cm
by Uldis Zemzaris (born 1928.24.II)
Uldis Zemzaris graduated from J. Rozentāls Riga Art High School (1953) and the Painting Department of the L...
Category
1990s Realist Art
Materials
Oil, Cardboard
Can this be comedy cried the clown?, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Can this be comedy cried the clown? If this is red, replied the ring master. The elephant farted, the tiger roared, centre ring faded to black. I enjoy being creative. For me th...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Ballroom Dancing
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Couples Ballroom Dancing is a very attractive print that is VERY nicely framed-- A wonderful accent to a living room or bedroom!
16 x 16 in size and it is wired and ready to hang.
Category
20th Century Realist Art
Materials
Lithograph
José Jiménez Aranda, Hussars at Rest
Located in Madrid, ES
JOSÉ JIMÉNEZ ARANDA
Spanish, 1837 - 1903
HUSSARS AT REST
signed, located and dated “Jz. Aranda. / Paris 1884.” (lower left)
oil on wood panel
21 x 26-5/8 inches (53.5 x 67.5 cm)
fram...
Category
1880s Realist Art
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
Trepidation, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Children seem to be always mesmerized by animals regardless of the animal's temperament. I wanted to set up a composition that would represent a condition for parental angst. A nan...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Heat Beneath My Feet, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Mortality is the Question. :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Yes :: Signat...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Tiger Tail Harvest, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
I'm uncertain what the motivation is to paint small observations in a large format. But I gave it a try here after having returned from my morning jog. While I was out I came acros...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Fall's Complement, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Fall is such a wonderful time with its bright sunshine, puffy clouds and the smells, oh the smells. The crisp breeze brings different fragrances to me as I brush by the fallen leav...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil
Pocket Snowdrop 4, Original painting, Baroque Still Life, Floral art, Flower
Located in Deddington, GB
Pocket Snowdrop 4 is an original oil painting by Dani Humberstone as part of her Pocket Painting series featuring small scale realistic oil paintings, with a nod to baroque still lif...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Caesar on his way to Pompeii. 1999, canvas, oil, 40x50 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Caesar on his way to Pompeii. 1999, canvas, oil, 40x50 cm
Category
1990s Realist Art
Materials
Oil, Canvas
One to Three, colorful super real candy oil painting
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One of a series of paintings of candy, or actually of the wrappers. The cellophane provides transparency, reflections and brilliant color which is a treat and a challenge to paint. I...
Category
2010s Realist Art
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Lido Life, Slim Aarons Estate Photograph in Venice, Italy
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lido Life: A group of friends squeeze onto an inflatable raft at the Venice Lido, Venice, Italy, 1957.
This vibrant photograph by Slim Aarons, taken in 1957 at the Venice Lido, enca...
Category
1950s Realist Art
Materials
Lambda
Oxford cityscape #1
By Ken Messer
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Oxford Cityscape #1" 1972 is a watercolor by noted architectural British artist, Ken Messer 1931-2017. It is signed and dated at the lower right corner by the artist. The artwork size is 20 x 11.25 inches, framed is 26,85 x 17.75 inches. It is custom framed in his original wooden gold and green frame. Artwork and frame are in very good condition.
About the artist.
After attending City of Oxford High School for Boys, where he excelled at rugby and cricket, he started work as an accountant in the city.
He then moved on to become a steward for the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). In the 1960’s Mr Messer was involved in a car accident which would end his sporting career and change his working life.
When he left his job with BOAC he became a graphic designer at Pergamon Press, owned by Robert Maxwell, which allowed him time to pursue his real passion which was painting watercolours.
He rose through the ranks at Pergamon to become studio manager and when he could progress no further he decided to become a full time artist, a role from which he never retired.
He quickly became well-known for his paintings of Oxford...
Category
Late 20th Century Realist Art
Materials
Watercolor
Britt Ekland, Estate Edition
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Film star Britt Ekland (Britt-Marie Eklund) in Porto Ercole, Italy.
Slim Aarons Estate Edition, Certificate of Authenticity included
Numbered and stampe...
Category
1960s Realist Art
Materials
Lambda
Realist art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Realist art 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. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Slim Aarons, Michael Budden, Daniel Pollera, and Su Yu. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint 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 art, so small editions measuring 0.1 inches across are also available.
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