Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is the definition of realism in art?

1 Answer
What is the definition of realism in art?
In art, the definition of realism is work that 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. Realism as an artistic movement usually refers to 19th-century French artists such as Honoré Daumier, who explored social and political issues in biting prints, and Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet, who painted people 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. On 1stDibs, shop a range of realist art.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
Shop for Realist Art on 1stDibs
"L'Hiver a Paris" original etching on japon paper
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original etching and drypoint with aquatint and roulette. This is an exquisite impression on japon paper, of what is arguably the most famous Felix Buhot etching. Executed in...
Category

1880s Realist Prints and Multiples

Materials

Etching

Garden peonies
Located in Zofingen, AG
A lush bouquet of soft pink peonies is gracefully arranged in a clear glass vase, set against a deep cherry-hued background. Delicate petals have gently fallen onto a weathered woode...
Category

2010s Realist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Sous l'averse" original etching and aquatint
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original etching and aquatint with drypoint. Catalogue reference Bourcard/Goodfriend 154. This work is also known as "Le petit enterrement". Printed in 1902 on laid paper and...
Category

Early 1900s Realist Prints and Multiples

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Wikiva Basin, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
This oil painting captures the quiet beauty of a Florida marsh. Palm trees and billowing clouds add depth and balance to the composition. Artist Kent Sullivan u...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Sparrow-hawk Bird Watercolor on Paper Handmade Painting, One of a Kind
Located in Granada Hills, CA
444 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2025 Style: Classic Art Title: Sparrow-hawk Size: 12 x 16 i...
Category

2010s Realist Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

"Study of a Goat's Head" Frans Lebret (Dutch, 1820-1909)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"Study of a Goat" Frans Lebret (Netherlands, 1820-1909) Oil on paper on wood panel 9 x 10 (13 1/2 x 14 1/4 frame) inches Initialled lower right This is a simply stunning and deeply ...
Category

1870s Realist Animal Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil, Wood Panel

Shop All