Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the definition of realism in art?
1 Answer

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
Related Questions
- What is the definition of Surrealism in art?1 Answer
- What is the definition of a chair?1 Answer
- What is the meaning of Realism in art?1 Answer
- Is still life art realism?1 Answer
- What art movement came after Realism?1 Answer
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