Figurative Paintings
1960s Modern Figurative Paintings
Watercolor, Paper
1960s Post-War Figurative Paintings
Enamel
1960s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil
1960s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
1960s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
1960s Realist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas
1960s American Modern Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
1980s Post-War Figurative Paintings
Cotton, Oil, Canvas
1980s Post-War Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Cotton, Oil
Late 19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Wood, Oil
Mid-20th Century Post-War Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
1920s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil
1840s Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Late 19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Wood, Cotton Canvas, Oil
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas, Mixed Media
1920s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Board
2010s Realist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
1960s Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings
Oil, Panel
1960s Abstract Figurative Paintings
Oil, Canvas
1960s Post-Modern Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
1960s Cubist Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
1960s Modern Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
Figurative Paintings for Sale
Figurative art, as opposed to abstract art, retains features from the observable world in its representational depictions of subject matter. Most commonly, figurative paintings reference and explore the human body, but they can also include landscapes, architecture, plants and animals — all portrayed with realism.
While the oldest figurative art dates back tens of thousands of years to cave wall paintings, figurative works made from observation became especially prominent in the early Renaissance. Artists like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and other Renaissance masters created naturalistic representations of their subjects.
Pablo Picasso is lauded for laying the foundation for modern figurative art in the 1920s. Although abstracted, this work held a strong connection to representing people and other subjects. Other famous figurative artists include Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud. Figurative art in the 20th century would span such diverse genres as Expressionism, Pop art and Surrealism.
Today, a number of figural artists — such as Sedrick Huckaby, Daisy Patton and Eileen Cooper — are making art that uses the human body as its subject.
Because figurative art represents subjects from the real world, natural colors are common in these paintings. A piece of figurative art can be an exciting starting point for setting a tone and creating a color palette in a room.
Browse an extensive collection of figurative paintings on 1stDibs.