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Realist Figurative Paintings

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
"Summer Sky" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting "Summer Sky" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting. Created in 2023, this artwork measures 36 x 36 inches with a depth of 1.50 inches (91.44 x 91.44 x 3.81 ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"These Waters Are My Sky" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Introducing "These Waters Are My Sky" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting. Created in 2023, this artwork measures 24 x 36 inches with a depth of 1 inch (60.96 x 91.4...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

“Peignoir” Contemporary Fine Realist Still-Life Painting of a Peignoir, Pink
Located in Utrecht, NL
During his successful career as a goldsmith the desire to paint grew on Dutch artist René Smoorenburg (1954). The attention to detail, which was of great importance in his work as a ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

“Pears” Contemporary Fine Realist Still-Life Painting of Pears, Fruit
Located in Utrecht, NL
During his successful career as a goldsmith the desire to paint grew on Dutch artist René Smoorenburg (1954). The attention to detail, which was of great importance in his work as a ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Crest Stoos Hike, Switzerland" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting "Crest Stoos Hike, Switzerland," a captivating handmade original oil painting by Kirsten Savage, a talented artist from the United States. Created in 2022, this artwork me...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Rigi Kosterli, Switzerland" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Discover the captivating beauty of the Jurassic Coast in England through "Jurassic Coast, England" by Kirsten Savage, a talented United States-based artist. This enchanting oil paint...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Liusana" Oil Painting 59" x 47" inch by Dmitriy Krestniy
Located in Culver City, CA
"Liusana" Oil Painting 59" x 47" inch by Dmitriy Krestniy ATTENTION: Painting ships rolled in a tube. A look through Dmitriy’s designs reveals a gl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Large Oil Painting Titled: The People’s Princess
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Words in painting: I think the biggest disease the world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved. I know I can give love for a minute, for a half an...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Old Photo" Oil Painting 59" x 47" inch by Dmitriy Krestniy
Located in Culver City, CA
"Old Photo" Oil Painting 59" x 47" inch by Dmitriy Krestniy ATTENTION: Painting ships rolled in a tube. A look through Dmitriy’s designs reveals a glamor...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Fallen Goddess" Oil painting 59x47 inch by Dmitriy Krestniy
Located in Culver City, CA
"Fallen Goddess" Oil painting 59x47 inch by Dmitriy Krestniy ATTENTION: Painting ships rolled in a tube. A look through Dmitriy’s designs reveals a glamorous, feminine, provocativ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Prisoner of Love" Oil painting 47x47 inch by Dmitriy Krestniy
Located in Culver City, CA
"Prisoner of Love" Oil painting 47x47 inch by Dmitriy Krestniy 2019 ATTENTION: Painting ships rolled in a tube. A look through Dmitriy’s designs reveals a glamorous, feminine, pro...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

F. Guarana - Late 19th century Venetian view painting - Venice Rialto - Italy
Located in Varmo, IT
Venetian painter (c. 1880) - View of the Grand Canal with the Rialto Bridge in Venice. 50 x 70 cm without frame, 58 x 78 cm with frame. Oil on canvas, in a wooden frame. Work sign...
Category

Late 19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Rose flower., Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
A girl with red hair, in a white dress with a rose in her hand. Realism. Allegory of flora. Oil painting on canvas, varnished, sides painted in the color of the painting, ready to be...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Sweden" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Introducing "Sweden" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting created in 2022. This artwork measures 6 x 8 inches with a depth of 1 inch (15.24 x 20.32 x 2.54 cm) and is ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Edge of the Island" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting "Edge of the Island" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting created in 2022. This artwork measures 6 x 9 inches with a depth of 1 inch (15.24 x 22.86 x 2.54 ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Triumphal Arch" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting "Triumphal Arch" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting created in 2022. This artwork measures 6 x 8 inches (15.24 x 20.32 cm) and is thoughtfully framed, en...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Panel, Oil

"Beach Day" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting "Beach Day" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting created in 2022. This artwork measures 6 x 8 inches (15.24 x 20.32 cm) and is thoughtfully framed, enhanci...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"A Place for Prayer" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting "A Place for Prayer" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting created in 2023. This artwork measures 10 x 8 inches with a depth of 1 inch (25.40 x 20.32 x 2.54...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Mont des Arts" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting "Mont des Arts" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting created in 2022. This artwork measures 6 x 6 inches (15.24 x 15.24 cm) and is thoughtfully framed, exp...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

White Roses in a Glass - still life composition oil painting realism floral
Located in London, Chelsea
The original still life painting by Tobias Harrison is framed, stringed and ready to be displayed. The use of a grey background makes the white of the roses stand out, making this fl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Lemons in a Glass - still life oil painting realism contemporary artwork
Located in London, Chelsea
The original still life painting by Tobias Harrison is framed, stringed and ready to be displayed. Tobias Harrison was born in 1950. He grew up in the Lake District where his paren...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Backstage
Located in Santa Fe, NM
BACKSTAGE Evgeny Balakshin was born in 1962 in Saransk, Russia. A member of the Professional Union of Artists of Russia, he received systematic art education in Saransk Art School under the direct tutelage of M. P. Shanin. Evgeny has worked and exhibited in France, England, Spain, Portugal and America. His works are included in the Mordovia Republican Museum of Fine Arts, the Collection of S.D. Erzya and other private collections. The paintings of Balakshin have a deep and philosophical presence, characteristic of the Russian school of painting...
Category

Early 2000s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Rural Field Landscape Oil Painting of an Idyllic English Countryside Scene
Located in Preston, GB
Rural Field Landscape Oil Painting of an Idyllic English Countryside Scene, by British Artist Dennis Harper, ( b. 1940) Harper is best known for his Rea...
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Rococo Genre scene Beloved Couple 18th century Oil painting on panel Framed
Located in Stockholm, SE
The stunning quality of details along with tender mood of lovers’ mute communication depicted here bring us the most positive emotions. When the sun is gone and the evening is full o...
Category

Late 18th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil, Wood Panel

“Lemons” Contemporary Fine Realist Still-Life Painting of Lemons, Fruit
Located in Utrecht, NL
During his successful career as a goldsmith the desire to paint grew on Dutch artist René Smoorenburg (1954). The attention to detail, which was of great importance in his work as a ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Charlie Playing, Arie Singing
Located in New York, NY
Thelma Appel Charlie Playing, Arie Singing, 2020 Acrylic on canvas. Hand signed by the artist on the front; signed, titled and dated by the artist on the back 20 × 16 × 1/2 inches F...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

The Letter
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "TheLetter" c.1970 is an oil painting on canvas by Spanish artist Miguel Montaner, 1917-2006. It is signed at the lower right corner by the artist, also signed on the b...
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Tukums 1976, oil on board, 47.5x33.5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Tukums 1976, oil on board, 47,5x33,5 cm "Tukums" is an artwork created in 1976 using oil on board as the medium. The dimensions of the artwork are 47.5x33.5 cm. The painting is named after the city of Tukums, which is located in Latvia. The buildings portrayed in the painting vary in architectural style, reflecting the character and charm of Tukums. They are depicted with attention to detail, capturing the unique features of each structure. The artist has used various colors and brushstrokes to convey the textures and character of the buildings, adding depth and visual interest to the composition. Stanislavs Kreics...
Category

1970s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Fishing boats 1974, oil on canvas, 57x68 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Fishing boats 1974, oil on canvas, 57x68 cm "Fishing Boats" presents a peaceful and realistic portrayal of a fishing scene at sea. The combination of the fishing men, nets, boats, seagulls, and calm sea creates a narrative of human connection with nature, as the fishermen work in harmony with the elements to sustain their livelihood. The sky is populated with seagulls, adding a touch of movement and life to the scene. The painting invites viewers to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of a traditional fishing lifestyle and the serenity of the maritime environment. Stanislavs Kreics...
Category

1970s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"First Day in Amsterdam" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting "First Day in Amsterdam" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting created in 2022. This artwork measures 6 x 8 inches (15.24 x 20.32 cm) and is thoughtfully fr...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Pattern" Oil Painting 47" x 39" inch by Dmitriy Krestniy
Located in Culver City, CA
"Pattern" Oil Painting 47" x 39" inch by Dmitriy Krestniy ATTENTION: Painting ships rolled in a tube. A look through Dmitriy’s designs reveals a glamorous, feminine, provocative ye...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Malcesine View" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Introducing "Malcesine View" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting created in 2022. This artwork measures 6 x 8 inches (15.24 x 20.32 cm) and is thoughtfully framed, e...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Crocs, Award Winning Cuban Artist, Realism, Oil Painting On Canvas Gallery Wrap
Located in Houston, TX
Check for Free Shipping at Check Out Reduced from $3200 Crocs is a painting by the young Cuban artist, Osley Gil. It was painted in 2021 in Havana in the tr...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

Tulips in red and yellow in Red Vase -21st Century Realistic Flower Painting
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Joran van der Haar Red vases with Tulips 120 x 120 cm ( framed 130 x 130 cm, frame is included in price) oil on canvas The realistic painted "17th century style' bouquets by Joran ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Oil

"Zorn's Garden" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Introducing "Zorn's Garden" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting. Created in 2022, this artwork measures 8 x 6 inches (20.32 x 15.24 cm). It is framed, enhancing its ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

French school 1920s Brittany Brittons Village fair Pont-Aven Cornouaille
Located in PARIS, FR
J. BREYNAT (XXth century) Oil on cardboard 20 x 30 cm (28 x 38 cm with the frame) Signed and dated lower left "J. Breynat / 1921" Beautiful carved wooden frame from the 19th century ...
Category

1920s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Sleeping Beauty (Sol, Luna, y Talia)
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
Gustav Spangenberg (German, 1828-1891) Oil on canvas 30 x 22 in. This painting is named after the Italian fairy tale by Giambattista Basile titled, "Sun, Moon, and Talia", which i...
Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

European Cityscape #4
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "European Cityscape" c. 1990 is a oil painting on hard board by Argentinian artist Henry D. Ramirez. It is signed at the lower right corner by the artist. The hard board...
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Deep Blue - water study realism seascape original modern oil painting photo real
Located in London, Chelsea
This realist fractal study by Leavon Bowman involves an influence of the vibrant Caribbean landscape and an appreciation for the dynamic flow of nature. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Magic Realistic Painting, "Lisbora"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original mixed media work on canvas by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 40" x 30" x 1.5". A certificate of authenticity will follow delivery. ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Magic Realistic painting, "The Beauty Machine"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original mixed media work on canvas by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 40" x 30" x 1.5". A certificate of authenticity will follow delivery. ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Magic Realistic painting, "Counter Culture"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is an original mixed media work on canvas by Southern California artist, Cheryl Tall. Its dimensions are 40" x 30" x 1.5". A certificate of authenticity will follow delivery. ...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

"Cirque Meadows, Colorado" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Introducing "Cirque Meadows, Colorado," a captivating original handmade oil painting by Kirsten Savage. This artwork, created in 2022, measures 9 x 6 inches with a depth of 1 inch (2...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Seated Woman
By Cornelis Ruhtenberg
Located in West Des Moines, IA
Previously owned figurative painting.
Category

Early 2000s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

"Valley View" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Presenting "Valley View" by Kirsten Savage, an original handmade oil painting. Created in 2023, this artwork measures 48 x 48 inches with a depth of 2 inches (121.92 x 121.92 x 5.08 cm). The painting beautifully captures the scenic beauty of the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado, specifically from the perspective of the foothills looking down into the valley. In the painting, an outcrop resembling a spine stretches diagonally along the right side, adding a dynamic element to the composition. The spine is rendered in deep shades of purple and rose garnet...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Menorca, Spain" Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Introducing "Menorca, Spain," a captivating original handmade oil painting by Kirsten Savage. Created in 2022, this artwork measures 6 x 8 inches with a depth of 1 inch (15.24 x 20.3...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Revelation, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Ludovit Holoska wrote on Roman Rembovsky: "At the beginning of his independent career, spontaneity and naturalism, together with an artistic element, led the artist to new experience...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Sun Kiss Ocean - water study realism seascape original modern oil painting photo
Located in London, Chelsea
This realist fractal study by Leavon Bowman involves an influence of the vibrant Caribbean landscape and an appreciation for the dynamic flow of nature. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Stormy Notting Hill - original landscaoe cityscape realism painting oil modern
Located in London, Chelsea
This original painting by Michael Steinbrick captures a vista of London’s Battersea Power Station that is obscured by a screen of raindrops. The artist orchestrates the piece to a hy...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

In front of the window 2, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Ludovit Holoska wrote on Roman Rembovsky: "The pragmatism, new pragmatism, psy­chological and contextual themes in his work have the ambition to urgently give an account of the exis...
Category

2010s Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Motion Bliss - water study realism seascape original modern oil painting photo
Located in London, Chelsea
This realist fractal study by Leavon Bowman involves an influence of the vibrant Caribbean landscape and an appreciation for the dynamic flow of nature. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

European Cityscape #5
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "European Cityscape" c. 1990 is an oil painting on hard board by Argentinian artist Henry D. Ramirez. It is signed at the lower left corner by the artist. The hard board...
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Treport - Boats off the Coast - Realist Seascape Oil Painting by Alfred Stevens
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Signed seascape oil on panel by Belgian realist painter Alfred Emile Leopold Stevens. The work depicts sail boats at sea. The sky is beginning to glow pink and yellow as the sun sets...
Category

Late 19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Silken Sunset - original oil seascape water ocean realist impression modern oil
Located in London, Chelsea
Contemporary painter Eva Volf conveys a peacceful and atmospheric impression of a seascape in this original piece. Employing delicate realist brushstrokes, the artist's adoration for...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Behind the Veil - original seascape water ocean realist impression modern oil
Located in London, Chelsea
Contemporary painter Eva Volf conveys a peacceful and atmospheric impression of a seascape in this original piece. Employing delicate realist brushstrokes, the artist’s adoration for...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Boats by Moonlight - Realist Night Seascape Oil Painting by Alfred Stevens
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Signed seascape oil on panel by Belgian realist painter Alfred Emile Leopold Stevens. The work depicts a sail boat in choppy waters at nightime. The moon glows brightly behind a dark...
Category

Late 19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

A New Day has Come - original seascape water ocean realist impression modern oil
Located in London, Chelsea
Contemporary painter Eva Volf conveys a peacceful and atmospheric impression of a seascape in this original piece. Employing delicate realist brushstrokes, the artist’s adoration for...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Walking on By - urban landscape London street contemporary art acrylic painting
Located in London, Chelsea
Urban landscape painter David Wilson creates an impression of a dramatic street scene, captured at night. This figurative composition is built in layers of acrylic paint, infusing li...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Board

Realist figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Realist figurative paintings 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 figurative paintings 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, red, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Su Yu, Janusz Szpyt, JC Spock, and Matt Talbert. 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 figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available.

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