Realist Portrait 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
Contemporary portrait "In the Center of the Metropolis"
Located in Zofingen, AG
I love walking the streets of the private sector when the weather is nice. It feels like being in a small town rather than in the center of a metropolis. I've aimed to capture the co...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
"Noumena" - Original Oil of Woman with Sculpture by Brad Davis, Intriguing Art
By Brad Davis
Located in Denver, CO
Brad Davis's "Noumena" (2024) is a compelling oil on wood panel painting, framed to dimensions of 34 x 26 inches, capturing a unique interplay between a real woman and a sculptural b...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
"A Mirror to Presence" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Ken Cunningham's "A Mirror to Presence" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a woman holding a red apple.
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
"Native land"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A moody painting depicting a Hutsul girl with lambs and a flock of sheep. A painting that conveys the spring Carpathian landscape and authentic culture.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Get up and paint" oil painting on canvas, 100x100 cm
Located in Saint Pol de Léon, Bretagne
When doubt settles, that the reflection becomes heavy then it is necessary to try to bounce back but sometimes self-discipline is not enough and you have to listen to the signs, the ...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Contemporary portrait "Together"
Located in Zofingen, AG
The memory of the festive Coca-Cola commercial came to mind, where a truck adorned with holiday lights rushes along the night road.
There's no festive truck...
Only the night and the...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Innocent Love
Located in Burlingame, CA
'Innocent Love' is a masterfully painted oil on panel, that features a young topless woman with a tattoo on her arm that read "kiss my ass". She is draped in a blanket and holding a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
“Oh, there's a red viburnum in the meadow”
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A painting on historical themes.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Man - 19th Century Spanish Antique Oil on Panel Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
A fine signed and dated 1880 Spanish oil on panel portrait of a man wearing a white shirt and waistcoat by Manuel Pla y Valor. The work is superbly ...
Category
1880s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Portrait of Mrs Bury Barry - British Edwardian art oil painting
Located in London, GB
This striking British Edwardian oval portrait oil painting is by noted artist Maurice Greiffenhagen. Painted circa 1901 the sitter is Mrs Bury Barry from a landed gentry family. It is a half length portrait which combines Greiffenhagen's skill as a portraitist and his tendencies towards theatricality and romance, in part effectively conveyed by the dramatic lighting, which highlights the sitter's skin revealed by the low neckline of her dress, and the rose which she holds to her chest and which matches the red of her blushing cheeks. The brushwork, detail and colouring are superb. This is a lovely British Edwardian portrait and an excellent example of Greiffenhagen's work.
Signed and inscribed 'MAURICE GREIFFENHAGEN / 2 LONDON RD N.W. / [PORTR]AIT OF MRS BURY BARRY' on the upper stretcher bar,
Provenance. With the Art Exhibitions Bureau, London, label verso.
Anon. sale, Christie's, London, 23 March 2016, lot 39. and also 14th Juky 1986
James Bourlet - label verso
Condition. Oil on canvas, 36 inches by 28 inches and in good condition.
Frame. Housed in an ornate gilt oval frame, 46 inches by 38 inches, in good condition.
Maurice William Greiffenhagen, RA, British (1862-1931). Greiffenhagen worked as a painter, illustrator and graphic designer and taught at the Glasgow School of Art from 1906 to 1926. His output was widely varied, ranging from stylised graphic work, to more formal, restrained portraits, and to his somewhat fantastical mythical and allegorical scenes. One of his most celebrated works amongst contemporaries was his sensual and atmospheric 1891 painting...
Category
Early 1900s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Nest IV, " Acrylic Painting
Located in Denver, CO
This acrylic painting, titled "Nest IV," is an original creation by Ifeoluwa Alade, an artist based in Nigeria. The handmade piece showcases a Nigerian female model adorned with rose...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Canvas
"Alba's Mirror" Original Oil and Acrylic Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Please note: If you live outside of the United States, we will ship the painting in a tube.
Presenting "Alba's Mirror" by Conrado López, an original handmade painting created in 20...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
Contemporary portrait "In the Wood"
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I've interwoven the essence of the human spirit with the untamed beauty of the natural world. Using acrylics, I captured a moment of silent contemplation, enveloped...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Portrait of a Rock
Located in Storrs, CT
Freeman Baldridge's landscape painting, "Portrait of a Rock." The painting featured a rock on the slope of a hillside covered in wildflowers; the eye...
Category
1960s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Ayinke (Maverick Series)
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
AYINKE has always been a lady determined for growth, greatness, and extraordinary ambition. Being a lady of great expectations, the journey to her desired destination made her a loner full of joy, love, and happiness. Her extraordinary ability has always been the source of her happiness.
AYINKE has never regretted her decision to follow her dreams. Giving up had never been an option for her. Everyone has that ability that enables one to keep pushing further and closer to the dreamland.
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
About Artist
Taiwo Samuel Olutimileyin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, BARCELONA
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Category
1990s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of a Girl in Red - Scottish 1900 Glasgow Girl art oil painting
Located in London, GB
This lovely Scottish Victorian portrait oil painting is by noted Scottish female artist Annie Rosie Laing. Laing grew up and studied art in Glasgow around the time of the Glasgow Girls...
Category
Early 1900s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Adhesive, Oil
Whispers of the Soul 4
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
FREE Shipping Worldwide
Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Whispers of the Soul 3
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
FREE Shipping Worldwide
Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Early 20th Century 1920s Portrait of a Boyarina
By Bell Dibble Taft
Located in Soquel, CA
Charming portrait of Russian Boyarina by Bell Dibble Taft (American, 1855-1937), 1921. Signed and dated lower left corner and gallery label for Oakland Gallery Exhibit (Oakand Museum...
Category
1920s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cardboard
Portrait of Lady in Ermine Stole - British 19th century art female oil painting
Located in London, GB
This wonderful 19th century interior portrait oil painting is attributed to the circle of Martin Archer Shee. It is a half-length portrait of a seated lady in a black silk dress, ermine stole and superb floral bonnet. It is a super realistic depiction of different textures - fur, silk and her beautiful face and hair. She is also holding her glasses, suggesting she is an educated woman who likes to read. A really magnificent portrait. The fur of the white winter ermine or stoat, with its trademark black tail-tip can often be seen in portraits of royalty...
Category
19th Century Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Family Recipe (Impossible Soup)" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Ximena Rendon's "Family Recipe (Impossible Soup)" is an original, handmade oil painting on aluminum panel that depicts two feminine models inside a kitchen with something cooking on ...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
The Other Side 8
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
FREE Shipping Worldwide
Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Making a Case
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery)
About ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
The Happiness of Each Flower, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A girl carries freshly picked daisies as she walks through a meadow. The beauty of the flowers, the clear sky, and her presence convey peace and a deep connec...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"A Black and White Girl in a Technicolor World" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Linda Adair's (Germany based) "A Black and White Girl in a Technicolor World" is an oil painting that depicts a female model in a green interior.
Linda A...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Adrian Rigby, "Majestic", 36x48 Black Horse Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas
By Adrian Rigby
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This piece, "Majestic", is a 36x48 equine oil painting on canvas by artist Adrian Rigby. Depicted is a dramatic black horse caught mid gallop against a deep green background. The a...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Boy with cigarette by Raffaelle Frigerio - Oil on wood 23x30 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Signed work
Work on cardboard glued on a frame
Frame in golden plaster molding
46 x 37 x 5 cm
Raffaele Frigerio was an Italian painter born in 1875 and passed away in 1948. He was ...
Category
19th Century Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Hostess"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A bright colourful portrait of a Hutsul woman.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Dancer's Dream" Large Original Oil Painting by Robert White, Frameless Display
Located in Encino, CA
“Dancer's Dream,” an original oil on canvas by Robert K. White, is a piece for the true collector. White’s careful attention to detail and vivid use of greens, browns, and whites project from the painting, immediately capturing the viewer's attention and highlighting the artist's keen ability to capture emotion and life - all in a brushstroke. White's talent for depicting light and shadow provides the foundation for him to deliver subjects and scenes to the viewer's eye. This masterful work would make a great addition to an art collection and enhance most any home, perfect for those who have an affinity for dancers, the ballet, portraits, and color-rich works of art.
In the artist’s own words, “I don’t paint what is inside of me; I paint what I see outside of me. I’m an observer. If I see something and I feel an affinity for it, something just clicks in my head. I’ll make the decision right then and there to paint that particular subject during that particular moment. It’s a perfect moment. Once something has caught my eye and I’ve heard the “perfect” click, it’s like a photograph has been taken in my mind’s eye. I only have a few days of clarity with that image. I have to start the painting quickly or else it will be gone and I will lose that image forever.”
Artist: ROBERT KENNETH WHITE...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Entre Sueños" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Ximena Rendon's "Entre Sueños" is an original, handmade oil painting on aluminum panel that depicts two feminine models inside a bedroom with one appearing to be asleep.
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
The GPS
Located in Zofingen, AG
I found myself at a magical place today, all thanks to a GPS error. It's something I never expected to discover in the midst of a bustling metropolis.
Interestingly, many new experi...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Time with Mom
By Mian Situ
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Original oil painting on canvas by artist Mian Situ. Framed.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Evening Groove
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure
Ships in a well-protected tube
This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery)
About Artist
Born in 1991 in the Western Ugandan town of Fort Portal, Switzin Twikirize...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic
Imerethie II, signed oil painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Imerethie II, 1924
by Louis Letouche (French 1924-2015)
oil painting on linen canvas, stretched over board
framed
Framed size: 13.5 x 22.5 inches
Superb oil painting by the well l...
Category
1990s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Metempsychosis: Ginger Snapped, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Pamela Wilson's (US based) "Metempsychosis: Ginger Snapped" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a topless female model with a Baboon head.
This is a secondary market...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Every Secret Place, " Watercolor painting
Located in Denver, CO
Joanna Barnum's (US based) "Blaze" is an original, handmade watercolor painting that depicts a an apple tree with the blue eyes of a person being visible...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
"Rage" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Diego Glazer's "Rage" is an original, handmade oil painting that is framed and ready to hang. The framed measurements are 13.25 in H x 17 in W.
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Board
Diver No 1 - green, purple, portrait, male, abstract figurative, oil on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
A diver caught as he’s jumping into the water is the dynamic subject of this new portrait by Daniel Hughes. The Canadian artist is known for his stunning, realistic paintings. In this piece the image of a man in swimming trunks...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Gavin - grey, yellow, young male, figurative, portrait, oil, collage on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This collage and mixed media portrait by Dan Hughes captures a moment in the young life of a child. Realistically rendered the figure is framed in warm grey, pale blue and yellow.
...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paper, Oil, Acrylic
"The Knowledge Seeker" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Kierstin Young's (US based) "The Knowledge Seeker" is an oil painting that depicts a female form shrouded in a back veil with blue butterflies flying around her hands and a desolate ...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Masonite, Oil
"Self Portrait in Turban" realist oil painting, classical figure w white cloth
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Self Portrait in Turban" is a poetic realist oil on linen painting. It depicts the artist, Angel Ramiro Sanchez wearing a turban, or a white cloth wrapped around his head, knotted i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Linen, Oil
"Wayfinding" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Wayfinding," is an original oil painting on 4 acrylic panels by Michelle Jader. It is framed and ready-to-hang.
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
"Halfway, " Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Elena Burykina's "Halfway" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a woman with her hands folded and supporting her chin as she stares forward, her face cast in light and ...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Portrait of Brian de Lolme Bullock - British Edwardian art oil painting
Located in London, GB
This absolutely charming Edwardian portrait oil painting is by noted artist Edward Francis Wells. Painted in 1908, the sitter is Brian de Lolme Bullock as a six year old boy. (See hi...
Category
Early 1900s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
Portrait of a Young Girl in Peach Dress - Edwardian art oil painting
By Georges Van Den Bos
Located in London, GB
This captivating portrait oil painting is by noted artist Georges Van Den Bos. Painted circa 1905, it is a half length portrait of a young girl wearing a peach dress with lace bodice...
Category
Early 1900s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Far Off Places, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Colin Poole's "Far Off Places" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a red headed feminine figure with clouds swirling in the background.
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
Self Portrait (2021) - vibrant, expressive, red, male, figurative, oil on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
In this haunting self-portrait by Canadian realist Dan Hughes, the artist’s face seems to emerge from a rich red background. Hughes is known for his sensitive and engaging figurative...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Marie Channer, "Grace", 24x18 Ballet Dancer Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This piece, "Grace", is a 24x18 oil painting on canvas by artist Marie Channer. Featured is a female ballet dancer caught in pose in the spotligh...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Untitled, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Shana Levenson's "Untitled" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a close up portrait of a female model.
This is a secondary market work ...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
Mara's portrait. 1986, oil on cardboard, 35x30 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Portrait of a young woman Mara. 1986, oil on cardboard, 35x30 cm
Alfejs Bromults (1913.3.IV - 1991.11.I)
His first professional education was at National University at studies to R...
Category
1980s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Cardboard
"October" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Shelli Langdale's "October" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a feminine figure sitting cross-legged on a green pleated couch with a blue...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Panel
She's Got a Ticket to Ride / oil on wood
Located in Burlingame, CA
'She's Got a Ticket to Ride' features a long haired young woman with hummingbirds, who is shrouded in mystery. Tattooed and decorated with ladybugs and sitting within a ring of stone...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wood, 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 Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Queen's Departure, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Colin Poole's "Queen's Departure" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a dark haired feminine figure in a beaded headdress with clouds swirling in the background.
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil, Wood Panel
"Journey to the Grey Land", Acrylic Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Ifeoluwa Alade ( Nigeria based) "Journey to the Grey Land" is an original, handmade acrylic painting that depicts a female model with a grey background.
Artist bio:
Ifeoluwa Alade ...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Panel, Acrylic
Portrait of a Lady in Pince Nez - British 1919 art portrait oil painting
By Alfred Kingsley Lawrence
Located in London, GB
This superb British portrait oil painting is by noted artist Alfred Kinglsey Lawrence. Painted in 1919 it is a seated portrait of a young woman with a lush burgundy velvet curtain be...
Category
1910s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Diana" Oil painting
Located in Denver, CO
Jodie Herrera's (US based) "Diana" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a dark haired woman with green and blue patterning that merges her form with the background.
A...
Category
2010s Realist Portrait Paintings
Materials
Wood, Oil
Realist portrait paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Realist portrait 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 portrait 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, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Matt Talbert, Chikako Okada, Mark Beard, and Bruce Adams. 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 portrait paintings, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available. Prices for portrait paintings made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $180 and tops out at $885,000, while the average work sells for $3,600.