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.
Evolution
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting features two pieces of art. The difference between their creation is about 2000 years. The first is the sculpture, Venus de Milo, the most famous of all ancient Venuses....
Canvas, Oil
Fromage
Located in Zofingen, AG
This original oil painting captures a still life scene viewed from above, inviting you to explore its intimate details. At the center, a wooden board showcases a variety of cheeses, ...
Canvas, Oil
Pomegranates
Located in Zofingen, AG
The serene ceramic jar anchors the composition, creating a quiet dialogue between matte surfaces and glossy fruit. The carefully draped striped tablecloth introduces rhythm and movem...
Canvas, Oil
Large Floral Still Life Original Oil Painting on canvas Signed W. Adams Framed
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This expressive contemporary floral still life oil painting presents a lush, abundant bouquet arranged in a blue ceramic vase, set upon a rustic tabletop. The composition is animated...
Oil
«Botany 4» Original floral painting. Circular small canvas . Gift . Home decor
Located in Oslo, NO
This artwork, a circular painting, deftly captures a vibrant botanical ensemble on a textured backdrop. Set against a muted, earthy background, the piece features an array of intrica...
Canvas, Oil
French school Still Life fruits Oil painting Signed
Located in Zofingen, AG
➡️Still Life painting from C Romey⬅️ ⏩It is signed C Romey⏪ Cecil Romey 1889-1973 ⭐Medium:⭐ Oil on canvas ⭐Technique: ⭐Impasto painting with expressive brushwork. ⭐Size:⭐55x38 c...
Oil, Stretcher Bars, Gesso
Mid-Century Campbell's Soup Ad - Hand Drawn Mock-Up
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid-Century Campbell's Soup Ad - Hand Drawn Mock-Up Colorful mock-up for a campbell's soup advertisement by Joseph "Joe" Yeager (American, 20th Century.) A bowl of soup rests on a t...
Paper, Mixed Media, Color Pencil
Pocket Peach - original realism still life fruit - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Pocket Raspberry - original realism still life fruit - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Pocket Banana - original realism still life fruit - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
"Cloud Composition 2" Original Realist Skyscape with Clouds
Located in Denver, CO
"Cloud Composition 2" is a realistic capturing of a golden skyscape, created with oil paint on panel. This piece is framed at 9.5 x 9.5 inches and is ready to hang. Jesse Mangerson ...
Oil, Panel
Quiet day
Located in Zofingen, AG
A poised still life rendered in luminous oil, where light glides across a draped table, revealing the tender gleam of porcelain and the play of silken folds. Two white jugs, a cup a...
Canvas, Oil
Pocket Double Strawberries- original realism still life fruit - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Pocket Blue Damson - original realism still life fruit - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Basket Of Red Cherries Still-Life Oil Painting With Gilt Frame
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
This still life painting depicts a woven basket brimming with ripe cherries, delicately arranged on a tabletop against a subdued background. The cherries are rendered with a sheen, t...
Canvas, Oil
"Forest shadows", green, Landscape Paintings, paper, vertical, mixed media
Located in Oslo, NO
This expressive mixed media sketch on paper (study for a large painting) captures the essence of a dense forest landscape with bold brushstrokes and layered textures. The interplay o...
Paper, Acrylic, Pencil
Chile Sandias, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Red chiles are a great source of pride in New Mexico. In this still life, artist Duane Brown depicts the peppers as the Sandia Mountains, a range east of Albuqu...
Oil
Pocket Red Apple - original realism still life fruit - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Henrietta Abel-Smith (1987-) original oil painting DEER SKULL ANTLERS still life
Located in Cirencester, GB
ARTIST: Henrietta Abel-Smith (1987-) Brtiish TITLE: "Study Of A Deers Skull' SIGNED: lower right MEDIUM: oil on canvas SIZE:48cm x 40cm inclusive of frame CONDITION: very good DE...
Oil
"Cloud Composition 3" Original Realist Skyscape with Clouds
Located in Denver, CO
"Cloud Composition 3" is a realistic capturing of a golden skyscape, created with oil paint on panel. This piece is framed at 9.5 x 9.5 inches and is ready to hang. Jesse Mangerson ...
Oil, Panel
Wild Strawberry - original still life impressionism painting - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This elegantly framed artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Sig...
Canvas, Oil
"Cloud Composition 7" Original Realist Skyscape with Clouds
Located in Denver, CO
"Cloud Composition 7" is a realistic capturing of a golden skyscape, created with oil paint on panel. This piece is framed at 9.5 x 9.5 inches and is ready to hang. Jesse Mangerson ...
Oil, Panel
Small Oil of Cottages beside a Lake in Mountains on the Antrim Coast in Ireland
Located in Preston, GB
Small Oil of Cottages beside a Lake in Mountains on the Antrim Coast in Ireland, by Contemporary Artist, Derek Quann Art measures 10 x 8 inches Frame measures 17.5 x 15.5 inches Th...
Oil, Canvas
Floral Still Life Oil Painting, Realist Style, 20th Century, Framed
Located in Plano, TX
Oil painting measures 12 x 9; frame dimensions measure 19 3/8 x 16 3/8 x 3. Housed in an elegant gold-tone frame with decorative edges. Illegible signature, lower right. Support patc...
Oil
“Botany 5” Original floral painting. Small circular canvas. Gift , home decor
Located in Oslo, NO
This exquisite artwork showcases a captivating, circular composition of wildflowers meticulously rendered on a textured, neutral-toned surface. The artist masterfully captures the vi...
Canvas, Oil
Lemons. Original oil painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Lemons” is an ode to the simple pleasures of life, inviting viewers to appreciate the inherent beauty in everyday objects. The central place is occupied by a plate of lemons with le...
Canvas, Oil
Antique Oil Painting on canvas Still Life, books, candle, Signed Azuquita Framed
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This painting is a still-life composition featuring an arrangement of books and other objects on a table. The focal point is an open book, its pages splayed out as if it was recently...
Oil
Vintage Original Oil Painting on Canvas Still Life, Framed, Signed
Located in Palm Coast, FL
Up for sale is a vintage original oil painting on canvas depicting Still Life Composition with fruits, yellow bottle and kettle. Overall and impressive-looking medium size paintin...
Oil
Signed Italian Oil Painting Realist Flowers in Pewter Vase, Peonies
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Italian School, signed lower left, 20th century Title: Flowers in a Pewter Vase Medium: oil painting on board , framed Size: framed: 15.5 x 13.5 inches painting: ...
Oil
Window with Tulips - original surreal realism seascape floral oil painting
By Luis Fuentes
Located in London, Chelsea
Luis Fuentes captures a serene moment by the coast, inviting viewers to experience the tranquil beauty of the seaside. This original floral and seascape painting, rendered in oil on...
Canvas, Oil
Portrait of white rose
Located in Oslo, NO
This exquisite artwork, attributed to Nadya Stupina, showcases a masterful rendition of a white rose at its center. Painted on a circular canvas, the flower's soft, layered petals ex...
Canvas, Oil
"Approach" Original Oil, Grapes and Orange Segments, Still-Life Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Approach" by Blair Atherholt is a an original, hand made painting depicting a cluster of suspended grapes above a brilliantly lit orange. Blair Atherholt is an award-winning conte...
Oil, Panel
Still Life with Fruit & Bread Rustic French Farmhouse Interior by French Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Still Life with Fruit & Bread Rustic French Farmhouse Interior by 20th Century French Artist, Robert Chailloux (1913-2006). Art measures 29 x 23....
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
On the table, Original Realist Still-life Oil painting by Irina Trushkova
Located in Zofingen, AG
The picture is painted on a quality 100% linen canvas with an oil color of high quality. The painting technique is many-layer. "I love the way the silver and glass objects are reflec...
Oil
Сoffee tradition
Located in Zofingen, AG
Original oil painting on canvas, still life painting made under natural light. This artwork is painted using high-quality fine linen canvas. Signed on the front and back of artwork. ...
Canvas, Oil
Cup of coffee and tangerine
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Cup of coffee and tangerine” is a celebration of the beauty that can be found in the simplest of things. The style of the painting is inspired by the Holland masters of the 17th cen...
Canvas, Oil
White Cherries, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Three juicy cherries line up on a table, with the light enhancing their luminous and vibrant color. The sharp and detailed rendition of the fruit imparts a re...
Oil
Pocket Mauve Plum - original realism still life fruit - contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. A luscious plum, its dusky mauve skin infused with hints of de...
Acrylic, Board
Table top bottles still life painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful Italian Still Life painting by unknown artist in the style of Giorgio Morandi. Oil on panel, measuring 16 1/8 x 22 inches. ca. 1960s Artist board and fixtures are Italian.
Oil, Wood Panel
Mid Century Crystal and Glass Still Life
Located in Soquel, CA
Gorgeous midcentury painting of crystal decanter and clear glass vessels against a vivid orange backdrop by Donald Werden (American, b. 1921). Signed and...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
Morning Harvest. Still-life, Oil. Abstract Realism, Yellow, Orange, Red, Small
Located in Oslo, NO
We are presented with a small still life depicting a basket of ripe fruits bathed in the morning sun. Bright light filters through the curtain, highlighting the upcoming sultry summ...
Canvas, Oil, Board
Empty Bottle of Wine, Horizontal Modern Still Life in Earth Tones, Tuscany Views
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Empty Bottle of Wine" is a modern still life composition where an empty bottle of wine lays on a table, gracefully coexisting with a half-filled glass of...
Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Rag Paper
Antique American Super Realist Trompe L'Oeil Framed Signed Still Life Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early American super realist trompe l'oeil still life oil painting. Framed. Oil on canvas, lain to board. Signed. Image size, 14H by 10L.
Canvas, Oil
Still life with White Cat oil painting original fine art realism poetic artwork
Located in Oslo, NO
“White Cat” presents a quiet, contemplative moment centered on a simple porcelain cat figure. The artist uses soft, atmospheric brushwork and muted tones to evoke a sense of solitude...
Oil, Cardboard
Still Life with Fruit and Vessels
Located in Stockholm, SE
Housed in an elaborate late nineteenth-century carved gilt frame lined with deep red velvet, the painting offers a harmonious composition of carefully arranged objects illuminated by...
Oil, Wood Panel
Signed Antique American 19th Century Realist Still Life Nicely Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring 21 by 25 inches overall and 14.5 by 18.5 painting alone.
Canvas, Oil
Through the glass
Located in Zofingen, AG
Original oil painting on canvas, still life painting made under natural light. This artwork is painted using high-quality fine linen canvas. Signed on the front and back of artwork. ...
Oil, Canvas
'Still Life with Cherries' by Jan Van Puyenbroeck (Antwerp 1887 – 1972 Schoten)
Located in Knokke, BE
Jan Van Puyenbroeck Antwerp 1887 – 1972 Schoten Belgian Painter 'Still Life with Cherries' Signature: signed lower left 'J. van Puylenbroeck' Medium: oil on canvas Dimensions: imag...
Canvas, Oil
"Cloud Composition 4" Original Realist Skyscape with Clouds
Located in Denver, CO
"Cloud Composition 4" is a realistic capturing of a golden skyscape, created with oil paint on panel. This piece is framed at 9.5 x 9.5 inches and is ready to hang. Jesse Mangerson ...
Oil, Panel
Still Life with Blue Pitcher and Gerber Daisy
Located in Greenville, DE
Still Life with Blue Pitcher and Gerber Daisy, 2018 by Tina Ingraham (b. 1947); Oil on linen; 19 x 23 inches; framed 20 x 24 inches. Influenced by Old Master works, mosaics, and cont...
Linen, Oil
"Cloud Composition 1" Original Realist Skyscape with Clouds
Located in Denver, CO
"Cloud Composition 1" is a realistic capturing of a golden skyscape, created with oil paint on panel. This piece is framed at 9.5 x 9.5 inches and is ready to hang. Jesse Mangerson ...
Oil, Panel
Magnolia Blossoms and Blue Jay
Located in Pasadena, CA
Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Signed "Mary K. West" on back UNFRAMED:30" x 20" FRAMED: 30" x 20" x 1.125" Artist Statement “The magnolia tree and I share common rots in the Southeast. The Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee are home to us both. This stately, ancient tree is native to the Southeast. Its large fragrant blossoms and dark, shiny leaves adorn the green lawns and line the streets of the small towns where I am from. So, when I moved to California, I was pleasantly surprised to see this icon from the South growing freely here as well! This paining, with its representatives from the Southeast (the Magnolia and Blue Jay) and the West (the Plums and Persimmons) shows how roots can expand and grow to embrace new beginnings.” — Mary Kay West...
Oil, Panel
Antique American School Trompe L'Oeil Artist Studio Interior Scene Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Wonderfully painted American modernist still life oil painting. Framed. Oil on canvas. Image size, 24H by 20L. Finely executed realist school.
Canvas, Oil
Peony Study-original modern realism floral still life painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "Peony Study" by Julie Whitehead is a stunning original still ...
Linen, Acrylic
"Sticks and Stones" (2022) by Sheri Farabaugh, Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Sticks and Stones" (2024) by Sheri Farabaugh (United States Based) is a beautiful handmade still life oil painting that depicts a closeup of a pond shore, with tree branches laid ac...
Canvas, Oil
Egg with Feather, 1953
Located in North Clarendon, VT
Fantastic oil on canvas, Egg and Feather, by magical realist Lodewijk Bruckman. 16.5" x 13.5" framed, signed and titled on reverse. Lodewijk Bruckman (1903–1995) was a master of ma...
Oil
October's Cover - painting, oil on board
By Ciba Karisik
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This oil landscape painting of fall leaves is by Ciba Karisik. The rich tapestry of colour and form found on a forest floor is captured in this faithful portrayal of fall leaves. Ka...
Oil, Board
Dramatic Peony-original realism still life floral painting-contemporary art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. "Dramatic Peony" by Julie Whitehead is a breathtaking original...
Linen, Acrylic
Cosmopolitan Cocktail, Realist Modern Still Life, Bar Scene, Lime Beverage, Red
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Cosmopolitan Cocktail" is a contemporary still life, where a cosmopolitan cocktail takes center stage, exuding elegance and sophistication. The vibrant, crimson-hued drink rests in ...
Acrylic, Paper, Oil
'Young Girl with a Jug' by Léon Gérard Crépy (Lille 1872 – 1944) French
Located in Knokke, BE
Léon Gérard Crépy Lille 1872 – 1944 French Painter 'Young Girl with a Jug' Signature: signed top left 'LG. Crepy' Medium: oil on canvas Dimensions: image size 46,5 x 38,5 cm, frame...
Canvas, Oil