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Realist Paintings

7,044 Results
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
Portrait of a Young Boy Seen from Behind
Portrait of a Young Boy Seen from Behind

Portrait of a Young Boy Seen from Behind

By Emma Ekwall

Located in Stockholm, SE

This intimate oil painting presents a young boy viewed from a three-quarter rear angle, caught in a quiet, reflective moment. The child’s back is turned gently toward the viewer, ren...

Category

1890s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Board

Walker's Mill
Walker's Mill

Walker's Mill

Located in Greenville, DE

Wonderful representation of historic Delaware scene, featuring waterfall. 29" x 41.5" framed Signed lower right

Category

20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Rose in Glass with Marble
Rose in Glass with Marble

Rose in Glass with Marble

By Leon Olmo

Located in Atlanta, GA

Leon Olmo was born in Moron de la Frontera at the end of the 1940's beginning at a young age to study drawing and wax technique. He currently lives in Castilleja de la Cuesta where he paints out of his studio; a place that arouses the senses and inspires Olmo’s magnificent technique. From heightened stimulation incredible still-lifes are produced from the nearby aromas of lemons, jasmine, pomegranates, and medlars, fruits which often appear throughout his paintings. Olmo is a self-taught painter, reaching the status as one of Seville’s most talented artists through strict perseverence in drawing and painting. Working until complete exhaustion, Olmo attempts to capture all of himself with every image he creates. For Olmo, neatness and cleanliness go hand in hand when creating a work of art. Though he denies traditional academicism, Olmo does utilize a methodical approach in each painting that begins with strict preparation of the fibrapan board upon which he paints. Beginning with a primer composed of calcium sulfate and glue, he sands the board’s surface until smooth. This regimented routine is in accord with Olmo’s insistence of maintaining neatness and cleanliness for he has rejected the use of canvas where any imperfection is not up to standard. He then picks juicy fresh fruits from their trees and retrieves wooden boards from a collection that he has acquired over the years during walks with his father. Arranging the objects for the desired effect, the outcome will be a play of shadows between the background and brilliant center of the composition. With the brush he draws simple motifs and leaves layers of paint until he achieves a magic luminosity, where the observer can actually see through space, a transparent quality distinctly from the hand of Olmo. The recreation of natural elements in his paintings is to remind the observer of humanity’s material nature. The symbolic use of jasmine is special to the artist, in order to represent the grandeur of small things, six petals with an incredible scent which contain within them the magic of the artist and of his Andalusian land. Olmo’s dreamlike masterpieces contain human warmth that has an unsurpassable way of working their way into the hearts and minds of his collectors. Leon Olmo and his son Leon Reina make up a father and son painting...

Category

Early 2000s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

After American Painter Hugh Bolton Jones 1848-1927 New England Landscape
After American Painter Hugh Bolton Jones 1848-1927 New England Landscape

After American Painter Hugh Bolton Jones 1848-1927 New England Landscape

By Hugh Bolton Jones

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

In the style of Hugh Bolton Jones 1848-1927 New England Landscape oil/canvas board signed LR 16 x 24 unframed, 21 x 29 framed Painting looks and feels lined and in good condition in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

European painter - 19th century still life painting red flowers
European painter - 19th century still life painting red flowers

European painter - 19th century still life painting red flowers

Located in Varmo, IT

European painter (19th–20th century) - Still Life with Flowers. 30 x 36 cm (without frame) - 45.5 x 51.5 cm (with frame). Oil on canvas, in carved and gilded wooden frame (not sign...

Category

Late 19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Horse next to River in the Woods of the English Countryside by British Artist
Horse next to River in the Woods of the English Countryside by British Artist

Horse next to River in the Woods of the English Countryside by British Artist

By Michael Morris

Located in Preston, GB

Horse next to River in the Woods of the English Countryside by 20th Century British Artist, Michael Morris (1938-2010) Art measures 10 x 8 inches Frame measures 13 x 11 inches T...

Category

20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Australian River Landscape Painting by 20th Century English Australian Artist
Australian River Landscape Painting by 20th Century English Australian Artist

Australian River Landscape Painting by 20th Century English Australian Artist

Located in Preston, GB

Australian River Landscape Painting by 20th Century English Australian Artist, Howard Barron (1900–1991) depicting a scene along the Murrumbidgee River in Australia’s New South Wales...

Category

1970s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Cotton Canvas, Oil

Lullwater Bridge – Prospect Park
Lullwater Bridge – Prospect Park

Lullwater Bridge – Prospect Park

By Nick Savides

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
The setting is an arm of the Prospect Park Lake, known as the Lullwater for its stillness. In the foreground is the Prospect Park Audubon Center in the Boatho...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

English 20th century portrait of an English Frigate in full sail at sea in oils.
English 20th century portrait of an English Frigate in full sail at sea in oils.

English 20th century portrait of an English Frigate in full sail at sea in oils.

Located in Woodbury, CT

English 20th century portrait of an English Frigate in full sail at sea in oils. A very well painted oil on canvas with great detail of a ship cutting through the sea at I'm sure great speed. The piece is an oil on canvas with I think gouache added to the waves to make them a brighter white. The piece is signed Mason and with some investigation, we are attributing this painting to the talented English painter Barry Mason...

Category

1980s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Painting of Mountain Cottages by River in Ireland by 20th Century Irish Artist
Painting of Mountain Cottages by River in Ireland by 20th Century Irish Artist

Painting of Mountain Cottages by River in Ireland by 20th Century Irish Artist

By Robert B Higgins

Located in Preston, GB

Painting of Mountain Cottages by River in Ireland by 20th Century Irish Artist Art measures 20 x 16 inches Frame measures 24 x 20 inches This captivating oil painting portrays a ...

Category

20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Oysters and Lemon Oil on Canvas Still Life, Contemporary, 50x50 cm
Oysters and Lemon Oil on Canvas Still Life, Contemporary, 50x50 cm

Oysters and Lemon Oil on Canvas Still Life, Contemporary, 50x50 cm

By Irina Trushkova

Located in Zofingen, AG

The bird’s eye view, strong light on the mother-of-pearl of oysters and folds create this image. The medium used is oil on canvas, which allows to capture the vibrant color, delicate texture, and the play of light on the subject matter. The iridescent oysters contrast on a black plate focusing the viewer's eye towards the center of the composition. Color palette in “Oysters and lemon...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Study of a Pointer Running by Léon Espinasse (French 19th/20th)
Study of a Pointer Running by Léon Espinasse (French 19th/20th)

Study of a Pointer Running by Léon Espinasse (French 19th/20th)

Located in SANTA FE, NM

"Study of a Pointer Running" Léon Espinasse (French, c. 1870 to 20th century) Watercolor on paper Signed on right 15 x 11 1/2 (28 1/4 x 23 1/2 frame) inches A stunning exercise in ...

Category

Early 1900s Realist Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Paper

Berries in a golden bowl
Berries in a golden bowl

Berries in a golden bowl

By Irina Trushkova

Located in Zofingen, AG

The scene is set with a quiet reverence—a simple golden bowl, brimming with the last treasures of the season. These are not just fruits; they are memories of sunlight, gathered and p...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Farmers by the river"
"Farmers by the river"

"Farmers by the river"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Unidentified Artist – 19th Century "Farmers by the River" Medium: Oil on canvas Framed Dimensions: 42 x 60 cm Canvas Dimensions: 51 x 70 cm Period: 19th Century This beautifully comp...

Category

19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Impressionistic Seascape Painting Michael Budden Beach Play V
Impressionistic Seascape Painting Michael Budden Beach Play V

Impressionistic Seascape Painting Michael Budden Beach Play V

By Michael Budden

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Beach Play V oil/panel image 8 x 10 unframed, 13 x 15 framed Beach Play V is an oil painting on panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases a beach full...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Venice at Dusk, Oil Painting
Venice at Dusk, Oil Painting

Venice at Dusk, Oil Painting

By David Qiyi Liu

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
The artwork captures the quiet majesty and solemn atmosphere of Venice. The church bells seem to linger in the air, while the fading light glides across the wat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Gipsy Musicians"
"Gipsy Musicians"

"Gipsy Musicians"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Kaspar Waldmann (1657–1720) – "Gypsy Musicians" Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 100 x 149 cm (unframed), 102 x 151 cm (framed) Provenance: Private collection Historical Context &...

Category

17th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Still life with apples and dragonfly
Still life with apples and dragonfly

Still life with apples and dragonfly

By Irina Trushkova

Located in Zofingen, AG

Experience the vibrant freshness of "Still life with apples and dragonfly," an original oil painting on linen. This medium-sized artwork captures a delightful scene from a unique bi...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Wonderful Lamb (Magic & Abundance)
Wonderful Lamb (Magic & Abundance)

Wonderful Lamb (Magic & Abundance)

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Title: Wonderful Lamb (Magic & Abundance) Description: Discover the whimsical charm of "Wonderful Lamb," a captivating original artwork created by the artist Berta (Tetiana Zaichenk...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Pastel, Acrylic

Portrait of a Gentleman in a Scottish Landscape, Romantic, Moody
Portrait of a Gentleman in a Scottish Landscape, Romantic, Moody

Portrait of a Gentleman in a Scottish Landscape, Romantic, Moody

Located in Grand Rapids, MI

john Pairman (Scottish, 1788 - 1843) Signed: J Pairman 1820 (Lower, Right) " Portrait of a Gentleman in a Scottish Landscape ", 1820 Oil on Canvas 22 1/4" x 18 5/8" Housed in a ...

Category

Early 19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Butterfly Watercolor on Silk, Signed, Handmade Paper, 31x40.5cm
Butterfly Watercolor on Silk, Signed, Handmade Paper, 31x40.5cm

Butterfly Watercolor on Silk, Signed, Handmade Paper, 31x40.5cm

By La Roche Laffitte

Located in Cotignac, FR

One from a set of four watercolours of butterflies on silk, applied to handmade paper, with hand cut edges, by French artist La Roche Laffitte. Signed bottom left. (The other 3 items are available separately) A beautifully observed and detailed study of a butterfly painted...

Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Silk, Watercolor, Gouache, Handmade Paper, Carbon Pencil

Loch Eilt in the Scottish Highlands Realist Landscape Vintage Oil Painting
Loch Eilt in the Scottish Highlands Realist Landscape Vintage Oil Painting

Loch Eilt in the Scottish Highlands Realist Landscape Vintage Oil Painting

By William McGregor

Located in Preston, GB

Loch Eilt in the Scottish Highlands Landscape Vintage Painting. A beautiful realist oil painting of the Scottish Highlands from a highly respected British Artist. Art measures 33 x...

Category

20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil

Floral
Floral

Floral

By Irina Trushkova

Located in Zofingen, AG

This exquisite painting showcases a vibrant bouquet of bearded carnations, bursting with rich pink-red colors and intricate details. Each flower is depicted with delicate, fringed p...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Flower Market at Rockford Tower
Flower Market at Rockford Tower

Flower Market at Rockford Tower

Located in Greenville, DE

Wonderful representation of historic Delaware scene. 29.5" x 35.5" framed Signed lower right

Category

20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

19th Century Oil Painting Sussex Coast Fishermen Returning Maritime Scene
19th Century Oil Painting Sussex Coast Fishermen Returning Maritime Scene

19th Century Oil Painting Sussex Coast Fishermen Returning Maritime Scene

Located in Stockholm, SE

This captivating mid 19th century oil on canvas depicts a touching maritime scene along England's Sussex coast, renowned for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and centuries-old fishing...

Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Oil

Landscape painting, scenic depiction 'Within Everglades-Sunset' by Joseph McGurl
Landscape painting, scenic depiction 'Within Everglades-Sunset' by Joseph McGurl

Landscape painting, scenic depiction 'Within Everglades-Sunset' by Joseph McGurl

By Joseph McGurl

Located in White Plains, NY

'Within Everglades-Sunset' by Joseph Mcgurl. c. 1990-2008 oil on linen. 18 x 24 in. / Frame: 26 x 32 in. Signed bottom right and on verso. Joseph McGurl (b. 1958) is extensively reg...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

Kittens at Play, Antique Animals Painting, Cats, Teddy Bear
Kittens at Play, Antique Animals Painting, Cats, Teddy Bear

Kittens at Play, Antique Animals Painting, Cats, Teddy Bear

Located in Grand Rapids, MI

Josef Heimerl (Austrian, 1867-1918) Signed: Jos. Heimerl (Lower, Right) " Kittens at Play ", circa 1900 Oil on Canvas 14 3/4" x 22 7/8" Housed in a 5 1/2" Ornamented Frame in Go...

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

White Peonies
White Peonies

White Peonies

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Another important direction in the artist’s work is the study—paintings created either from a staged arrangement or directly from nature, en plein air. Study A friend brought a bouqu...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

A flat tire
A flat tire

A flat tire

Located in Paris, FR

BALS Wim 'A flat tire' Oil on wood. Signed. A certifcate on the back signed by the artist. Willem Bals, known professionally as Wim Bals, is a contemporary Belgian painter born in 1...

Category

Early 2000s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Mouse Seeking Butterfly- original realist oil painting-contemporary wildlife art
Mouse Seeking Butterfly- original realist oil painting-contemporary wildlife art

Mouse Seeking Butterfly- original realist oil painting-contemporary wildlife art

By Lucinda Holland

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil

"Allegorical Mythological Winter"
"Allegorical Mythological Winter"

"Allegorical Mythological Winter"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Allegorical Mythological Scene Unidentified Artist 17th–18th Century Oil on canvas Framed: 152 x 196 cm Canvas: 131 x 178 cm No signatured Description This masterfully executed B...

Category

17th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Plow Field at Dawn in Mountain Landscape 18th Century Antique Large Oil Painting
Plow Field at Dawn in Mountain Landscape 18th Century Antique Large Oil Painting

Plow Field at Dawn in Mountain Landscape 18th Century Antique Large Oil Painting

Located in Stockholm, SE

The painting captures a serene moment on the foothill plateau, just as the day is beginning to wake up. The mountains are still wrapped in a soft blanket of morning fog, giving the s...

Category

Late 18th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Oil

"Blooming in the mountains"
"Blooming in the mountains"

"Blooming in the mountains"

By Oleksandr Khrapachov

Located in Edinburgh, GB

2018 Catalogue Published in the personal catalogue: ‘Khrapachov, O. Painting: An Album of Works.’ / – Kyiv: BX[studio], 2018. _ 48 pp. ==/== --- ## Blooming in the Mountains Ole...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Pair - Ornately framed Oval English River Flower Scenes with Swans, Cows, Sheep
Pair - Ornately framed Oval English River Flower Scenes with Swans, Cows, Sheep

Pair - Ornately framed Oval English River Flower Scenes with Swans, Cows, Sheep

Located in Preston, GB

Pair - Ornately framed Oval English River Flower Scenes with Swans, Cows, Sheep by British Contemporary Artist, David Morgan (Born 1964) Signed Originals, Oil on canvas. Framed in t...

Category

Late 20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Cotton, Wood, Paint

Realist paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Realist 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 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 Michael Budden, Su Yu, Olga Antonova, and Mark Hunter. 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 paintings, so small editions measuring 0.5 inches across are also available.