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.
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...
Oil
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...
Canvas, Wood, Oil
19th Century Scottish Highland Cattle Loch Landscape Oil Painting Signed Huish
Located in Stockholm, SE
This fine painting, executed in oil on canvas in the late 19th century by the unidentified Scottish or British artist F. Huish, is typical of an entire movement of British painting o...
Canvas, Wood, Oil
$1,193Sale Price|30% Off
The Coriolanus Clipper Sailing Ship at Sea - Vintage 20th Century Oil Painting
By J Bishop
Located in Preston, GB
The Coriolanus Clipper Sailing Ship at Sea - Vintage 20th Century Oil Painting by J Bishop. Art measures 32.5 x 26.5 inches Frame measures 36.5 x 30.5 inches This impressive oil p...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
"Exhale" by Brian O'Neill, Oil painting, Male Nude
Located in Denver, CO
Brian O'Neill's (US based) "Exhale" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude male figure stooped over and keeling on the ground, with his back exposed and bowing his...
Silver, Gold Leaf
HUGE OIL PAINTING By MAJOR John E .Bale 19th Century BRITISH SCHOOL
Located in Ferndown, GB
OIL PAINTING SIGNED 19th Century BRITISH SCHOOL Fine Original Antique 19th Century British OIL PAINTING GOLD GILT FRAME By Major John Edward Bale Excellent Condition Panel, ...
Oil
Crisp Day, Shark Harbor; Catalina Island
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Signed "J.Paquet" on lower left corner. Artist Statement “Any day at Shark Harbor is a good day.” — Joseph Paquet EXHIBITIONS California Art Club's 103th Annual Gold Medal Exhibition at Autry National Center, March 30- April 20, 2016 Santa Catalina Island...
Oil, Panel
$758Sale Price|30% Off
Mountain Lake Forest Landscape Scene - Vintage Art 20th Century Oil Painting
By J Bishop
Located in Preston, GB
Mountain Lake Forest Landscape Scene - Vintage Art 20th Century Oil Painting by J Bishop. Art measures 17 x 14 inches Frame measures 21 x 18 inches Vintage painting, ornate gold f...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
"Reflections" - Original Western Landscape Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Andrzej Skorut's "Reflections" is an impressive landscape oil painting piece which rests at 48 x 48 inches on stretched canvas and is ready to hang. Biography and Artist Statement: ...
Canvas, Oil
Narcissus. Original Oil Painting with Flowers by Irina Trushkova
Located in Zofingen, AG
These stunning spring narcissus are placed in a transparent vase. The bright yellow flowers create a vivid color contrast against the silvery blue background focusing the viewer's ey...
Canvas, Oil, Lacquer
$46,874Sale Price|20% Off
"Allegorical Mythological Summer"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Unidentified Artist, 17th-18th Century – Allegorical Scene Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 131 x 108 cm (unframed), 147 x 124 cm (framed) Provenance: Private collection Century &...
Canvas, Oil
Large Scale Winter Twilight Landscape Painting by Artist Mauritz Lindström
Located in Stockholm, SE
This stunning winter landscape by Mauritz Lindström captures the serene yet striking beauty of a snow-laden scene illuminated by the warm glow of twilight. The interplay between the soft, colorful hues of the evening sky and the intricate, frost-covered branches creates an almost three-dimensional effect, drawing the viewer into the composition. The detailed rendering of the snow and the trees evokes a profound sense of coldness, making the atmosphere almost palpable. Measuring an impressive 101 x 152 cm (39 3/4 x 59 7/8 in) with the frame, this large-scale work is a testament to Lindström's mastery of light and texture. Arvid Mauritz Lindström...
Canvas, Oil
$1,400
Brass Coffee Grinder and Bowl, Photorealist Oil Painting by Andras Gombar
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Andras Gombar, French (1946 - ) Title: Still Life 1 Year: circa 1965 Medium: Oil on Canvas mounted to Wood, signed Size: 20 x 24 in. (50.8 x 60.96 cm)
Canvas, Wood, Oil
$527
"Botany 6" Original floral painting.Small circular canvas. Gift. Home decor
Located in Oslo, NO
This artwork is a striking circular floral composition, depicting a vibrant bouquet against a textured white background. The centerpiece is a lush arrangement of blue and violet blos...
Canvas, Oil
Study of a Manchester Terrier or a Dwarf Pinscher- Jules Chardigny (1842-1892)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Study of a Manchester Terrier or a Dwarf Pinscher Jules Chardigny (1842-1892) Circa 1860s Oil on panel Signed upper left 6 x 4 1/2 (12 x 10 1/2 frame) inches The similarities betwe...
Oil, Panel
$3,771Sale Price|30% Off
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...
Canvas, Oil, Cotton, Wood, Paint
The Grace II
Located in Zofingen, AG
n this piece, I captured the delicate strength and elegance of a ballerina lost in her moment. Through soft light and intricate details, I wanted to express grace as both a physical ...
Canvas, Oil
$600Sale Price|20% Off
New York City Theater Painting Michael Budden Phantom of the Opera Study
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Mystical Phantom oil/panel 8x6 unframed, 13.38 x 11.25 framed signed LR Mystical Phantom is an oil painting study on canvas panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden...
Oil
NYC Landscape Oil Painting Michael Budden Macy's Parade Series Pikachu
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Macy's Pikachu oil/panel 8 x 6 unframed and 11.75 x 9.75 framed. signed LL An oil painting on canvas panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases images ...
Oil
"Sailing in the Afternoon" Realist Oil Painting on Board of Sailboat in Open Sea
Located in New York, NY
George Nemethy finds his inspiration in moments of quiet and solitude. Where he finds himself one with the sea and the sky and the tranquil world which he freely escapes to. Trained from an early age by his father Albert Nemethy, a world-renowned painter known best for his large scale steamer boats, George found...
Oil, Canvas, Board
$938
St Ives Porthminster Beach, Angela Gordon-Webb, Original Seascape Painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Angela Gordon-Webb St Ives, Porthminster Beach Original Seascape Painting Acrylic Paint on Canvas Canvas Size: H 23cm x W 30cm Framed Size: H 46cm x W 52cm x D 3cm Sold Framed Please note that in situ images are purely an indication of how a piece may look. Porthminster Beach, St Ives through the window, an original seascape painting by Angela Webb. The bright turquoise tones of the sea are dispersed by the faint wisp of the window’s curtains...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,909
Sweet Start -original still life hyperrealism oil painting-contemporary artwork
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...
Oil, Board
Rare Peruvian Colegio de San Bernardo Illustration paintings (Cusco Peru)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Perdro Celestino Flores (Peruvian, Early 19th century) Exceptional and unique pair of Peruvian Revolutionary Period illustrations documenting collegiate uniforms of The College of S...
Ink, Watercolor, Laid Paper
$26,188Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait of a Girl with a Puppy - Scottish Edwardian art portrait oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This stunning Edwardian portrait oil painting is attributed to Scottish Kirkcudbright School artist William Stewart MacGeorge. Painted circa 1910, The painting shows the influences o...
Canvas, Oil
$600
"Peanut Meets the Mouse in the Moon" - Whimsical Animal Portrait, Oil on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
"Peanut has wanted to catch a wishing star since she was very small, but she is finally old enough to join in on a star hunt this season! If you catch three stars, you can meet with ...
Paper, Oil
Mid Century Big Sur Coast at Sunset Seascape
Located in Soquel, CA
Gorgeous mid century seascape of Big Sur at sunset by California artist Arlene Manley (American, 20th Century), 1962. Signed and dated lower right corner...
Canvas, Oil, Cardboard
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Culture 9 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women, Fashion, Eyes
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$295,000
Station Road
By Andrew Wyeth
Located in Greenville, DE
Original Andrew Wyeth watercolor, "Station Road," 19.5 x 27.5 inches. Painted on Tom Clark's property in Chadds Ford, PA. Thomas "Tom" Clark (1876-1962) was a farmer and resident of ...
Paper, Watercolor
$2,455Sale Price|20% Off
Oil Painting of Loch in the Scottish Highlands by 20th Century British Artist
By Wendy Reeves
Located in Preston, GB
Oil Painting of Loch in the Scottish Highlands by 20th Century British Artist Wendy Reeves. Art measures 20 x 16 inches Frame measures 29 x 25 inches (f...
Canvas, Oil
Federico Castelluccio, "American Mustang" Equine Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas
By Federico Castelluccio
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This equine portrait, "American Mustang" is a 36x48" oil painting on canvas by Italian actor and artist Federico Castelluccio. A beautiful dark horse ...
Canvas, Oil
Antique Victorian Countryside Oil Landscape Sunset on River Scene 1890s Signed
Located in Stockholm, SE
This charming British oil painting on canvas captures a serene countryside landscape bathed in the gentle glow of sunset. The composition leads the eye along a meandering stream bord...
Canvas, Wood, Oil
"Still Life"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Johann Rudolf Feyerabend, called Lelong (1749-1814) – Still Life Medium: Reverse painting on glass Dimensions: 16 x 23 cm Signature: Lower right corner Provenance: Private collection...
Canvas, Oil
A View from La Jolla
By Calvin Liang
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Signed "Calvin Liang" on lower left Description Winner of the Impressionist Award of Excellence, Master Signature Catego...
Canvas, Oil
$5,000
"Enjoy the Apocalypse" - Contemporary Figurative Astronaut Oil Painting, 2025
Located in Denver, CO
Andreas Claussen (German, b. 1988) Enjoy the Apocalypse, 2025 Oil on canvas 31.5 x 31.5 in (80 x 80 cm) Signed lower right by the artist Unframed, ready to hang A lone figure in a h...
Oil, Canvas
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Winter Moonlight Nocturne Snow Scene Landscape Oil Painting by Michael Budden
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Enchanted Evening oil/canvas 16 x 20 unframed, 22.5 x 26.5 framed signed LL Enchanted Evening is an oil painting on canvas by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that sh...
Oil
Realistic Still Life Painting, "Seemingly Ordinary #10" 2022
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind original painting by southern California artist, Leslie Winokur. Its dimensions are 20" x 10" x 1" (HxWxD). It is oil on linen. ...
Oil
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
State of Mind 14 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Women
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...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Soft Spring Landscape Painting, Impressionist Oil on Panel 20x24
Located in Atlanta, GA
A soft, impressionist landscape painting capturing the quiet shift of spring. Gentle tonal variation and painterly movement give this piece an easy, atmospheric presence. The palette...
Oil, Board
$224Sale Price|20% Off
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
Winter Vignette
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist: Miguel Dominguez – American (1941-) Title: Winter Vignette Year: ca. 2000 Medium: Watercolor Image size: 14 x 22.5 inches. Framed size: 22.5 x 31.5 inches Signature: Signe...
Paper, Watercolor
Reading In the Gold Chair 2.0, Oil Painting
By Jesse Aldana
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A figure study in natural light finds a woman settled in a comfortable chair, posed in a triangle of strength. As she reads on her phone, vibrant light bounces ...
Oil
OIL PAINTING Small by SALVATORE COLACICCO (NAVY ADMIRALTY 20th CENTURY PIECE
Located in Ferndown, GB
OIL PAINTING SMALL SALVATORE COLACICCO (NAVY ADMIRALTY 20th CENTURY Very good condition for age , (see pictures) FINE MARTINE PAINTING ORIGINAL 20th Century OIL PAINTING GOLD GILT FRAME Description ( 19th century Style ) Salvatore Colacicco is a world-renowned marine artist who was born in 1935 in Bellagio, near Lake Como and studied at Brera Academy, Milan. He has been living in England for over thirty years. Nearly all Salvatore Colacicco's paintings during that time have been exported to the United States and sold through Tonkins of Nantucket Island. These now adorn the walls of many a Board Room and Directors Office throughout the States. Colacicco's style of painting very much reminds one of marine artists throughout the 19th century with an obvious Italian feel. Among Colacicco's achievements were 26 panels illustrating the history and development of the paddle steamer (of which he had made a special study of those used on the Italian Lakes), painted for the Russell Cotes Museum in Bournemouth and most works by Salvatore Colacicco fetch good figures even at auction Nice back story to these pieces , We acquired them from a gentleman that went to school with the artist son in Bournemouth , His Father purchased these ones from the artist roundabout 1960 . Title: Racing...
Oil
"Reflection" by Casey Childs, Oil Painting, Reflected female figure (2021)
By Casey Childs
Located in Denver, CO
Casey Childs' (US based) "Last Light" is an oil painting that depicts a female with upswept blonde hair reflected in a mirror. Artist Statement: "My work as a whole encompasses an ...
Oil
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Jules Pages 1867 - 1946 American Impressionist, California, France Marine Scene
By Jules Pages
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Jules Pages, American Impressionist Marine, La Rochelle, France oil/canvas signed LL 13 x 16 unframed, 18 x 21 framed. An oil painting on canvas by Jules Pages showing a French scen...
Oil
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
Beach Path & Ocean Impressionistic Seascape Oil Painting by Michael Budden
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beach Path II oil/panel 11 x 14 image unframed, 17.38 x 20.38 framed Signed LL Beach Path II is an oil painting on canvas by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that sho...
Oil
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
"Still-life of Fruits" by Maria Meriggi - Oil on Copper - 30x24 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Maria Meriggi, born in 1935, is an Italian painter known for her evocative depictions of urban landscapes and everyday scenes, particularly those of Venice. Her notable works include...
Metal, Copper
Nasturtiums
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Nasturtiums" is a painting that pays homage to the natural beauty and timeless elegance of this summer flower. Painted with great precision and a keen eye for detail, this work exu...
Oil
William Yates-Wilson - His First Long Trousers - 1940s British oil painting
Located in London, GB
WILLIAM YATES WILSON (working 1940-1960) His First Long Trousers Signed l.r.: YATES/WILSON Oil on canvas 61 by 51 cm., 24 by 20 in. (frame size 81 by 71.5 cm., 32 by 28 in.) Will...
Oil
Rockpile
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Signed "Obermeyer" on lower right Artist Statement "Rockpile is a favorite surfing spot for the local surfers in Laguna ...
Canvas, Oil, Panel
$4,720Sale Price|32% Off
Salvador Murillo "Solitary Figure on a Road" - Framed Antique Landscape Painting
By Salvador Murillo
Located in New Orleans, LA
I actually prefer this painting to the very slightly larger one by Murillo that sold for $11,600 at auction (Hargesheimer & Günther) in 2009. Another couple of paintings sold at auct...
Oil
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
"Down the Road, " Oil painting
By Judd Mercer
Located in Denver, CO
Judd Mercer's (US based) "Down the Road," is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a dirt country road leading down a grassy hill into a farm house and barn. About the Artist: Judd Mercer is a watercolor painter based in Denver, Colorado. After attending art school for industrial design, Judd pursued a career in digital design and user experience and is co-owner of Elevated Third, a Denver-based digital agency. After committing to writing and illustrating a full-length fantasy novel in his spare time, Judd began watercolor painting around 2014, studying with teachers such as Alvaro Castagnet, Joseph Zbukvic...
Canvas, Oil
$12,773
Hurdy-gurdy with Peony and Fruit - 21st Century Classic Style Dutch Still-Life
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Cornelis le Mair (Netherlands, Eindhoven, July 3rd 1944) is a Dutch painter. This Classic painter is famous because of his 17th century paintings. You can see him in his house on o...
Oil, Wood Panel
1857 Swedish Romantic Oil Seascape Sailing Fishing Boats Signed by Marcus Larson
Located in Stockholm, SE
This seascape oil painting was created in Paris in 1857 by the renowned Swedish master Simeon Marcus Larson (1825-1864). It dates from the artist's most accomplished period and offer...
Canvas, Wood, Oil
$621
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
$2,500
Impressionistic Moonlight Seascape Oil Painting Michael Budden Beach Jetty Boat
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Evening Jetty, Moon Rise Oil/ canvas 12 x 16 unframed and 18.50 x 22.50 framed. Signed LL An oil painting on canvas by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases...
Oil
Magical journey, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gardani Art
Located in Yardley, PA
One-of-a-kind Realism Original Oil Painting on canvas by Gardani available for you. Hand signed by the Artist front and back, comes with official Gardani Certificate of Authenticity ...
Oil
$24,843Sale Price|20% Off
The three graces. 2022. Oil on canvas, 146x110 cm
Located in Riga, LV
The three graces. 2022. Oil on canvas, 146x110 cm Normunds Braslinsh (1962) Born 1962 in Riga, Latvia 1980–1986 Latvian Academy of Art, Painting Department 1973–1980 Janis Rozentāls Riga Secondary School of Art Has participated in photo exhibitions since 2002 A professional photographer for art editions since 1989 Has participated in exhibitions since 1980 Pedagogical Experience Since 2004 Professor at the Latvian Academy of Art 1998 Associate Professor at the Latvian Academy of Art Since 1997 a teacher at the Master Studio of Figurative Painting, Latvian Academy of Art Since 1988 a teacher at the Drawing Department, Latvian Academy of Art Solo exhibitions 2008 Normunds Brasliņš...
Canvas, Oil
Ginny Williams, White Floral Still Life Painting, Hydrangea, Oil on Panel
Located in Atlanta, GA
Quiet, luminous and beautifully composed, Ginny Williams’ The Peace of the Small Hours depicts an abundant arrangement of pale flowers in a reflective silver vessel. Soft natural lig...
Oil, Board
A hyperrealist canvas by Heinz Schönhammer transforms a café classic into an unforgettable still life.
With a solo show at the Denver Art Museum and a commission from the Met, the Cree Canadian painter has become an international sensation.