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.
$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
$88,915
Paris : Winter Day at Montmartre - Original signed gouache painting - Cerificate
Located in Paris, IDF
Maurice UTRILLO Paris : Winter Day at Montmartre Original gouache painting Signed bottom right 40 x 32 cm at view (c. 16 x 13") Painted c. 1934-36 Presented in a golden wood frame ...
Gouache, Paper
"The Adoration of the Magi"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
18th Century Italian or Spanish School "The Adoration of the Magi" Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions (Framed): 109 x 197 cm Dimensions (Canvas): 90 x 170 cm No signatured Provenance: ...
Canvas, Oil
$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
Sunset over the Sea; Crescent City, CA
Located in Pasadena, CA
Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist UNFRAMED: 9" x 12" FRAMED: 12.5" x 15.5" x 1" SIGNED: Lower Right Artist Statement "Sunset is the favorite subject I like to pain...
Canvas, Masonite, Oil, Panel
Still Life with Apples, c. 1910
By Emma Ekwall
Located in Stockholm, SE
Still Life with Apples is an exquisite still-life painting that captures a quiet moment of abundance and peace. On a humble wooden table lies a cluster of ripe apples, their rosy and...
Canvas, Oil
$109Sale Price|20% Off
British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Two Sheep Standing and Lying on the Grass
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
19th Century European Romantic Moonlit River Landscape Oil Canvas Signed
Located in Stockholm, SE
This enchanting night landscape in oil on canvas was painted by an Unidentified, presumably German, master "P. JHNEN" or "P. IHNEN", in the late 19th century, and is imbued with a ro...
Canvas, Wood, Oil
$2,152Sale Price|20% Off
Mountain Lake Oil Painting of a Loch in the Scottish Highlands by British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Mountain Lake Oil Painting of a Loch in the Scottish Highlands by British Artist, Andrew Grant Kurtis M.A.(Lon) B.Des.(Hons) L.S.I.A.D. Art measures 24 x 18 inches Frame measures 29 x 23 inches As an artist of both classical and traditional style, Andrew Grant Kurtis excels in his paintings of...
Canvas, Oil
$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
European Robin II - 21st Century Contemporary Acrylic Painting Red-Breasted Bird
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Maikel van Emmerik European Robin II 24 x 18 cm ( framed included in price 28 x 22 cm) Acrylic paint on canvas Maikel van Emmerik is a Dutch wildlife painter whose art reveals a pr...
Canvas, Acrylic
$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
$3,863
Wavelength-Original contemporary still life realistic painting- modern 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...
Oil, Board
Ferdinand Heilbuth Lady and her Dog
By Ferdinand Heilbuth
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ferdinand Heilbuth: 1826-1889. Well listed very important 19th century French painter. He was born in Germany but lived and painted mostly in France becoming a French citizen in 1876...
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
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
STILL LIFE - Salvatore Marinelli - Oil on Canvas Italian Painting
Located in Napoli, IT
STILL LIFE - Oil on canvas cm.60x80 by Salvatore Marinelli, Italy 2002 The painting by Salvatore Marinelli is inspired by the works of Hendrick Bos, better known as Henk Bos...
Canvas, Oil
Japanese cherry. Original oil painting
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Japanese cherry“ is a painting that pays homage to the natural beauty and timeless elegance of this flowering tree. My intention was to keep tenderness and fragility of flowers, a ...
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
The Cat Who Chose My Home
Located in Zofingen, AG
This intimate figurative painting is based on a true encounter that took place in Kyiv in July 2022. At a time when the city remained unusually quiet and only a few apartments in my ...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic, Lacquer
$2,750Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Religious Oil Painting – Virgin Mary with Two Saints
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
19th Century Spanish Religious Oil Painting – Virgin Mary with Two Saints Exceptional 19th-century religious oil on canvas by Spanish painter Francisco Javier Mendiguchía y Núñez (M...
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
$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
$1,207Sale 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
Chico Basin, San Luis Valley, Colorado, Original Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"Chico Basin, San Luis Valley, Colorado" by David Shingler (United States) is a handmade landscape painting that is unframed, but ready to hang. David S...
Oil
$4,415
British Horse Portrait Equestrian Oil Painting Bay Hunter Standing in Meadow
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Bay Hunter Horse Standing in a Summer Meadow by Frances Mabel Hollams (British, 1877–1963) Signed. Framed: 21 × 27 inches Canvas: 18 × 24 inches Medium: oil on canvas. Provenance: fr...
Oil, Wood Panel
"Subtle Glory" (2025) Original Oil painting with Black Horse
Located in Denver, CO
"Subtle Glory" is an original oil painting by Brian Keith Stephens depicting a black horse with bridle and saddle in profile. It is unframed, but ready-to-hang. Artist Statement Ho...
Cotton, Oil
Ocean Crashing against Rocks, Isles of Shoals
By Frank Waller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Frank Waller (American, 1842-1923) Ocean Crashing against Rocks, Isles of Shoals Oil on canvas, 9 1/2 x 20 1/4 inches FRAMED: 15 x 26 inches (approx.) Note: while this work is unsi...
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
French BELLE EPOQUE Fancy Gold Frame PLAYFUL KITTENS Oil painting
By Jules Leroy
Located in New York, NY
Jules Gustave Leroy Jr Playful Kittens 1856-1921 Circa 1890 15x30 inches Image size 25x40 inches with frame Housed in the Original Fancy Gilded Fra...
Oil
Reflection
Located in Zofingen, AG
I love the way the silver and porcelain objects are reflected and the subtle warm and cool color throughout. The medium used is oil on canvas, which allows to capture the vibrant col...
Oil
$66,389Sale Price|20% Off
"Adoration of the Magi"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Attributed to Francesco Mazza, called "Il Parmigianino" (1503-1540) – "Adoration of the Magi" Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 88 x 134 cm (unframed), 205 x 149 cm (framed) Proven...
Canvas, Oil
Moody Landscape Painting, Tonal Contemporary Oil on Panel 22x28
Located in Atlanta, GA
A moody, tonal landscape with a relaxed, contemporary sensibility. Subtle color shifts and soft edges create depth without overwhelming a space. This piece works especially well in l...
Oil, Board
$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
LARGE OIL PAINTING OLD MASTER ARTHUR MEADOWS (1843 - 1907) FINE 19th CENTURY
Located in Ferndown, GB
OIL PAINTING OLD MASTER ARTHUR MEADOWS (1843 - 1907) FINE 19th CENTURY BRITISH Original Antique Large late 19th/early 20th Century British OLD MASTER OIL PAINTING Romantic Sea Scene...
Oil
$3,300
Swimmer in Green, Underwater Figurative Oil Painting, Contemporary Swimming Art
Located in Dallas, TX
A luminous and atmospheric figurative oil painting, Swimmer in Green by contemporary British artist Patsy McArthur captures the quiet poetry of a solitary figure suspended beneath th...
Canvas, Oil
$109Sale Price|20% Off
British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Different Posed Cows
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
"Return of the Prodigal Son" Realist Acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
This painting captures a quiet yet emotionally charged moment where symbolism gently emerges from everyday life. A woman embraces a black cat whose direct gaze creates an immediate p...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
$274
Pocket Striped Bellona Tulip, Original Painting, Flower, Still Life, Plant
Located in Deddington, GB
Pocket Striped Bellona Tulip is an original oil painting by Dani Humberstone as part of her Pocket Painting series featuring small scale realistic oil paintings, with a nod to baroqu...
Canvas, 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
Self-portrait playing the gusli Realist painting on Frame 2001 Oil on board
By Simon Kozhin
Located in Zofingen, AG
The artist painted this self-portrait for his short thesis, "Maslenitsa," in 2001 while studying at the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. The artist borrowed ...
Oil, Cardboard
Landscape painting, scenic depiction 'Within Everglades-Sunset' 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...
Linen, Oil
$6,071Sale Price|20% Off
The Port of Newcastle Upon Tyne - British 1914 marine art oil painting
By Joseph Henry Kirsop
Located in Hagley, England
This lovely historically interesting British marine oil painting is by Newcastle artist Joseph Henry Kirsop. Painted in 1914, the location of the painting is the port of Newcastle up...
Oil
Buffalos, Animal, Original Oil Painting, One of a Kind, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Oil on Canvas Year: 2024 Style: Impressionism, Title: Buffalos, Size: 39 x 59 x1 i...
Canvas, Oil
Tomales Bay Evening
Located in Burlingame, CA
Early evening light bathes a sailing boat in Northern California's Tomales Bay with rolling foothills in the distance, in this serene and calming painting ...
Canvas, Oil
"Girlfriends"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Two young women are relaxing at their country house, surrounded by summer flowers and greenery
Oil, Cardboard
$7,507Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait of an Edwardian Lady - British American art portrait oil painting
By John Singer Sargent
Located in Hagley, England
This lovely British Edwardian portrait oil painting is attributed to circle of John Singer Sargent. Sargent was born in America then trained in Paris before coming to London. Painted...
Oil
Shepherd with Flock of Sheep, Realist Oil on Canvas, Signed, 1910-1919
Located in Naples, Florida
A signed and dated oil on canvas by British artist Robert Watson (1865–1916), depicting a shepherd tending his flock along a mountain path in the Scottish Highlands. The composition ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,371Sale Price|20% Off
Vedutist Venetian painter - 19/20th century Venice view painting - St. George
Located in Varmo, IT
Follower of Francesco Guardi (Venice 1712 - Venice 1793) - Venice, view of St. Mark's Basin with the Island of San Giorgio. 71 x 115 cm (without frame) - 86 x 130 cm (with frame). ...
Canvas, Oil
"Garden Wind" (2025) Surrealist Female Portrait, Oil Painting on Panel
By Nadezda
Located in Denver, CO
Nadezda's "Garden Wind" (2025) is a beautiful handmade oil painting on panel. Part of her 2026 solo exhibition "She is Garden", this piece depicts a portrait of a woman in a cocktail...
Oil, Panel
"Zaeli" (2024) Oil Painting by Karen Offutt, Female Portrait
By Karen Offutt
Located in Denver, CO
Karen Offutt's (US based) "Zaeli" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a female bathed in light with oversized white and pink blooms surrounding her. The painting is fr...
Oil, Panel
Emotional Pause Acrylic Painting, Figurative Style, 90x75 cm
Located in Zofingen, AG
This meticulously crafted acrylic painting combines refined aesthetics with quiet emotional depth. The composition draws the viewer into a delicate narrative filled with subtle symbo...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
$1,975Sale Price|26% Off
"Luster" (2024) Oil Painting by Karen Offutt, Female Portrait
By Karen Offutt
Located in Denver, CO
Karen Offutt's (US based) "Luster" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a portrait of a woman on an abstracted background. The painting is framed, with overall dimensio...
Oil, Panel
$878Sale Price|20% Off
Rowing on a Lake in the Irish Mountain Landscape with Lush Green Trees Ireland
Located in Preston, GB
Rowing on a Lake in the Irish Mountain Landscape with Lush Green Trees in Ireland, by 20th Century Artist, William Yeaman. Original, Oil on Canvas prese...
Canvas, Oil
$52,991Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait of Mrs William Tisdall Elsie Gardiner - British Edwardian oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This superb large British Edwardian exhibited portrait oil painting is by noted artist George Spencer Watson. It was painted in 1909 and exhibite...
Oil
$2,750Sale Price|50% Off
The Violin Player, Berlin, German Women Artists
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
Elise Brennicke (German, Born 1855) Signed: Elise Brennicke 1909 (Lower, Right) " The Violin Player ", 1909 Oil on Canvas 39 3/4" x 30 7/8" Housed in a 2 5/8" Period Ornamented ...
Canvas, Oil
French Pool - original impressionism waterscape artwork - oil painting
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
"In Repose" (2025) By Matt Talbert, Original Oil Painting, Portrait
By Matt Talbert
Located in Denver, CO
Matt Talbert's "In Repose" (2025) is an original, handmade oil painting on panel that depicts a portrait of a brunette seated at a table in deep contemplation. Artist bio/statement...
Oil, Panel
19th Century Neapolitan Boat Ride Painting, Oil on Canvas, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent work by Pietro Gabrini, very striking due to its size and luminosity. Signed and dates P. Gabrini 78. Very good condition. All of our works are covered by our own guaran...
Canvas, Oil
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.