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Realist Paintings

7,049 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
Slack Tide, Polperro, Cornwall, England, Summer, 1904
Slack Tide, Polperro, Cornwall, England, Summer, 1904

Slack Tide, Polperro, Cornwall, England, Summer, 1904

By Harry Neyland

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Harry A. Neyland (American, 1877–1958) Slack Tide, Polperro, Cornwall, England, Summer, 1904 Oil on canvas, 20 x 18 inches FRAMED: 26 1/2 x 23 1/2 inches (approx.) Signed at upper ...

Category

Early 1900s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Different Posed Cows
British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Different Posed Cows

British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Different Posed Cows

By John Rabone Harvey

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...

Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Chalk, Graphite

19th Century British Romantic Marine Oil Painting Sailing Ship Arrival Signed
19th Century British Romantic Marine Oil Painting Sailing Ship Arrival Signed

19th Century British Romantic Marine Oil Painting Sailing Ship Arrival Signed

Located in Stockholm, SE

This captivating oil painting on canvas, executed in 1882 by an unidentified but presumably British master, represents a magnificent example of a marine landscape from the era of Eur...

Category

Late 19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Oil

British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Two Sheep Standing and Lying on the Grass
British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Two Sheep Standing and Lying on the Grass

British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Two Sheep Standing and Lying on the Grass

By John Rabone Harvey

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...

Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Chalk, Graphite

Same Old Story (Brooklyn Dodgers & St. Louis Cardinals Illustration)
Same Old Story (Brooklyn Dodgers & St. Louis Cardinals Illustration)

Same Old Story (Brooklyn Dodgers & St. Louis Cardinals Illustration)

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Bill Crawford (1913-1982). Original illustration artwork depicting teams as they advance to the World Series. Depicted are representations of the St. Louis Cardinals and The Brooklyn...

Category

1940s Realist Paintings

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Ink, Gouache, Pencil

An auction at Drouot's in Paris.
An auction at Drouot's in Paris.

An auction at Drouot's in Paris.

By René Francois Xavier Prinet

Located in Paris, FR

An auction at Drouot's in Paris. Oil on canvas. Signed lower right. Around 1900-1910. René François Xavier Prinet (31 December 1861, Vitry-le-François – 26 January 1946, Bourbonne-les-Bains) was a French painter and illustrator who drew his subjects from middle-class society. He was born to Henri Prinet, an Imperial Prosecutor in Vitry-le-François. A promotion led to him being posted in Paris, where they lived in a home not far from the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. His father painted as a hobby and was supportive of his desire to study art, having him seek the advice of Louis Charles Timbal [fr], a well-known church painter and friend of the family. Around 1880, he began his studies in earnest, in the studios of Jean-Léon Gérôme; remaining with him until 1885. That year, his painting "The Infant Jesus" was accepted for display at the Salon. This was followed by studies at the Académie Julian. At this time, he also became associated with a group of young artists known as the Bande Noire (Black Stripe), which included Lucien Simon, André Dauchez...

Category

Early 1900s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Beach & Ocean Impressionistic Seascape Oil Painting with Dunes by Michael Budden
Beach & Ocean Impressionistic Seascape Oil Painting with Dunes by Michael Budden

Beach & Ocean Impressionistic Seascape Oil Painting with Dunes by Michael Budden

By Michael Budden

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Dunes & Beach Path 11 x 14 unframed and 16.5 x 19.5 framed signed LL Dunes & Beach Path is an oil painting on panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

European Cityscape #1
European Cityscape #1

European Cityscape #1

By Henry Ramirez

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork "European Cityscape" c. 1990 is a oil painting on hard board by Argentinian artist Henry D. Ramirez. It is signed at the lower left corner by the artist. The hard board ...

Category

Late 20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

Portrait of a Young Woman with Shawl - British early 19thC portrait oil painting
Portrait of a Young Woman with Shawl - British early 19thC portrait oil painting

Portrait of a Young Woman with Shawl - British early 19thC portrait oil painting

By Thomas Lawrence (circle)

Located in Hagley, England

This lovely British early 19th century female portrait oil painting is attributed to the circle of Sir Thomas Lawrence. Painted circa 1800 it is a half length portrait of a beautiful...

Category

Early 19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

The Port of Newcastle Upon Tyne - British 1914 marine art oil painting
The Port of Newcastle Upon Tyne - British 1914 marine art oil painting

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...

Category

1910s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"Loch Side, " Oil painting

"Loch Side, " Oil painting

By Judd Mercer

Located in Denver, CO

Judd Mercer's (US based) "Loch Side," is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a wide expanse of water meeting the grassy shore of land as cumulus clouds swirl in the sky. 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...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Litter of Puppies by the Fire" Joseph Denovan Adam RSA RSW (British, 1842-1896)
"Litter of Puppies by the Fire" Joseph Denovan Adam RSA RSW (British, 1842-1896)

"Litter of Puppies by the Fire" Joseph Denovan Adam RSA RSW (British, 1842-1896)

By Joseph Denovan Adam

Located in SANTA FE, NM

"Litter of Puppies by the Fire" Joseph Denovan Adam RSA RSW (British, 1842-1896) Oil on canvas Signed 'J.Denovan Adam' (lower left) 13 ¾ x 20 ¼ (21 ¼ x 28 frame) Provenance Anon. sa...

Category

1880s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A basket upgrade (springer spaniel)

A basket upgrade (springer spaniel)

Located in London, GB

Painted in 1922, this sensitive and beautifully observed portrait captures the quiet intelligence and loyal character of a liver-and-white Springer Spaniel. Seated with dignity on a ...

Category

1920s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Dreams-original modern abstract landscape trees oil paintings- contemporary Art
Dreams-original modern abstract landscape trees oil paintings- contemporary Art

Dreams-original modern abstract landscape trees oil paintings- contemporary Art

By Kate Salenfriend

Located in London, Chelsea

This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

White Menina (2 pieces)
White Menina (2 pieces)

White Menina (2 pieces)

By paola vignola

Located in Barcelona, CT

This artwork presents a striking figure, merging abstraction with formality. Dominated by a central character, it features a starkly contrasting black face framed by a sleek, white b...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood

The Popcorn
The Popcorn

The Popcorn

By Nataliya Bagatskaya

Located in Zofingen, AG

This painting presents a sophisticated visual paradox: a woman dressed in the refined style of a 17th-century portrait — black dress, lace collar, white bonnet — is interrupted by un...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Antique Oil Painting Signed Holly European Tavern Interior Genre Scene, Framed
Antique Oil Painting Signed Holly European Tavern Interior Genre Scene, Framed

Antique Oil Painting Signed Holly European Tavern Interior Genre Scene, Framed

Located in Palm Coast, FL

Original antique oil on canvas signed “Holly” depicting a lively Old World tavern interior with three gentlemen gathered around a table in animated conversation. Executed in the trad...

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"The Rose"
"The Rose"

"The Rose"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

The tea rose has a lovely scent and delights us with its beauty; it also makes delicious tea and jam.

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Fiberboard

Ferdinand Heilbuth Lady and her Dog
Ferdinand Heilbuth Lady and her Dog

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...

Category

1860s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil

"House Finch" - Oil Animal Painting on Wood
"House Finch" - Oil Animal Painting on Wood

"House Finch" - Oil Animal Painting on Wood

By Terra Novak

Located in Denver, CO

About the Artist: Terra Novak is a contemporary realist painter and art educator based in Colorado whose work explores the beauty, strength, and emotional depth found in both people ...

Category

2010s Realist Paintings

Materials

Wood, Oil

'Mac', a favourite terrier

'Mac', a favourite terrier

Located in London, GB

Signed and inscribed ‘Mac/WH Wheeler’ (lower right) This striking portrait by Walter Herbert Wheeler presents a dignified black terrier in crisp profile, its wiry coat and alert ears...

Category

Early 1900s Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Roosters and Hens in a Barn 19th century E. Binam
Roosters and Hens in a Barn 19th century E. Binam

Roosters and Hens in a Barn 19th century E. Binam

Located in SANTA FE, NM

Roosters and Hens in a Barn 19th century E. Binam (Belgian? 19th century) Signed lower left Oil on wood panel 8 1/4 x 5 /12 (10 1/4 x 13 1/4 frame) Though little is known about E. ...

Category

1890s Realist Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Antique Still Life with Grapes and Peaches by A. Rudolphi, Oil on Canvas
Antique Still Life with Grapes and Peaches by A. Rudolphi, Oil on Canvas

Antique Still Life with Grapes and Peaches by A. Rudolphi, Oil on Canvas

Located in Berlin, DE

Elegant oil on canvas still life by A. Rudolphi, signed lower left and dating from around 1900. The composition features a delicate arrangement of grapes in a silver bowl, halved pea...

Category

19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

British Chalk Pencil Sketch Sheep Roaming in and Munching In The Field
British Chalk Pencil Sketch Sheep Roaming in and Munching In The Field

British Chalk Pencil Sketch Sheep Roaming in and Munching In The Field

By John Rabone Harvey

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 Dou...

Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Paintings

Materials

Chalk, Graphite

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.