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Photorealist Black and White Photography

PHOTOREALISM

A direct challenge to Abstract Expressionism’s subjectivity and gestural vigor, Photorealism was informed by the Pop predilection for representational imagery, popular iconography and tools, like projectors and airbrushes, borrowed from the worlds of commercial art and design.

Whether gritty or gleaming, the subject matter favored by Photorealists is instantly, if vaguely, familiar. It’s the stuff of yellowing snapshots and fugitive memories. The bland and the garish alike flicker between crystal-clear reality and dreamy illusion, inviting the viewer to contemplate a single moment rather than igniting a story.

The virtues of the “photo” in Photorealist art — infused as they are with dazzling qualities that are easily blurred in reproduction — are as elusive as they are allusive. “Much Photorealist painting has the vacuity of proportion and intent of an idiot-savant, long on look and short on personal timbre,” John Arthur wrote (rather admiringly) in the catalogue essay for Realism/Photorealism, a 1980 exhibition at the Philbrook Museum of Art, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At its best, Photorealism is a perpetually paused tug-of-war between the sacred and the profane, the general and the specific, the record and the object.

Robert Bechtle invented Photorealism, in 1963,” says veteran art dealer Louis Meisel. “He took a picture of himself in the mirror with the car outside and then painted it. That was the first one.”

The meaning of the term, which began for Meisel as “a superficial way of defining and promoting a group of painters,” evolved with time, and the core group of Photorealists slowly expanded to include younger artists who traded Rolleiflexes for 60-megapixel cameras, using advanced digital technology to create paintings that transcend the detail of conventional photographs.

On 1stDibs, the collection of Photorealist art includes work by Richard Estes, Ralph Goings, Chuck Close, Audrey Flack, Charles Bell and others.

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Style: Photorealist
First Looks over Canada, 1955 - # 1 Limited Edition Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork sold in perfect condition Coffret Collector including 6 Fine Art Prints During the 15 years during which he gave himself to photography, Fabrizio La Torre traveled to Italy, Europe, North America and Asia. From everywhere he brought back photos that tell of the human, universal and soul-filled condition, to which he was so sensitive. Here is First Look at Canada, where Fabrizio La Torre stayed in November and December 1955, on a 6-month trip to North America which also took him to Canada and California. In Montreal, he could not resist the urge to travel aboard the "Canadian", the most modern and luxurious version of the Canadian Pacific train, inaugurated a few months earlier, on April 24, 1955. And even if the official story of this company claims that as from this inauguration the train was pulled by modern diesel locomotives, the heavy steam engines are still used, to the delight of the photographer who knows how to play with their big white plumes. In stations, on platforms, steam is everywhere; while the temperature is around - 30°C, steam is welcome to thaw the axles, often blocked by ice. 1 - "The Rex Hotel", Toronto, November 1955. A cold, grey day with snow not far away, silhouettes of men in...
Category

1950s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Beatles Guitars backstage Tokyo 1966 by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, TX
The Beatles Guitars, backstage in Tokyo Japan in 1966 by Robert Whitaker. All limited edition prints in this collection are hand numbered and authent...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

Bernard Sumner of New Order
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition 16x20" silver gelatin print of Bernard Sumner by Kevin Cummins. This stunning shot of the New Order frontman was taken in New York Cit...
Category

1980s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

ARCHITECTURE - Photograph on baryta paper, Bob De Masi, Italy 1970s
Located in Napoli, IT
Black and white photograph on baryta paper, title "Architecture" 1970s - Bob De Masi, with frame
Category

1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

CONTRASTS - Black and white photograph on photographic paper
Located in Napoli, IT
Black and white analog photograph on photographic paper, author unknown
Category

1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Newport
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
The NYU picture is a part of photographs done in 1965 for a German book publisher, lately a book with his photographs about NYC was published.
Category

1960s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Newport
Newport
$410 Sale Price
68% Off
MOSCOW - Black and white photograph on photographic paper, Sergio del Vecchio 1986
Located in Napoli, IT
Black and white analog photograph on photographic paper, signed Sergio del Vecchio. Sergio Del Vecchio: Neapolitan, born in 1961, enrolled in the Order of Journalists of Campania, in...
Category

1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

'SCIMPANZE' WITH EYES - Black and white photograph Italy 1970s
Located in Napoli, IT
Small Photograph on photographic paper titled "Chimpanzee with Glasses" on ivory paper passpartu' and a 1970s briar frame
Category

1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

CHIARO DI LUNA - Fotografia bianco e nero su carta fotografica
Located in Napoli, IT
Fotografia analogica in bianco e nero su carta fotografica, autore ignoto
Category

1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

ROAD SIGNS - Black and white photograph on baryta paper
Located in Napoli, IT
Iconic black and white photograph on baryta paper of the intersection of Broadway and Wall Street.
Category

1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

KEITH RICHARDS CIG IN MOUTH by Jim Herrington
Located in Austin, TX
Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, 1989 by Jim Herrington 17x22" Archival pigment print on baryta 315 gsm, acid-free, 100% cotton-fiber paper. Edition 7...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Infinity - underwater black and white nude photograph - archival paper 17"x22"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white photograph of a topless female dancer in the pool. Original gallery quality print signed by the artist. Digital archival pigment print on archival pap...
Category

2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Double Trouble - underwater nude photograph - print on aluminum 24" x 36"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white photograph of two naked young women in the pool. Original digital print on aluminum plate signed by the artist. Limited edition of 12 The artwork is fu...
Category

2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Metal

Amy Winehouse 12x16" print
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition 12x16" print of Amy Winehouse taken in London by Jake Chessum in 2004. Limited edition number 7/20 Jake recalls the session: “I travelled from NYC to London in February 2004 to do a press shoot with Amy Winehouse. It was a classic February day: cold, wet, foggy and dark by about 4pm. We met at her flat and went to a few of her local haunts: a cafe, a launderette, Primrose Hill. The record company were very hands off and didn’t pressure us to do any particular set ups. We just went with the flow. She was really entertaining: funny, smart and cooly indiscreet. I am a huge jazz fan and I remember we talked about music, London and New York.” Jake Chessum offers prints in...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Giclée

Diana Ross
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition silver gelatin print of Diana Ross, taken by Barrie Wentzell in 1975. This Diana Ross print is available in the following sizes. 16...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Debbie Harry Blondie 1977 portrait
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Debbie Harry of Blondie by Michael Brennan, taken at the studio on East 45th in Manhattan, New York, USA, Febru...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

Morrissey 1994 vintage silver gelatin print by Chris Cuffaro
Located in Austin, TX
Morrissey, 8”x10” Hand-printed darkroom print, made at the time of the shoot in 1994, and stored flat in a temperature-controlled environment. The print is in perfect new condition ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Tutu Skirt - underwater black & white nude photograph - print on paper 14 x 24"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Underwater black and white nude photograph of a young female dancer in the pool. The dancer is putting on her tut skirt. The photograph depicts her beautiful naked butt about to hid...
Category

2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Archival Paper

David Bowie portrait by Kevin Cummins
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition 16x20" silver gelatin print of David Bowie, wearing sunglasses and smoking a cigarette, by Kevin Cummins, taken in November 1995 Edition number 5/50, signed and numbered by Kevin Cummins. This David Bowie print...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Jimi Hendrix by Baron Wolman signed limited edition 16x20" print
Located in Austin, TX
Jimi Hendrix by iconic photographer, Baron Wolman. Taken at the Travelodge Motel, San Francisco, February 1968 One copy available Signed limited edition #30/175 20x16” hand printed ...
Category

1960s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

The Rolling Stones "Out Of Our Heads" by Gered Mankowitz
Located in Austin, TX
The Rolling Stones, taken in London back in 1965 by Gered Mankowitz. This image was used for the cover of Out Of Our Heads. Featuring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

Morrissey by Kevin Cummins
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition silver gelatin print of Morrissey performing at Jones Beach, Long Island, New York, during his 'Kill Uncle' tour, July 10, 1991. This Morrissey print by Kevi...
Category

1990s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Iggy Pop Scala Cinema London 1972
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition, silver gelatin print of Iggy Pop by Alec Byrne, taken at the Scala Cinema, Kings Cross, London, July 15th 1972. Alec Byrne signed ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Silver Gelatin

Hangyaku No
Located in New York, NY
“Ink Stories”, which was introduced at Nyari’s very first solo gallery exhibit, consists of large-scale nude photographs that explore the concept of self-identity and female empowerm...
Category

2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Film, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Pho...

Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood by Ebet Roberts
Located in Austin, TX
Keith Richards and Ron Wood of The Rolling Stones, 1983 by Ebet Roberts Signed limited edition, hand printed silver gelatin print. Ebet Roberts began her career in 1977 when she be...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Tori Amos Vintage Print 12"x16" by Jake Chessum
Located in Austin, TX
Original hand-printed vintage 12x16” darkroom print from photographer Jake Chessum of Tori Amos. Printed by Jake in the 90's, at the time of the photo shoot. Jake recalls the sessio...
Category

1990s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Steve Martin, “Let’s Get Small Sequence”, framed 24x48" print by Norman Seeff
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition 24" x 48" print, edition number 26/50. Custom frames with 8 ply matte and non-glare museum glass Frame dimensions: 56” wide x 30” high x 1” deep As a renowne...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Patti Smith portrait, New York 1969
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition fine art print of musician, poet and writer, Patti Smith, taken in New York by celebrated photographer and filmmaker, Norman Seeff in 1969. This Patty Smith...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Willie Nelson by Jim Herrington
Located in Austin, TX
Willie Nelson on his bus, Beverly Hills, CA 2004. 17x22" Archival pigment print on baryta 315 gsm, acid-free, 100% cotton-fiber paper. Edition 75 Signed on recto by photographer Ji...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Beastie Boys 1994
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of the Beastie Boys by Jake Chessum. Jake recalls ” This was from April 1994. I flew from London to shoot at Mike D’s ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

Sketch - underwater b&w photograph - archival pigment print 24x16"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white photograph of perfect female legs in the pool. Original gallery quality archival pigment print on paper with metallic finish signed by the artist. . L...
Category

2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Jack Nicholson 1961 portrait by Monte Hellman. Signed silver gelatin print
Located in Austin, TX
Jack Nicholson, 1961 portrait by film director Monte Hellman Silver gelatin print 16x20 Signed au verso in pencil by the artist Monte Hellman (1929-202...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Morrissey
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition 16x20" silver gelatin print of Morrissey by Kevin Cummins, taken at Rochdale Canal, Manchester England, 5th September 1989. Limited edition number 36/50 This ...
Category

1980s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

David Bowie smoking portrait by Kevin Cummins
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition 16x20" silver gelatin print of David Bowie by Kevin Cummins, taken in a studio during rehearsals for the It’s My Life Tour with his band Tin Machine, Dublin, I...
Category

1990s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Iggy Pop at the Whisky 1970 by Ed Caraeff
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition. print by Ed Caraeff of Iggy Pop taken during a Stooges show at Whisky a Go Go, Los Angeles, CA, US, May 1970 by celebrated photographer, Ed Caraeff Signed limited edition print number 2/50 This stunning print is also available in the following sizes with a limited edition of 50. 20" x 24" 30" x 40" 40" x 60" Ed Caraeff is a photographer and art director. He has worked with, photographed, designed or art directed hundreds of album covers. His photography archive includes Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, Elton John, Carly Simon,Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Tom Waits, Tim Buckley, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Neil Diamond...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Led Zeppelin on the Starship 1973
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Led Zeppelin by Michael Brennan, taken aboard their Boeing 707 ‘Starship’, on their way to Detroit, US, January 31, 1975. T...
Category

1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

John Lennon the Beatles 1966 Cleveland Concert
Located in Paonia, CO
This image of John Lennon was taken at a 1966 Cleveland Ohio live Beatles concert. Photographer Michael Chikeris had just gotten out of the Marines and got entry thru the stage door...
Category

1960s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Photographic Film, Photographic Paper

Muhammad Ali Shadow Boxing
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of American professional boxer and activist Muhammad during a training session at his training camp on 58 Sculps Hill Road, Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, USA,...
Category

1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

The Rolling Stones "Out Of Our Heads" by Gered Mankowitz
Located in Austin, TX
The Rolling Stones, taken in London back in 1965 by Gered Mankowitz. This image was used for the cover of Out Of Our Heads. Featuring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

In the Blazing Sun at George Airfield
Located in Austin, TX
British fashion model Wenda Parkinson wearing a grey gabardine dress by Dorville at George Airfield in Nairobi, Kenya, South Africa, next to a Hermes airplane...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

Jimmy Page Led Zeppelin live on stage 1975
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Jimmy Page, lead guitarist of British rock band Led Zeppelin on stage at the Olympia stadium in Detroit, US, January 31, 1975, taken by Michael Brenna...
Category

1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

Muhammad Ali
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Muhammad Ali by Michael Brennan, taken in 1977. A copy of this Iconic photograph is held in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery...
Category

1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

The Beatles on the set of HELP! by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, TX
The Beatles having fun at Cliveden House whilst taking a break from filming the 1965 comedy, Help! Taken by Robert Whitaker. All limited edition print...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

Kate Bush
Located in Austin, TX
Absolutely stunning portrait of singer Kate Bush by acclaimed photographer, Gered Mankowitz, taken in his London studio in 1978. Kate Bush has seen a huge r...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

Chris Cornell by Chris Cuffaro
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell, from acclaimed music photographer, Chris Cuffaro. Taken in September 1991 in Indio, CA Signed limited edition 17x22" print, edition number 25/50 Chris Cuffaro has shot the best of the best in the music world including ground-breaking bands like Jane’s Addiction...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

David Bowie at The Dorchester Hotel 1972
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of David Bowie by Alec Byrne, taken at the Dorchester Hotel, July 1972 Alec Byrne signed limited edition prints are available ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Silver Gelatin

Lena Home, 1982
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Francesco Scavullo (after) Title: Lena Home, 1982 Portfolio: A Photographic Retrospective, Volume I: Song Medium: Gelatin Silver Print Year: 2004 Edition: 106/150 Signed: Sig...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Tom Waits, Mantello, 1992
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Tom Waits, taken in Paris 1992 by Guido Harari 16x20" giclee print Guido Harari has photographed many music legends in his prolific career in Italy. Lou Reed said about him: "I'm always happy when Guido takes my picture because I know it will be a musical picture...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Giclée

TOWNS VAN ZANDT, TENNESSEE 1996 by Jim Herrington
Located in Austin, TX
Townes Van Zandt, Tennessee, 1996 by Jim Herrington 17x22" Archival pigment print on baryta 315 gsm, acid-free, 100% cotton-fiber paper. Edition 75 ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Willie Nelson playing pool
Located in Austin, TX
Willie Nelson, taken playing pool at the Pedernales Studio's in 1983 by photographer Scott Newton Signed limited edition print, printed on heavyweight co...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Kate Moss at 16 by Jake Chessum
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Kate Moss by Jake Chessum, taken when she was an unknown 16 year old model, just starting her career. Jake recalls, "I had heard of Kate as she was...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

David Bowie 1972 Contact Sheet Print, Framed
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition contact sheet of print David Bowie by Barrie Wentzell, taken during an interview at 252 Regent Street, London in January 1972. One of the images was used on th...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Giclée

Jimi Hendrix playing pool by Ed Caraeff
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Jimi Hendrix, shooting pool at the Bel Air home of John and Michelle Phillips, in Laurel Canyon, LA on July 1st 1967 ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Iggy Pop "Lust For Life"
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition 16x20" silver gelatin print of Iggy Pop, taken on stage during the tour to support the album ‘Lust for Life’ at the Manchester Apo...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Pamela Des Barres 1968 Groupies, signed limited edition silver gelatin print
Located in Austin, TX
Miss Pamela by Baron Wolman, taken in Los Angeles in 1968 as part of Baron's Groupies series, taken for Rolling Stone magazine. Limited edition number 2/1...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Elvis Presley 1960 portrait
Located in Austin, TX
Fine art print of Elvis Presley from the collection of acclaimed photographer. Lynn Goldsmith, taken in 1960 These prints are open edition and come with full certification. Availab...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

C Print

Morrissey by Kevin Cummins
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition silver gelatin print of English singer and songwriter Morrissey, photographed whilst on his 'Kill Uncle' tour in Cologne, Germany, May 1991. This Morrissey pr...
Category

1990s Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Dolly Parton and Mick Jagger
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition archival print of Country music star Dolly Parton hugs rock star Mick Jagger backstage after her Bottom Line concert. NYC 5/14/77 ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

David Bowie by Terry O'Neill framed, signed silver gelatin print
Located in Austin, TX
Ready to ship immediately. Free domestic US shipping. Framed 16x20" signed lifetime edition print by Terry O'Neill of David Bowie taken in Los Angeles in 1974, with Bowie wearing th...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Siouxsie Sioux by Simon Fowler
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Siouxsie Sioux taken by Simon Fowler in the UK Available in the following sizes: 12 x 17” - open edition 15 x 22” - Edition 35 24 x 33” - Edition 25
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Photorealist black and white photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Photorealist black and white photography 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. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Alex Sher, Allan Tannenbaum, Jake Chessum, and Kevin Cummins. Frequently made by artists working with Pigment Print, and Archival Pigment Print and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Photorealist black and white photography, so small editions measuring 5.5 inches across are also available. Prices for black and white photography made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $11 and tops out at $200,247, while the average work sells for $1,815.

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