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Photorealist 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
Apriel - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment 18 x 24"
Apriel - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment 18 x 24"

Apriel - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment 18 x 24"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This underwater nude photograph showcases delicate interplay between light, shadow, and movement as hair cascades weightlessly around the topless subject's contemplative profile. The...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

The Slope - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 18 x 24"
The Slope - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 18 x 24"

The Slope - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 18 x 24"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Resting against the gentle gradient of sand, a naked figure finds repose where water transforms gravity and perception. The slope becomes both support and metaphor—a study in balance...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

No Way - black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print 22x35"
No Way - black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print 22x35"

No Way - black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print 22x35"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A black and white photograph of a perfect woman's buttocks and her handcuffed hands giving a finger. Museum-quality archival pigment print on archival paper, personally signed by th...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment

Flame - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 18 x 24"
Flame - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 18 x 24"

Flame - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 18 x 24"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This intimate monochromatic underwater photograph captures a naked woman in a moment of quiet contemplation, her elegant form rising from the grainy bottom like a slender tongue of f...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Winter Fishing - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 43" x 60"
Winter Fishing - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 43" x 60"

Winter Fishing - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 43" x 60"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Winter Fishing by Alex Sher presents a striking underwater nude photograph featuring a young naked woman entangled in fishing nets beneath dark waters. The monochromatic palette crea...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Joe Dallesandro Andy Warhol Trash promo photo
Joe Dallesandro Andy Warhol Trash promo photo

Joe Dallesandro Andy Warhol Trash promo photo

By Jack Mitchell

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Jack Mitchell, American Photographer (1925-2013). Joe Dallesandro, ca. 1973. 11 x 14 inches; 12 x 15 inches framed. Period print from artist's studio. The image was intended for ...

Category

1970s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Winter Fishing - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 35" x 49"
Winter Fishing - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 35" x 49"

Winter Fishing - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 35" x 49"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Winter Fishing by Alex Sher presents a striking underwater nude photograph featuring a young naked woman entangled in fishing nets beneath dark waters. The monochromatic palette crea...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Archival Paper

Apriel - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment 35 x 43"
Apriel - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment 35 x 43"

Apriel - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment 35 x 43"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

"Apriel" captures a serene underwater moment in striking black and white. This fine art underwater photograph showcases delicate interplay between light, shadow, and movement as hair cascades weightlessly around the topless subject's contemplative profile. The monochromatic palette enhances the dreamlike quality, creating an ethereal atmosphere that transcends conventional portraiture. This evocative image continues the tradition of underwater fine art photography that explores themes of transformation and liminality. The composition's intimate perspective invites viewers to experience the boundary between worlds—a visual poetry of submersion and emergence that resonates within contemporary underwater portraiture. Original gallery quality archival pigment print on archival paper signed by the artist, furnished with certificate of authenticity. Limited edition of 24 Paper size: 36x44...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Archival Paper

No Way - black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print 43 x 68"
No Way - black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print 43 x 68"

No Way - black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print 43 x 68"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A black and white photograph of a perfect woman's buttocks and her handcuffed hands giving a finger. Original gallery quality print signed by the artist. Digital archival pigment p...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment

NYC Shopping Couple
NYC Shopping Couple

NYC Shopping Couple

Located in Slovak Republic, SK

The picture is an edition ( Edit. of 50) and part of a book about NYC, which Kallay done in 1965 for a German book publisher.

Category

1960s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Black & White Monochrome of a Female Nude by Contemporary American Photographer
Black & White Monochrome of a Female Nude by Contemporary American Photographer

Black & White Monochrome of a Female Nude by Contemporary American Photographer

Located in Preston, GB

Black & White Monochrome Photograph of a Female Nude by Contemporary by legendary American Photographer, Larry Colwell (1911-1972). Photo Size 9.5 x 6 inches - Signed on the rear Unmounted & Unframed Larry Colwell American, 1911-1972 Born 1911, Detroit, Michigan Died 1972, New Canaan...

Category

1950s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Ink, Printer's Ink, Photographic Paper, Monoprint

Black & White Photograph of a Female Nude by Contemporary American Photographer
Black & White Photograph of a Female Nude by Contemporary American Photographer

Black & White Photograph of a Female Nude by Contemporary American Photographer

Located in Preston, GB

Black & White Photograph of a Female Nude by Contemporary American Photographer, Dan O'Neill. Dan is based in Brooklyn, New York. Photo Size 9.5 x 7.5 inches Unmounted & Unframed Dan has has work featured in the following magazines: BAZAAR • COSMOPOLITAN • 20 ANS • COMPANY • BIBA • CITY • SELF • L'OFFICIEL • SPIN • INTERVIEW • AMICA • YM • SUGAR • PLAYBOY • RIVIERA • ESSENCE His work has been used in adverts for: TRUE RELIGION • OSCAR DE LA RENTA • NIKE • VICTORIA'S SECRET • NORDSTROM • NIVEA • MACY'S • ROBERT COMSTOCK • BEDFORD • CONTREC • VICTORY • JUNKO YOSHIOKA • TARGET • EDDIE BAUER...

Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Ink, Printer's Ink, Photographic Paper

Fiesta Photography Mexico Stamped Karol Kállay

Fiesta Photography Mexico Stamped Karol Kállay

By Karol Kallay

Located in Slovak Republic, SK

Photography done for the publication Mexico/Volk und Welt Berlin 1968/stamped on the back with authors stamp.

Category

1960s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

MAN RAY (1890-1976), RAYOGRAPH, 1923 Photogravure, FIRST EDITION

MAN RAY (1890-1976), RAYOGRAPH, 1923 Photogravure, FIRST EDITION

By Man Ray

Located in Pembroke Pines, FL

Artist: Man Ray (American born, 1890 - 1976) Title: RAYOGRAPH Date Of Negative: 1923 Type Of Print: Authentic Vintage Sheet Fed Photogravure/Heliogravure. Date Of Print: 1934 1st Edi...

Category

1920s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Photogravure

MAN RAY (1890-1976), FEMALE NUDE, 1930 Photogravure, FIRST EDITION

MAN RAY (1890-1976), FEMALE NUDE, 1930 Photogravure, FIRST EDITION

By Man Ray

Located in Pembroke Pines, FL

Artist: Man Ray (American born, 1890 - 1976) Title: FEMALE NUDE Date Of Negative: 1930 Type Of Print: Authentic Vintage Sheet Fed Photogravure/Heliogravure. Date Of Print: 1934 1st E...

Category

1920s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Photogravure

MAN RAY (1890-1976), MRS ROWELL, 1930 Photogravure, FIRST EDITION

MAN RAY (1890-1976), MRS ROWELL, 1930 Photogravure, FIRST EDITION

By Man Ray

Located in Pembroke Pines, FL

Artist: Man Ray (American born, 1890 - 1976) Title: MRS ROWELL Date Of Negative: 1930 Type Of Print: Authentic Vintage Sheet Fed Photogravure/Heliogravure. Date Of Print: 1934 1st Ed...

Category

1920s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Filled with Light

Filled with Light

Located in Slovak Republic, SK

The picture belongs to. a set of photographs, done by Kallay in NYC in 1965 for a German book publisher.

Category

1960s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Ripples - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print
Ripples - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print

Ripples - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Underwater nude black and white photograph of a perfect female torso wrapped in sunlight. Original gallery quality archival pigment print on archival paper signed by the artist, fur...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Escape - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 26 x 35"
Escape - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 26 x 35"

Escape - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 26 x 35"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This contemplative monochromatic nude photograph captures a naked woman suspended in minimalist gray waters, surrounded by a constellation of air bubbles ascending toward an unseen s...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Yosemite Blue Mountain, Cyanotype on Watercolor Paper, Landscape in Indigo
Yosemite Blue Mountain, Cyanotype on Watercolor Paper, Landscape in Indigo

Yosemite Blue Mountain, Cyanotype on Watercolor Paper, Landscape in Indigo

By Kind of Cyan

Located in Barcelona, ES

This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. This cyanotype shows one of the mountains in beautiful Yosemite National park in California. Details: + Title: Yosemite Blue Mountain + Year: 2021 + Edition Size: 100 + Stamped and Certificate of Authenticity provided + Measurements : 70x100 cm (28x 40 in.), a standard frame size + All cyanotype prints are made on high-quality Italian watercolor paper * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped carefully rolled and packaged in a tube. WHAT IS A CYANOTYPE? The cyanotype (a.k.a. sun-print) process is one of the oldest in the history of photography, dating back to the 1840's. Cyanotypes were then made famous by Anna Atkins, considered the first female photographer. Inspired by nature, we feel the need to look back at a craft that is handmade, analogue, and using an all-natural light source: the sun. Our cyanotypes are made by coating high-quality Italian watercolor paper with a light-sensitive emulsion. We then expose it in direct sunlight for several minutes using a photo negative to get the best image quality. Finally, the print is washed and fixed with water to stop the reaction and prevent fading. What you get is an amazing, royal blue image...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Emulsion, Watercolor, Photographic Paper, C Print, Engraving, Etching, M...

The Trouble - underwater photograph - archival print 35" x 61"
The Trouble - underwater photograph - archival print 35" x 61"

The Trouble - underwater photograph - archival print 35" x 61"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A passionate furious energy radiates in the ripples of red that overtake the reflection. Intense motion, stirring the water into an explosion of bubbles we encounter “The Trouble”. T...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Ann Richards and Dolly Parton in Austin Texas by Scott Newton

Ann Richards and Dolly Parton in Austin Texas by Scott Newton

Located in Austin, TX

Texan politician and former Texas governor, Ann Richards with Dolly Parton taken at the Driskill Hotel, Austin Texas in 1982 by photographer Scott Newton Photographers notes: We wer...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor signed Lifetime Edition

David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor signed Lifetime Edition

By Terry O'Neill

Located in Austin, TX

Lifetime prints are the last remaining prints available, signed by Terry O’Neill and obtained from the Terry O’Neill Archive in London. Signed limited edition, silver gelatin print ...

Category

1970s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Apriel - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment 43"x52"
Apriel - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment 43"x52"

Apriel - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment 43"x52"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

"Apriel" captures a serene underwater moment in striking black and white. This fine art underwater photograph showcases delicate interplay between light, shadow, and movement as hair...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

David Bowie "Watch That Man IV" by Sukita
David Bowie "Watch That Man IV" by Sukita

David Bowie "Watch That Man IV" by Sukita

By Masayoshi Sukita

Located in Austin, TX

16" x 20", signed limited edition print of David Bowie by Masayoshi Sukita. Taken at RCA Studios, New York, 1973. As featured in the new movie, Moonage Daydream. This print is also ...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography

Materials

C Print

Escape - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 18 x 24"
Escape - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 18 x 24"

Escape - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 18 x 24"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This contemplative monochromatic nude photograph captures a naked woman suspended in minimalist gray waters, surrounded by a constellation of air bubbles ascending toward an unseen s...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Wild Blood  - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 24x18"
Wild Blood  - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 24x18"

Wild Blood - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 24x18"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

There are no rules for luck. I was sure the new girl would need practice and practice - and was wrong. She was just perfect from the first second till the last one. Next month she g...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Digital, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

David Bowie The Archer
David Bowie The Archer

David Bowie The Archer

Located in Austin, TX

This iconic image of David Bowie as The Thin White Duke was taken by renowned Rock photographer, John Rowlands, on February 26th, 1976, at Maple Leaf Gar...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Slope - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 25" x 35"
The Slope - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 25" x 35"

The Slope - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 25" x 35"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Resting against the gentle gradient of sand, a naked figure finds repose where water transforms gravity and perception. The slope becomes both support and metaphor—a study in balance...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Original Marilyn Monroe Photograph
Original Marilyn Monroe Photograph

Original Marilyn Monroe Photograph

Located in Soquel, CA

Original Marilyn Monroe Photograph Original photograph of Marilyn Monroe posing in her dressing room on the film of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" by photographer Milton Gold (American,...

Category

1950s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

No Way - black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print 35x55"
No Way - black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print 35x55"

No Way - black & white nude photograph - archival pigment print 35x55"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A black and white photograph of a perfect woman's buttocks and cuffed hands giving a finger. Original gallery quality print signed by the artist. Digital archival pigment print. P...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment

Danae and Zeus - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 27x35"
Danae and Zeus - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 27x35"

Danae and Zeus - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 27x35"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An underwater photograph of a naked young woman wrapped in golden tulle. Her body position, her beautiful face, and golden reflection remind Ancient Greek myth of Zeus and Danae. O...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Athena - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print
Athena - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print

Athena - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An underwater photograph of a naked young woman with a sward. Original gallery quality print signed by the artist. Digital archival pigment print on archival paper with metallic fi...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Batman's view of the 1st Avenue of New York City  -  Panoramic Color Photography
Batman's view of the 1st Avenue of New York City  -  Panoramic Color Photography

Batman's view of the 1st Avenue of New York City - Panoramic Color Photography

Located in Brussels, BE

Pigment photographic paper - photography & fine art print © Jean Pierre De Neef Artwork # 7 on 12 sold in perfect condition from a limited edition - Composition from an assembly of...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Honey Pot II - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 18" x 24"
Honey Pot II - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 18" x 24"

Honey Pot II - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 18" x 24"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

An underwater nude photograph of a girl relaxing in the pool. The photograph was taken with terra-cotta background and with green trees and bright blue sky visible thorough the water...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

No Way - black & white nude photograph - print on paper 15" x 23"
No Way - black & white nude photograph - print on paper 15" x 23"

No Way - black & white nude photograph - print on paper 15" x 23"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A black and white photograph of a perfect woman's buttocks and her handcuffed hands giving a finger. Original gallery quality archival pigment print on archival paper signed by the ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment

No Way - black and white nude photograph - print on aluminum 39" x 62"
No Way - black and white nude photograph - print on aluminum 39" x 62"

No Way - black and white nude photograph - print on aluminum 39" x 62"

By Alex Sher

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A black and white photograph of a perfect woman's buttocks and her handcuffed hands giving a finger. Original digital print on aluminum plate signed by the artist. Limited edition o...

Category

2010s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Metal

The Beastie Boys 1987 by Lynn Goldsmith
The Beastie Boys 1987 by Lynn Goldsmith

The Beastie Boys 1987 by Lynn Goldsmith

By Lynn Goldsmith

Located in Austin, TX

Signed limited edition print of The Beastie Boys taken in 1987 by Lynn Goldsmith Signed limited edition #7/20 - signed, numbered and titled by Lynn Goldsmith

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Foundry - Black and White Photograph
The Foundry - Black and White Photograph

The Foundry - Black and White Photograph

Located in Soquel, CA

High contrast photo by Peter Stackpole (American, 1913-1997). The photo shows a hot bar of metal on a large machine, about to be worked. The metal is g...

Category

1930s Photorealist Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Photorealist photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Photorealist 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. If you’re looking to add photography created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, red, pink, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Alex Sher, Allan Tannenbaum, Lynn Goldsmith, and Jake Chessum. 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 photography, so small editions measuring 5.5 inches across are also available. Prices for 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 $1,930.