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
Blood and Milk III - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 35 x 25"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a topless young woman with white tulle scarf taking off her red skirt on bright red background.
Original digital print on archival paper signed by the a...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 2 - Roma - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 2 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm
This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Category
1950s Photorealist 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 Photography
Materials
C Print
David Bowie at Frida Kahlo's House
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of David Bowie by Fernando Aceves.
Location: Frida Kahlo’s House, Mexico City
Date: October 1997
"Before his Mexico C...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Giclée
Taking Flight by Josephine Cardin Contemporary Fashion photography
Located in DE
Artist: Josephine Cardin
Medium: Photography
Limited edition of 30
Cardin uses a mix between photography and painting to develop her contemporary figurative art, inspired by music...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper, Pigment
Oil Peir (Pier)
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Photograph titled "Oil Peir (Pier)" c.1960, is a gelatin silver print by noted photographer Richard Stacks, 1930-2015. It has the stamp of the Baltimore Sunpapers and the name o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Green Bud - underwater photograph - print on paper 46" x 35"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a young woman wrapped in bright green tulle. Her head is above the water, hidden from the camera.
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 2 - Roma - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 2 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm
This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment, Pigment
Twiggy iconic limited edition photograph of model Twiggy by Arthur Steel
By Arthur Steel
Located in London, GB
Fashion shoot at Twiggy's boyfriend Justin de Villeneuve’s home, Chelsea 1966.
Iconic and stylish. One of a kind.
Camera: Leica 35mm.
Film stock: Kodak Tri-X Pan.
Location: Chelsea, London.
Year: 1966.
Edition of 30 at this size. Other sizes available contact us for more information.
All prints are titled, numbered, signed and carefully enfolded in acid free tissue paper and inserted into a rigid 4mm thick protective cardboard tube for delivery. This is for print only.
Certificate of Authenticity: Each print acquired from The Arthur Steel Archive is accompanied by an individually signed Certificate of Authenticity.
ABOUT ARTHUR STEEL
This photographer's archive of iconic images is nothing short of fabulous, and counts David Walliams as a collector. His most famous photograph is arguably of Diana and Charles's kiss on the balcony on their wedding day. He was one of just a handful of photographers who were on the 'royal rota' that day.
Regarded as a highly respected editor and Fleet Street photographer, Arthur photographed a vast array of celebrities over the years. In his images one can see how at ease his subjects felt in his company, such as Eric Morecambe within his study, Elton John at home with his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin...
Category
1960s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Paper, Digital
Workmen on Top of Tunnel at Shape Up Basin
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Photograph titled "Workmen on Top of Tunnel at Shape Up Basin" c.1960, is a gelatin silver print by noted photographer Richard Stacks, 1930-2015. It has the stamp of the Baltimo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
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 Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Whirlpool - underwater photograph - print on paper 19" x 17.5"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a young woman wrapped in bright green tulle.
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
Digital archival pigment print on archival paper with...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Willie Nelson
Located in Austin, TX
Willie Nelson, taken outside the Pedernales Studio's in 1983 by Austin Texas based photographer Scott Newton
Signed limited edition print, printed on hea...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Green Bud - underwater photograph - print on paper 56" x 43"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a young woman wrapped in bright green tulle. Her head is above the water, hidden from the camera.
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Chuck Berry by Lynn Goldsmith framed signed limited edition print
Located in Austin, TX
Chuck Berry by acclaimed photographer. Lynn Goldsmith, taken in 1987
Framed, signed limited edition 16x20" print, edition #5/20
Frame measures 28” high x 22.5” across x 1” thick
...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
C Print
Daffodile
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Photograph titled "Daffodile" c.1960, is a gelatin silver print by noted photographer Richard Stacks, 1930-2015. It has the stamp of the Baltimore Sunpapers and the name of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
The Cramps
By Simon Fowler
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of The Cramps featuring Lux Interior and Poison Ivy", taken by Simon Fowler in the UK
Available in the following sizes:
12 x 17” - open edition
15 x 22...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
'Vintage Portrait of an Indigenous Woman', Unknown, Black & White Photograph
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 16" x 13" black and white vintage photograph captures the side profile of an indigenous South American woman. The portrait is a 3/4 length portrait, depicting the figure from j...
Category
Mid-20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
The Bather - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 35x53"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater nude photograph of a model in floating petals
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
Digital archival pigment print on archival paper with metallic fin...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 1 - New York - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 1 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm
This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
The Beatles In White "Yesterday and Today" album cover shot by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, TX
The Beatles In White by Robert Whitaker.
On March 25, 1966, The Beatles visited 1 The Vale, Chelsea, London, a top-floor studio leased by Oluf Nilssen and frequently used by renowned photographer Robert Whitaker. Before the photo session with Robert Whitaker, The Beatles posed for a more conventional session at the studio with Nigel Dickson of The Beatles Book...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
C Print
Long Wave in Venice Beach, Black and White Giclée Print on Matte Cotton Paper
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive limited edition black and white giclée print, on 100% cotton Hahnemühle Photo Rag Fine Art matte paper.
This series of black and white photographs captures the ...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Rag Paper, Archival Pigment
Famiglia numerosa, Bangkok 1958 - Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition
Famiglia numerosa, Bangkok
This photo was made in 1958, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and th...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Sky Dance - underwater black& white photograph - archival pigment print 35"х51"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white photograph of a female dancer in the pool.
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
Digital archival pigment print on archival paper with ...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
The Super Constellation Lockheed - Full Framed Fine Art Edition
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition
This photo was made in 1953, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and the technical parameters (fram...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Il cuoco felice - Thailand 1959 - Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition
Il cuoco felice
This photo was made in 1959, printed later, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
In the Hall of the Mountain King - underwater b&w nude photograph - paper 24х35"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white nude photograph of a female dancer performing in a swimming pool.
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
Digital archival pigment print ...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Eiffel Tower, Tokyo ( 1957 ) - Japan - Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition
Eiffel Tower, Tokyo - Japan
This photo was made in 1957, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and th...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Tutu Skirt - underwater black & white nude photo - print on aluminum 22" x 36"
By Alex Sher
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 Photography
Materials
Metal
Porcelain and Тurquoise - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment 35x26"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a naked young women diving next to the bright turquoise dress she just took off.
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
Digital archival ...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
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 Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment, Silver Gelatin
La Sentinella, 1956 - Contemporary Photorealist Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Print called "Art 2014", format 42 x 60 cm. SERIES OF 5 PRINTS + 2 AP
Artwork sold in perfect condition
In an alleyway in Rome, a kid is playing with his plastic Winchester. But it seems just as much to protect the splendid Fiat 500 Belvedere, under the benevolent gaze of Doris Day, the face of Lux soap...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
The two booksellers, Roma 1968 - Full Framed Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in perfect condition
Limited Edition of 5 + 2 AP
This is a Minimalist framing & presentation of the artwork :
The Fine Art print on Baryta paper is mounted o...
Category
1960s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Bruce Springsteen "For You", Harvard Square Theater 1974. Printers proof print
Located in Austin, TX
Bruce Springsteen by Barry Schneier, Harvard Square Theatre, Cambridge, MA, 1974. Signed printers proof, silver gelatin print. Printers proof number 1/3
This printers proof print is one of only two remaining prints in this size. The original edition is completely sold out, as are the three artist proof prints. Once this print sells, the price on the last remaining printers proof print will increase, and once that sells, there will be no more prints available.
In May of 1974, Bruce Springsteen performed a show that is considered to be a watershed moment in his career. Having released two albums to date with minimal sales success, he was in danger of being dropped by his record label. Barry Schneier, having seen Bruce Springsteen perform locally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, suggested to concert promoters, Windowpane Productions, they consider booking him for a show. This chance encounter would lead to Bruce and the E Street Band opening for Bonnie Raitt...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
L’Addio, New York, December 1955 - Limited Edition Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork sold in perfect condition
During the 15 year period in which Fabrizio La Torre dedicated himself to photography, he travelled in Italy, Europe, North America and Asia. From ...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Tori Amos Vintage Print 12"x16" by Jake Chessum
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 Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
The "Two of Us"
By Karol Kallay
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
The photography belongs to a cycle of photographies of NY, published in the book "New York", Verlag und Volk, Berlin 1967. Stamped by the author on the back, certificate will be incl...
Category
1960s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Mezzogiono al Pantheon, 1958 - Roma - Contemporary Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork #1 / 5 sold in perfect condition printed on baryta heavyweight paper & framed (black metal border)
From the collection called "Art 2014", format 30x42 cm. SERIES OF 5 PRINTS...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Red Fish on Blue Glitter, Contemporary Still Life, Green Color Field Background
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Sexy Miami Futuristic Cocktail Lounge" is a series of photographs by Ryan Rivadeneyra inspired by the Art Deco colors of Miami that show beautiful objects and textures arranged meti...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper, C Print, Giclée
On the Downton Shore
By Karol Kallay
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
The picture of NYU was done in 1965 as a collection of photographs for a German book editor. Later a phonebook about NYU was published.
Category
1960s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
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 Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Verticalità, New York, 1955 - Contemporary Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork sold in perfect condition
During the 15 years during which he gave himself to photography, Fabrizio La Torre traveled to Italy, Europe, North America and Asia. From everywhe...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Gary Clark Jr Live album cover
By Ben Sklar
Located in Austin, TX
Gary Clark Jr taken on stage during his ACL appearance in his hometown of Austin Texas, October 2012. This image, taken by Gary Clark Jr's old school friend, Ben Sklar, was used as t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Soft Dance - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment 52x35"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A black and white photograph of a naked young woman diving in a pool. The woman is coming from the depth up toward the surface and her body reflects in the internal water surface.
O...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Pop Art Vintage Color Photograph Dye Transfer Print Audrey Flack Judaica Photo
By Audrey Flack
Located in Surfside, FL
Hand signed and titled in ink by the artist from edition of 50 (plus proofs). Color Photo printed at CVI Lab by master printer Guy Stricherz. Published by Prestige Art Ltd. From the ...
Category
1980s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper, C Print, Dye Transfer
Steve Martin, “Let’s Get Small Sequence”, framed 24x48" print by Norman Seeff
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 Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Acqua e fantasia, 1956 - Limited Edition Photorealist Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork sold in perfect condition
Print called "Art 2014", format 42 x 60 cm. SERIES OF 5 PRINTS + 2 AP
An impressive flood of the Tiber had already battered the pontoons of the few ...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
The Rolling Stones "Swarkestone Contact Sheet" Beggars Banquet
Located in Austin, TX
“Swarkestone Contact Sheet” by Michael Joesph from the famous photo shoot of The Rolling Stones for their Beggars Banquet album at Sarum Chase mansion, Hampstead, London, 1968. Featu...
Category
1960s Photorealist Photography
Materials
C Print
'Historic European Bridge', by Unknown, Black & White Photograph
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 20" x 16" framed black and white photographic print depicts a European bridge, river and landscape. The bridge disappears into the left side of the canvas and leads to what appe...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
The Bather - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 23” x 35”
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater nude photograph of a model in floating petals
Original gallery quality print signed by the artist.
Digital archival pigment print on archival paper with metallic fin...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Cold Song III - underwater photograph - archival pigment print 16x23.5"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
'Cold Song III' exemplifies the avant-garde evolution of underwater fine art photography, merging contemporary conceptual art with technical mastery. This ethereal composition captur...
Category
2010s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment, Archival Paper
The Super Constellation Lockheed
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition
This photo was made in 1953, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and the technical parameters (framing, contrast, light, etc.) was approved by him. This is a very high quality fine art prints on 310 gr/m² Fine Art paper with museum quality pigment inks.
The TWA (Trans World Airlines) Super Constellation...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Tired Photography Mexico Signed Karol Kállay
By Karol Kallay
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Photography done for the publication Mexico/ Volk und Welt Berlin, 1967, signed on the back by the author.
Category
1960s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Courtney Love
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition silver gelatin print of Courtney Love by Kevin Cummins, taken in Zurich Switzerland, 1996. Edition 50
This print by Kevin Cummins...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Nick Cave
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition 16x20" silver gelatin print of Nick Cave by celebrated British photographer, Kevin Cummins, taken for the British music publication, N...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Il Traghetto, New York, January 1956 - Contemporary Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Il traghetto, January 1956. In New York, the ferry with the silhouette so characteristic of this city and the star spangled flag, symbol of the country.
Artwork #1 / 5 sold in perfe...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Set of 3 Santa Cruz Photographs on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Set of 3 Santa Cruz Photographs on Canvas
Set of 3 Santa Cruz photographs on canvas by Bay Area artist Joy Marquez (American, 20th C.).
Signed "J. Z. Marquez" lower right.
Canvas: ...
Category
20th Century Photorealist Photography
Materials
Canvas, Ink
Fratello e Sorella - Thailand 1961 - Large size Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition
This photo was made in 1961, printed later, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and the technical ...
Category
1950s Photorealist Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
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.