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.
Gedimin. Llimited edition: 1/2. Sculpture by Sergey Oganov. Bronze
Located in Riga, LV
Sergey Oganov was born in 1974 in the family of the famous Belarusian sculptor Lev Oganov. Sergey began his first steps in the world of art while still being a schoolboy, helping hi...
Bronze
Last Supper. Llimited edition: 5/5. Sculpture by Sergey Oganov. Bronze
Located in Riga, LV
"Last Supper" is a visual manifesto of solitude, choice, and the premonition of sacrifice. Time has frozen in the moment after betrayal – when inevitability has settled in, and the c...
Metal, Bronze
Nomad. Llimited edition: ЕА 1-1. Sculpture by Sergey Oganov. Bronze
Located in Riga, LV
Sergey Oganov was born in 1974 in the family of the famous Belarusian sculptor Lev Oganov. Sergey began his first steps in the world of art while still being a schoolboy, helping hi...
Bronze, Metal
Hyperreal Light Purple Glass Balloon Sculpture with Droplets
Located in East Quogue, NY
Light purple hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture with glass droplets by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandbla...
Glass, Blown Glass
Golden Fleece. Llimited edition: ЕА-3. Sculpture by Sergey Oganov. Bronze
Located in Riga, LV
Sergey Oganov was born in 1974 in the family of the famous Belarusian sculptor Lev Oganov. Sergey began his first steps in the world of art while still being a schoolboy, helping hi...
Bronze, Metal
Glove. Llimited edition: 3/8. Sculpture by Sergey Oganov. Bronze
Located in Riga, LV
Sergey Oganov was born in 1974 in the family of the famous Belarusian sculptor Lev Oganov. Sergey began his first steps in the world of art while still being a schoolboy, helping hi...
Bronze, Metal
Argonauts. Llimited edition: EA-II. Bronze. 59x38x10 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Sergey Oganov was born in 1974 in the family of the famous Belarusian sculptor Lev Oganov. Sergey began his first steps in the world of art while still being a schoolboy, helping hi...
Bronze, Metal
Night Watch. Llimited edition: 3/5. Sculpture by Sergey Oganov. Bronze
Located in Riga, LV
Sergey Oganov was born in 1974 in the family of the famous Belarusian sculptor Lev Oganov. Sergey began his first steps in the world of art while still being a schoolboy, helping hi...
Bronze
$3,000Sale Price|70% Off
Rattlesnake
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mark Morrison (1895-1964) Rattlesnake , ca. 1950 Carved pink Texas granite 13.5" wide, 13" deep, height is 7" Repair and conservation to uppermost part of snake's body. Provena...
Granite
Hyperreal Colored Glass Balloon Sculptures - Set of 5
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 5 hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture installation by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Approx. Size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 inches (each balloon) Dylan Martine...
Glass, Blown Glass
Hyperreal Yellow, Blue, Purple Glass Balloon Sculpture Set (Trio)
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 3 hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture installation by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Approx. Size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 inches (each) Dylan Martinez’s hype...
Glass, Blown Glass
Hyperreal Light Blue Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Light blue hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. These hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble r...
Glass, Blown Glass
Hyperreal Lemonade Yellow Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hyperreal lemonade yellow glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etc...
Glass, Blown Glass
Pearfect in Pink
By Bela Bacsi
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Exhibitions Exhibited at the Los Angeles Art Show 2014, January 15-19, 2014
Marble
Cistern Fragment
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Artist Statement “Ray Bradbury never ceases to inspire me. While working with him, I saw his ...
Cast Stone
$7,500Sale Price|70% Off
Black Swan
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mark Morrison (1895-1964) Black Swan , ca. 1950 Carved and polished black pearl granite 7" wide, 11.5" deep, height is 29" Provenance: Estate of Mrs. Mark Morrison. Born: Kin...
Granite
Hyperreal Forest Green Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Dark forest green glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. 100% hot sculpted glass. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblas...
Glass, Blown Glass
Hyperreal Bright Yellow Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hyperreal bright yellow glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etche...
Glass, Blown Glass
" THE LAST DROP " Charles Schreyvogel (1861-1912) BRONZE SCULPTURE 1903 WESTERN
Located in San Antonio, TX
Charles Schreyvogel (1861-1912) New York / New Jersey Artist Image Size: 12" x 18.50" x 5" Medium: Bronze Sculpture 1903 "The Last Drop" Charles Schreyvogel (1861-1912) New York / Ne...
Bronze
The Victorious David / - The melancholy of the radiant hero -
Located in Berlin, DE
Henri Honoré Plé (1853 Paris - 1922 Paris), The Victorious David, around1890. Red-brown and brown patinated bronze with terrain plinth mounted on a round base. 42 cm (total height) x...
Bronze
French Bronze Bust on Marble of “Diana”
Located in San Francisco, CA
The University of Michigan’s Museum of Art, which holds such a bust in its collection, describes this aridly as a “Bust-length figure of a woman with head turned proper left, down-tu...
Marble, Bronze
$14,000
Horse Playing with a Dog (The Good Companions) Pierre-Jules Mene (1810-1879)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Antique Horse Bronze "Horse in the Stable Playing with a Dog (The Good Companions)" Jument à l'écurie jouant avec un chien Pierre-Jules Mene (French, 1810-1879) Bronze 19 x 10 inc...
Bronze
$1,000Sale Price|50% Off
Mountain Goat
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mark Morrison (1895-1964) Mountain Goat, ca. 1940 Carved diorite 3 7/8" wide, 2.5" deep, height is 3" Provenance: Estate of Mrs. Mark Morrison. Born: Kingfisher, OK Educatio...
Stone
"Eagle with a Snake"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This sculptural work depicts a dramatic scene of a struggle between a mighty eagle and a snake. The eagle, a symbol of strength, courage and victory, has spread its wings wide, demon...
Bronze
"Porcelain Pattern Sphynx 2" - Hand-Painted Resin Cat Sculpture, 2024
Located in Denver, CO
Nana Williams’ "Porcelain Pattern Sphynx 2" is a captivating resin sculpture that merges delicate craftsmanship with intricate surface decoration. This 2024 original work is a resin cast, hand-painted with acrylic gouache, standing at 5.50 x 2 x 3.50 inches (13.97 x 5.08 x 8.89 cm). Inspired by the elegance of fine porcelain, the piece mimics the timeless beauty of blue-and-white ceramic motifs...
Resin, Acrylic, Gouache
Hyperreal Colored Glass Balloon Sculptures - Set of 5
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 5 hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture installation by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Balloon Size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 inches (each) Dylan Martinez’s hype...
Glass, Blown Glass
$9,800
Aida
Located in New York, NY
GASTON LEROUX "Aida" Modeled scantily clad in a robe and head garment seated on a sculpted head of an Egyptian Pharoah, with a tambourine in her hand, with a green and brown patina, ...
Bronze
![[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Statue of an Athlete](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/mark-beard-sculptures-bruce-sargeant-1898-1938-statue-of-an-athlete-for-sale-picture-2/a_9323/a_35855421542990089601/Statue_of_an_Athlete_installation_crop_artnet_master.jpg?width=240)
![[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Statue of an Athlete](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/mark-beard-sculptures-bruce-sargeant-1898-1938-statue-of-an-athlete-for-sale/a_9323/a_35855421542990079678/Statue_of_an_Athlete_artnet_master.jpg?width=240)
[Bruce Sargeant (1898-1938)] Statue of an Athlete
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. “Bruce Sargeant is a mythic figure in the modern art movement. He embodies a world that is in many ways lost to us; he...
Bronze
Pregnant woman. vintage bronse sculpture
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this work, the author create a pregnant woman. He created the classical female torso on a marble basement. Posture, movement, body lines - everything praises the beauty of the f...
Stone, Bronze
Deforestation by Romain Langlois - Bronze Sculpture, Realist Portrait
Located in Paris, FR
Deforestation is a figurative bronze sculpture by French artist Romain Langlois, representing the face of a man wearing a wooden crown – also made of bronze. The sculptor’s figurati...
Bronze
Hippocampus-original figurative bronze animal sculpture-artwork-contemporary 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...
Bronze
$2,000Sale Price|60% Off
Dove
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mark Morrison (1895-1964) Dove, ca. 1960 Carved and polished stone 10" wide, 6.25" deep, height is 12" Tail exhibits a small area of loss. Our conservator can repair this at no ex...
Stone
$4,000Sale Price|50% Off
Monkey
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mark Morrison (1895-1964) Monkey, ca. 1940 Carved New Hampshire granite 8.5" by 5", height is 16.5" Provenance: Estate of Mrs. Mark Morrison. Born: Kingfisher, OK Education: ...
Granite
Pair of Hyperreal Purple Glass Balloon Sculptures
Located in East Quogue, NY
Pair of Hyperreal purple glass water balloon sculptures by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble real water balloons. The sculptures are made in small batches, and each color is hand-mixed. Each piece is unique and is signed on the base by the artist. Material: Hot sculpted, sandblasted, acid-etched solid glass Approx. Size: 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 4 1/2 inches (each) hyperrealism, glass sculpture, glass balloon...
Glass, Blown Glass
Model Girl Bronze and Stone Sculpture, Realist Style, Vintage, 1980s
Located in Zofingen, AG
Classic female torso inspired by examples of high Greek sculpture. Sculptor explores the lines and shapes of the female body, embodied the diversity, slightly changed the poses. Thi...
Stone, Bronze
20th Century Solid Bronze Nude Ballet Dancer 'Preparation' by Benson Landes
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'Preparation' is a 20th Century Solid Bronze ballet Dancer by Benson Landes. For Benson Landes, sculpture was most definitely a passion. His oeuvre of cast bronzes is populated wit...
Bronze
$35,000
"Sudbourne Premier: Suffolk Punch Stallion" Herbert Haseltine, 1927 Bronze
Located in New York, NY
Herbert Haseltine Sudbourne Premier: Suffolk Punch Stallion, 1927 Signed left side: © HASELTINE / MCMXXVII Bronze, dark brown patina, parcel gilding ...
Bronze
Hyperreal Colored Glass Balloon Sculptures - Set of 5
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 5 hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture installation by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Balloon Size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 inches (each) Dylan Martinez’s hype...
Glass, Blown Glass
Nude model. vintage collectible sculpture, cast bronze, 1987
Located in Zofingen, AG
realism, academism manner, vintage collectible sculpture, cast bronze, "I create this sculpture at the very beginning of my career. I sculpted it from a real model. The girl was ver...
Bronze
$1,950Sale Price|35% Off
Mountain Goat
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mark Morrison (1895-1964) Mountain Goat, ca. 1950. Carved granite. 6.25" long, 3.25" wide, height is 6.25" Born: Kingfisher, OK Education: University of Missouri John Flannag...
Granite
Hutschenreuther Porcelain Figurine "The Challenge" (Blue Heron)
Located in Detroit, MI
The Challenge (Blue Heron) by Gunther Granget Ltd Edition #42/200 for Hutschenreuther Porcelain in Germany. Hand painted in fired. Hutschenreuther is a historic German porcelain man...
Porcelain
$9,450Sale Price|30% Off
Rare, Antique, Life-Size Dog Bronze of a Chihuahua "Lydie" Charles Valton. 1890s
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Antique Bronze Dog Sculpture Chihuahua "La Petite Belle Lydie" Charles Valton (French, 1851-1918) Circa 15 1/2 x 10 1/4 x 7 Lydie is a Chihuahua making her a very rare image from ...
Bronze
Hyperreal Dark Purple Glass Balloon Sculpture with Droplets
Located in East Quogue, NY
Dark purple hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture with glass droplets by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblas...
Glass, Blown Glass
Golf Bug
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Original bronze sculpture by Andrea Wilkinson. Edition #6/30. Signed on bronze sculpture
Bronze
$2,000Sale Price|60% Off
Ram
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mark Morrison (1895-1964) Ram, ca. 1940 Carved diorite 9" long, 6" wide, height is 7.5" Rusty band on hind quarter is a naturally occurring iron ore occlusion in stone, which bot...
Granite
$2,396
Alfreda, The Artist's Daughter - British 1950s plaster bust by Richard Garbe
Located in London, GB
RICHARD LOUIS GARBE, RA (1876-1957) Aelfrieda, The Artist’s Daughter Signed and dated 1956 Plaster with patinated surface on a wooden base 30 cm., 11 ¾ in. high Provenance: Gifte...
Plaster
Venus Bronze Sculpture, Realist Style, Vintage, 1980s
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this work, the author turned to classical mythology and created the image of the goddess Venus. Goddesses of youth, beauty and love. He created the classical female torso on a marble basement. Кeferring to the classical works of antiquity, the sculptor created his own version of the Venus statue...
Bronze
$1,776Sale Price|25% Off
Early 20th century Italian Marble sculpture - Erotic nude scene
Located in Varmo, IT
Marble bas-relief sculpture - Erotic scene. Italy, early 20th century. 26 x 26 cm (not signed). Made entirely of carved white marble. Depicting an erotic scene. - This item is so...
Marble
Christ with Crown of Thorns / - Seeing gaze -
Located in Berlin, DE
Hans Thoma (1839 Bernau - 1924 Karlsruhe), Christ with Crown of Thorns, 1902. Brass relief plate in niello technique with raised sections, 38 cm x 40 cm. Monogrammed and dated “hTh 1...
Brass
Michael Standing
By Peter Brooke
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist EXHIBITIONS California Art Clubs 95th Annual Gold Medal Juried Exhibition April 2 - 23...
Bronze
$15,500
Die Trinkende Bronze Sculpture, Realist Style, Circa 1900, Unframed
Located in New York, NY
Victor Heinrich Seifert (1870 – 1953) Die Trinkende, c. 1900, cast 1906 H 26.25 in. x W 8 in. x D 11.38 inch Bronze with brown patina Original stone pedestal with 1906 inscribed on ...
Bronze
$2,274Sale Price|20% Off
Expressive High Fire Glazed Ceramic Painted Old Man Bust and Forged Iron Glasses
Located in FISTERRA, ES
Expressive ceramic bust with high-fire glazes, oil-painted head and forged iron glasses exploring identity, learning and the aging body. This expressive ceramic bust belongs to Os A...
Iron
Else FÜRST (1873-1943), Fasane Foundry stamp of the Berlin foundry Kraas
Located in Berlin, DE
Else Fürst was a German sculptor and medalist who was murdered by the Nazis. Biographical data: Bronze signed Foundry stamp of the Berlin foundry Kraas. 25 x 73 cm Born: June 25,...
Bronze
Deer, Large Patinated Bronze Sculpture
Located in Long Island City, NY
This bronze sculpture of a deer is a realistic rendering of the majestic animal. Deer have been the center of literature and art for many cultures across the world. They have also ...
Bronze
$5,477
Seahorse -original figurative bronze marine sculpture-artwork-contemporary 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...
Bronze
$2,500Sale Price|50% Off
Sleeping Cat
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mark Morrison (1895-1964) Sleeping Cat, ca. 1940 Carved Vermont granite 7.5" wide, 5" deep, height is 7" Provenance: Estate of Mrs. Mark Morrison. Born: Kingfisher, OK Educat...
Granite
$175,000
"Caduceus", James Muir, Monumental Bronze Fountain Sculpture Allegory, Medical
Located in Dallas, TX
"Caduceus", recognized as a universal medical symbol, in this bronze representation by James N. Muir has become an Angel of Healing bringing love and peace to the earth and all of it...
Bronze
$46,784
Two meters pear tree wrough iron sculpture. Unique piece. In & outdoor sculpture
By Ivan Zanoni
Located in Milan, IT
Pear Tree Sculpture. Elegant, fine and unique piece, not replicable. Forged on wrought iron. Made by six different branches, easy assembled. The sculptor is fresh from the success ...
Iron
Vintage Italian Glazed Terra Cotta Wall Hanging Leopard Head
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking mid century Italian life size leopard head crafted in terra cotta, hand decorated and glazed, now and forever caught in mid growl.
Terracotta
$3,000Sale Price|50% Off
Young Penguin
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mark Morrison (1895-1964) Young Penguin, ca. 1950 Carved Tennessee Marble 8.5" x 7" by 3.5", height is 13 inches. Provenance: Estate of Mrs. Mark Morrison. Born: Kingfisher, O...
Marble