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Photorealist Art

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
Plums - Still Life Original Oil Painting
Plums - Still Life Original Oil Painting

Plums - Still Life Original Oil Painting

By Stuart Dunkel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Stuart Dunkel has spent decades refining his hyper-realistic style. He paints realistic imagery based on real world inspirations. His paintings show that the everyday object can be f...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

DIVE
DIVE

DIVE

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Be like water, my friend" by Bruce Lee. When Lee said "be like water," he called upon people to embrace flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. He asserted ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Waves of Freedom
Waves of Freedom

Waves of Freedom

Located in Zofingen, AG

"Waves of Freedom" captures the moment when water washes away all constraints and expectations, allowing the soul to breathe freely. Each brushstroke symbolizes the journey toward in...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

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 Art

Materials

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 Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

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 Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Greta Garbo "Mata Hari" Film Photograph by Clarence Sinclair Bull, 1931
Greta Garbo "Mata Hari" Film Photograph by Clarence Sinclair Bull, 1931

Greta Garbo "Mata Hari" Film Photograph by Clarence Sinclair Bull, 1931

By Clarence Sinclair Bull

Located in Soquel, CA

Greta Garbo "Mata Hari" Film Photograph by Clarence Sinclair Bull, 1931 A black and white photograph, matte finish, double-weight paper, depicting a 1931 shot of the star titled 'Mata Hari,' printed decades later from the original negative, penciled in the lower left corner "A.P.," Estate stamped and blind embossed in the lower right corner "Clarence Sinclair Bull," further blind embossed in same corner "The Kobal / Collection," verso with the photographer's black ink credit stamp, verso further with two "Edward Weston" black ink credit stamps dated "1981" and "1992," originally from the John Kobal Collection. Greta Garbo was a Swedish-American actress. Regarded as one of the greatest screen actresses of all time, she was known for her melancholic, somber persona, her film portrayals of tragic characters, and her subtle and understated performances. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Garbo fifth on its list of the greatest female stars of classic Hollywood cinema. Clarence Sinclair Bull was born in Sun River, Montana, in 1896. His career began when Samuel Goldwyn hired him in 1920 to photograph publicity stills of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film studio's stars. He is most famous for his photographs of Greta Garbo, taken between 1926 and 1941. Bull's first portrait of Garbo was a costume study for the silent romantic drama film Flesh and the Devil in September 1926. Bull was able to study with the great Western...

Category

1930s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Walking along the Amalfi Coast: Photorealist Oil Painting
Walking along the Amalfi Coast: Photorealist Oil Painting

Walking along the Amalfi Coast: Photorealist Oil Painting

By Jesus Navarro

Located in Atlanta, GA

This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Size listed does not include the frame. Frame adds around 3 inches to each side to the posted ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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 Art

Materials

Photogravure

Vase of Spring Light-original realism still life oil painting-contemporary art
Vase of Spring Light-original realism still life oil painting-contemporary art

Vase of Spring Light-original realism still life oil painting-contemporary art

Located in London, Chelsea

This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. Vase of Spring Light by Ann Goldberg captures the vibrant cont...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Life belt-original hyperrealism modern water oil painting-contemporary Art
Life belt-original hyperrealism modern water oil painting-contemporary Art

Life belt-original hyperrealism modern water oil painting-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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

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 Art

Materials

C Print

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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

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 Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Kate Bush Lionheart album cover

Kate Bush Lionheart album cover

By Gered Mankowitz

Located in Austin, TX

Portrait of singer and dancer, Kate Bush by acclaimed photographer, Gered Mankowitz, taken in his London studio in 1978 for the cover of her album, Lionheart. Gered recalls, "The cover series of portraits that I shot for Lionheart in August 1978. I art directed the album cover and my assistant at the time, Richard Grey...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Porsche 993. Contemporary figurative acrylic painting, Realistic car, Polish art
Porsche 993. Contemporary figurative acrylic painting, Realistic car, Polish art

Porsche 993. Contemporary figurative acrylic painting, Realistic car, Polish art

By Michal Wojtysiak

Located in Warsaw, PL

Acrylic on canvas contemporary figurative painting by Michal Wojtysiak. Artwork depicts porsche car in realistic style. Colors are mostly grey. MICHAŁ WOJTYSIAK (ur. 1984) Graduate...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Blue Rolling Waves off Sidney, Seascape Diptych Cyanotype, Australian Coast Surf
Blue Rolling Waves off Sidney, Seascape Diptych Cyanotype, Australian Coast Surf

Blue Rolling Waves off Sidney, Seascape Diptych Cyanotype, Australian Coast Surf

By Kind of Cyan

Located in Barcelona, ES

This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. "Rolling Waves off Sidney" is a gorgeous original cyanotype diptych showing energetic waves embracing the Australian coas...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Emulsion, Watercolor, Lithograph, Monotype, Rag Paper

United States - New York, 1955 - Contemporary Black & White Photography
United States - New York, 1955 - Contemporary Black & White Photography

United States - New York, 1955 - Contemporary Black & White Photography

Located in Brussels, BE

Artwork sold in perfect condition, print on baryta paper 310 grs pigment inks of museum quality, limited edition of 5 copies New-York, January 1956. "United States" Docked at the wharf reserved for its company, the liner United States loads and unloads its passengers who use this means of transport to cross the Atlantic or reach South America. Born not yet knowing the competition of the plane, the liners, (United States, Queen Elizabeth, France), showcases prestigious in their country, fight to seduce a wealthy clientele. During the 15 year period in which Fabrizio La Torre...

Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

FADED - contemporary photorealistic acrylic painting
FADED - contemporary photorealistic acrylic painting

FADED - contemporary photorealistic acrylic painting

By Lynette Cook

Located in Burlingame, CA

'Faded' depicts Chinese immigrant woman looking out from the window of her Chinatown home. The building is covered with cascading shadows that are created from the building's metal...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Kate Bush

Kate Bush

By Gered Mankowitz

Located in Austin, TX

Portrait of singer and dancer, Kate Bush by acclaimed photographer, Gered Mankowitz, taken in his London studio in 1978. Kate Bush has seen a huge resurgence...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Love Letters - Scrabble Coffee Original Painting Board Game Art
Love Letters - Scrabble Coffee Original Painting Board Game Art

Love Letters - Scrabble Coffee Original Painting Board Game Art

By Kathleen Keifer

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Kathleen Keifer is a California-based internationally collected artist. She is a leading force of the New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her hyperrealistic ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

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 Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

"Locked, " Oil Painting
"Locked, " Oil Painting

"Locked, " Oil Painting

By Karen Offutt

Located in Denver, CO

Karen Offutt's "Locked" is an original, handmade painting that depicts a close up view of a feminine face at three quarters view, her brown hair frames her porcelain face. About th...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Red Hot Chili Peppers by Ebet Roberts

Red Hot Chili Peppers by Ebet Roberts

By Ebet Roberts

Located in Austin, TX

A classic, stunning shot of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1985 by celebrated photographer, Ebet Roberts. Signed limited edition, hand printed silver gelatin print. Ebet Roberts bega...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Lotus No. 35 (Photorealist Still Life Painting of Green & Brown Lotus Plant)
Lotus No. 35 (Photorealist Still Life Painting of Green & Brown Lotus Plant)

Lotus No. 35 (Photorealist Still Life Painting of Green & Brown Lotus Plant)

By Frank DePietro

Located in Hudson, NY

Photorealist still life painting of green lotus flower petals and a brown lotus pod against a light blue background oil on canvas, 16 x 16 inches, 17 x 17 inches in dark wood moulding Signed lower left Painted with the exactness of a still life photograph, this hard edge realist painting by artist Frank DiPetiro features a brown lotus pod with lush green leaves on a pale grey-blue background. Inspired by close observations of the natural world and encounters with still moments that give us pause. Lines, shapes and colors encountered in nature, reveal the cycles of decay and regeneration that are life’s constant state of change. The work has a quiet, meditative quality. The subject is portrayed in a manner true to their existence in a specific time and place and selected based on considerations of visual relationships to formal elements of painting. Aspects of photo realism, hard edge and color field techniques are utilized to isolate the uniqueness of the subject’s detail, as well as emphasize flatness and illusion of depth within the two-dimensional space of the painting. About the artist: Frank DiPietro was born and raised in Scranton PA. He received a Bachelor of Art from Bloomsburg University in 1997, majoring in both Painting and Ceramics with a minor in Art History. In 2000 he earned a degree in Art Education from Moore College of Art and Design while continuing his studies in painting. Frank lived in Philadelphia for twelve years painting and teaching at several museums, art centers and schools in the region. In 2010 he and his family moved to Chester County PA, where he currently resides. Frank currently teaches painting classes and workshops at the Delaware Art Museum and Longwood Gardens...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Iris" Botanical Etching on Heavy Paper
"Iris" Botanical Etching on Heavy Paper

"Iris" Botanical Etching on Heavy Paper

Located in Soquel, CA

"Iris" Botanical Etching on Heavy Paper Realistic etching of an iris by Nancy Nevin (American, b. 1963). An elegant bearded iris is shown against a white background, in the style of...

Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Ink, Laid Paper, Etching

Composition of red peonies, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Composition of red peonies, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Composition of red peonies, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Multi-part composition of red peonies , 2023 year :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang:...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil

"Ghost Keeper" (2025) Oil Still-Life Painting on Panel
"Ghost Keeper" (2025) Oil Still-Life Painting on Panel

"Ghost Keeper" (2025) Oil Still-Life Painting on Panel

By Anthony Waichulis

Located in Denver, CO

Anthony Waichulis' "Ghost Keeper" is an original, handmade oil painting on panel that measures 27 x 23 inches framed and is ready to hang. About the artist: Anthony Waichulis (born ...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Sold
Sold

Sold

By Lynette Cook

Located in Burlingame, CA

Original acrylic photorealist architectural painting in full and dazzling color, where a "SOLD" sign hangs on a San Francisco Chinatown building for sale. The complex scene features ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

David Morrison, Sycamore Series No. 3, hyperrealist colored pencil drawing, 2003
David Morrison, Sycamore Series No. 3, hyperrealist colored pencil drawing, 2003

David Morrison, Sycamore Series No. 3, hyperrealist colored pencil drawing, 2003

By David Morrison

Located in New York, NY

Artist David Morrison creates hyperrealistic, yet abstracted, finely detailed pencil drawings of found natural objects, both by observing the object itself under magnification, and a...

Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Paper, Color Pencil

Photorealist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Photorealist art 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 art 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, purple, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Alex Sher, Gregory Block, Lowell Nesbitt, and Ian Hornak. Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Oil Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Photorealist art, so small editions measuring 0.79 inches across are also available. Prices for art 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 $585,000, while the average work sells for $2,404.