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.
Muhammad Ali Taping Fists by Michael Brennan.
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of American professional boxer and activist Muhammad Ali during a training session at his training camp on 58 Sculps Hill Road, Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, ...
C Print
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...
Silver Gelatin
Paris de Noche (Paris at Night): Photorealist Oil Painting
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 ...
Canvas, Oil
Willie Nelson at the 4th July Picnic 1979
Located in Austin, TX
Willie Nelson, taken at the 4th July Picnic in 1979 in Austin Texas by photographer Scott Newton Signed limited edition print, printed on heavyweight cotton photo rag with a matte f...
Archival Pigment
"Orange and Green" - Surrealist Still-Life, Oil Painting on Panel
By Scott Fraser
Located in Denver, CO
"Orange and Green" is an original photorealist painting by American painter Scott Fraser, depicting a variety of vine ripened tomatoes. This piece rests at 5 x 11, and is framed at 1...
Oil, Panel
If ever any beauty i did desire and got twas Husslein Hyperrealistic Still life
Located in DE
Title: If ever any beauty i did desire and got twas but a dream of you This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of dark background. Reminding us ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,058
Glass and Lemons, ORIGINAL Realism Still Life Oil Painting 40X40cm, Signed
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...
Canvas, Oil
Kahlua Lark, Photorealist Screenprint by Richard McLean
Located in Long Island City, NY
This striking circa 1980 screenprint by Richard McLean depicts the racing horse Kahlua Lark with the photographic accuracy and meticulous detail characteristic of American Photoreali...
Screen
Pineapple Pink - Original Figurative Still Life Fruit Food Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kathleen Keifer's original artworks represent one of the most significant expressions of New California Realism. Keifer brings a fresh perspective to her colorful scenes of everyday ...
Canvas, Acrylic
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 ...
Canvas, Oil
$309Sale Price|45% Off
Boat Spain Oil on Canvas Painting, Photorealist, Framed, 1990s
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frame size 75x64 cm.
Canvas, Oil
$358Sale Price|72% Off
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.
Photographic Paper
Walking along the Amalfi Coast: Photorealist Oil Painting
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 ...
Canvas, Oil
Oceans roar by K. Husslein Impasto Landscape Mountain Painting
Located in DE
Katharina Husslein's textural and abstract paintings vividly encapsulate the vibrancy and movement found in a bouquet of flowers. This series differs from Husslein’s more controlled...
Canvas, Oil
Joe Dallesandro Andy Warhol Trash promo photo
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 ...
Photographic Paper
$383Sale Price|70% Off
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.
Photographic Paper
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
"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...
Oil, Canvas
$309Sale Price|45% Off
Oporto Portugal oil on canvas painting seascape boats Porto
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Signed Adolfo Perez Frameless
Canvas, Oil
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...
Oil, Wood Panel
$1,852Sale Price|40% Off
Traditional English Farm with Horses, Figures, Trees & Lake by British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
English Farmhouse with Horses, Figures, Fields, Trees & Lake entitled 'Winters Morn' by 20th Century British Artist. Art measures 36 x 24 inches Frame measures 41 x 30 inches ...
Canvas, Oil
Kate Bush
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...
C Print
"The Last" Citrus Elegance Still Life Oil Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
"The Last," a 2013 oil on canvas by Victoria Novak, is a testament to the timeless beauty and elegance of still life painting. Measuring 19.70 x 39.40 i...
Canvas, Oil
$1,000
Art about Food Pizza Stromboli Mezzalluna - Mezzogiorno - New York, NY (Plate)
By Ralph Goings
Located in New York, NY
Ralph Goings Pizza Stromboli Mezzalluna - Mezzogiorno - New York, NY, 1996 Ceramic Plate Artist signature fired into the plate on the front and back and numbered 105 from an edition of 510. 10 1/5 inches diameter by 1/4 inch height Unframed This beautiful, limited edition, signed and numbered bowl...
Ceramic, Screen, Mixed Media
Lime Juice Still-Life Painting, Oil on Canvas, Signed, 40x40cm, original realism
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...
Canvas, Oil
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...
Archival Pigment
1920s Photo of the Seawell Cushion Wheel Co. Baseball Team of Detroit
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 1920s Detroit-based company baseball team gathered for this photo. The Sewell Cushion Wheel Company’s players wear uniform shirts bearing the timeless term “All Cush,” (frankly, wo...
Photographic Paper
$1,120Sale Price|20% Off
St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna - Hand Colored Cityscape Lithograph
Located in Soquel, CA
Detailed and dramatic hand-colored etching by Luigi Kasimir (Austrian, 1881-1962). St. Stephen's cathedral towers above the streets of Vienna, with people going about their daily bus...
Paper, Watercolor, Lithograph
"Pear II" Original Artwork, 24kt Gold on Museum Glass
By Kate Breakey
Located in Denver, CO
About the artist: Kate Breakey is internationally known for her large-scale, richly hand-colored photographs including her acclaimed series of luminous portraits of birds, flowers a...
Gold Leaf
Catching Fire in the Sunlight by K. Husslein Impasto Flower Painting
Located in DE
Katharina Husslein's textural and abstract paintings vividly encapsulate the vibrancy and movement found in a bouquet of flowers. This series differs from Husslein’s more controlled...
Canvas, Oil
$1,536
Lemons - original still life realism oil painting - contemporary artwork
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...
Canvas, Oil
Kate Bush Lionheart album cover
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...
C Print
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...
Acrylic, Canvas
Untamed - Photorealistic Mixed Media Painting of Ocean Waves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Steven Nederveen's art is a testament to the complex and ever-evolving relationship between humans and nature. His vivid nature scenes, often seemingly uplifting and idyllic, also reveal the darker aspects of our connection with the natural world. Through his work, Nederveen explores the dualities of our relationship with nature - the love and destruction that can coexist within us. His masterful use of color and light illuminates the beauty and mystery of natural environments such as oceans and...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
$10,950
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, Custom framed with 8 ply matte and non-glare museum glass Frame dimensions: approx 56” wide x 32” high x 1” deep As a renowned graphic desig...
Archival Pigment
"5I" Original Photograph of Marilyn Monroe, Hand Signed
Located in Chatsworth, CA
GEORGE BARRIS 5I FROM "THE LAST PHOTOS" ORIGINAL PHOTO FROM ORIGINAL NEGATIVE 20 X 16 INCHES HAND SIGNED BY ARTIST PRINTED IN 1987 This piece is an original photograph of Marilyn Mo...
Photographic Paper
$3,806
The scent of sunshine by K. Husslein Impasto Flower still life Painting
Located in DE
Katharina Husslein's textural and abstract paintings vividly encapsulate the vibrancy and movement found in a bouquet of flowers. This series differs from Husslein’s more controlled...
Canvas, Oil
"Nautilus Shell" Original Artwork, 24kt Gold on Museum Glass
By Kate Breakey
Located in Denver, CO
About the artist: Kate Breakey is internationally known for her large-scale, richly hand-colored photographs including her acclaimed series of luminous portraits of birds, flowers a...
Gold Leaf
Breathe Easy
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Thomas Arvid original oil
Oil
Sometimes I fell like I was just born to love Husslein Hyperrealistic Still life
Located in DE
Title: If ever any beauty i did desire and got twas but a dream of you This is a beautiful oil painting of an array of flowers in a vase in front of dark background. Reminding us ...
Canvas, Oil
"Coffee Break (Keep on Grinding)" (2025) Oil Still-Life Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
As a trompe l’oeil painter, Jay Davenport is rooted in representational art, but his subject matter departs from tradition in offering commentaries on contemporary life--often humoro...
Oil, Panel
Russian Tea Room, Photorealist Screenprint by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - Russian Tea Room. Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 250, Size: 28 in. x 40 in. (71.12 cm x 101.6 cm)
Screen
Red Cherries in a Glass Bowl - original still life realism contemporary artwork
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...
Canvas, Oil
"Convergence" by David Cheifetz, Surreal Oil Painting (2025)
Located in Denver, CO
David Cheifetz's "Convergence" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a woman converging with a city. About the Artist: David is an internationally acclaimed and collec...
Oil
$585,000
Hannah’s Mirror, Rembrandt’s Three Trees Transformed Into The Expulsion fr/Eden
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
IAN HORNAK (1944–2002) Title: Hannah’s Mirror, Rembrandt’s Three Trees Transformed Into The Expulsion From Eden Date: 1978 Medium: Acrylic ...
Acrylic
"Fire Flower" by Daniel Sprick, Oil Painting of Roses
Located in Denver, CO
Daniel Sprick's (US based) "Fire Flower" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a colorful rose bathed in light contrasted with a dramatic background. About the artist...
Oil, Board
$920Sale Price|20% Off
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,...
Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin
Jimi Hendrix "Blue Smoke", London, February, 1967 by Gered Mankowitz
Located in Austin, TX
Jimi Hendrix, London 1967 by Gered Mankowitz A portrait of Jimi looking serious while holding a cigarette in an embroidered jacket. "Shot during my first session with Jimi at my Stu...
C Print
$4,750
The Rolling Stones "Mick Feeding Goat" Beggars Banquet by Michael Joseph framed
Located in Austin, TX
The Rolling Stones "Mick Feeding Goat" - Outtake from the famous photo shoot of The Rolling Stones for their Beggars Banquet album at Sarum Chase mansion, Hampstead, London, 1968, si...
C Print
"This One is Warmth" (2025) Abstracted Realist Female Portrait
By Karen Offutt
Located in Denver, CO
About the Artist: Karen Offutt was born and raised in Dallas, Texas by a creative family who encouraged her to explore her artistic talent from an early age. Her father is an artist ...
Oil, Panel
‘Cowboy, 1968’
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Richard McLean ‘Cowboy, 1968’ Framed 30 x 27 inches Pencil on paper 27½” x 22½ inches Richard McLean is one of the most highly regarded American photo-realists. His paintings l...
Archival Paper, Graphite
Plums - Still Life Original Oil Painting
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...
Oil, Board
$437Sale Price|88% Off
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.
Photographic Paper
Girl in a Chair, Large Painting by Bill Wiman
By Bill Wiman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Bill Wiman, American (1940 - ) Title: Girl in a Chair Year: 1978 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 82 x 83.5 in. (182.88 x 212.09 cm) Frame: 83 x 84.5 inches
Oil, Canvas
$1,570Sale Price|20% Off
Fiat Lux, Roma 1962 - Contemporary Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in perfect condition Limited Edition of 5 + 2 AP : Fiat Lux. Religiously parked under the watchful gaze of the Blessed Virgin, the ca...
Archival Pigment
Louis Vuitton in Barcelona: Photorealistic Oil Painting
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 ...
Canvas, Oil
Red Stripes Still Life: Photorealist Oil Painting
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 ...
Canvas, Oil
Norman Rockwell 'Ye Pipe And Bowl' 1983, signed & numbered lithograph
Located in Pembroke Pines, FL
"Ye Pipe and Bowl" by Norman Rockwell Media: Lithograph on Paper Image Dimensions: 27" x 21" Year Produced: 1983 Edition Size: 200 Numbered (1-200), 60 Artist proof Edition Number: A/P (Artist Proof) Signed and Numbered in pencil by the artist Condition: In excellent Norman Rockwell was an American painter and illustrator known for his iconic depictions of American culture created for The Saturday Evening Post. With a range of favorite subjects that included nuclear families, mischievous children, and small-town life, his work has achieved an iconic status: the 1943 painting of a Thanksgiving dinner, Freedom from Want, has been reproduced and parodied countless times in contemporary culture. As an artist, Rockwell has had a lasting effect on US society beyond any singular work, with his paintings seen as indelible images that went on to inspire American directors such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and particularly Robert Zemeckis, whose 1994 film Forrest Gump recreates several of Rockwell’s paintings as scenes throughout the film. Though he enjoyed success throughout his career, Rockwell’s idyllic and sentimental outlook on American society was not necessarily embraced by art critics, though his later politically activist work garnered praise for its tackling of controversial subjects. Born on February 3, 1894 in New York, NY, he went on to study at the National Academy of Design and the Art Students League. Rockwell notably had a longstanding relationship with the Boy Scouts of America...
Lithograph
Jill I, Photorealist Lithography by John Kacere
By John Kacere
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: John Kacere, American (1920 - 1999) Title: Jill I Year: 1979 Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 300, 10 HC, 45 AP Image Size: 25.5 x 19 inches Size: 2...
Lithograph
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Cold Song III - underwater photograph - archival pigment print
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...
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$418Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Archival Pigment