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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
JAPANESE KIMONO Signed Lithograph, Blonde Woman White Silk Kimono Gold Cranes
Located in Union City, NJ
Japanese Kimono by the American photorealist artist Douglas Hofmann is an original hand drawn lithograph(not a photo reproduction or digital print) printed using hand lithography tec...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Green Bud - underwater photograph - print on paper 46" x 35"
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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Barba Walz Important Rare Woman Photographer Mid Century Fashionable Room
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very rare and important photograph by Barbara Walz. Signed. Framed. Measuring 19 by 24 inches overall and 11 by 17 photo alone.
Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Crayon Composition Number One
Located in Boca Raton, FL
OPAC, the Organization of Photorealist Artists and Collectors, presents Cesar Santander Crayon Composition Number One Original Oil Painting 16" x 16" original painting on board. T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Four Flowers, Photorealist Screenprint on Paper by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Four Flowers Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933–1993) Date: 1980 Screenprint, signed, numbered and dated in pencil Edition of 137200 Image Size: 25 x 25 inches Size: 31.5 x 31.25 i...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Screen

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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Whirlpool - underwater photograph - print on paper 19" x 17.5"
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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

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 Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Green Bud - underwater photograph - print on paper 56" x 43"
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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Mid Century Vintage -- Arab Couple - Palestine
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning black and white photograph of Arab couple by photographer Eva Korn (German, 20th c.), circa 1951. Eva Koran studio stamp on verso. Presented in black metal frame and mat. Im...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

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 Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Long Wave in Venice Beach, Black and White Giclée Print on Matte Cotton Paper
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 Art

Materials

Rag Paper, Archival Pigment

The Bather - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 35x53"
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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Sky Dance - underwater black& white photograph - archival pigment print 35"х51"
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 Art

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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Giclée

In the Hall of the Mountain King - underwater b&w nude photograph - paper 24х35"
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 Art

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 Art

Materials

C Print

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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Acidulcis" (2024) By Anthony Waichulis, Original Oil Painting on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Anthony Waichulis' "Acidulcis" is an original, handmade oil still-life painting that depicts a bowl of lemons on a wooden table, with bright sunlight shining in through the partially...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Country Lane to Farmhouse & Birds in English Countryside by 20th Century Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Country Lane to Farmhouse & Birds in English Countryside by 20th Century Artist Christopher Osborne. Art measures 12 x 8 inches Frame measures 16 x 12 inches Signed, oil on board, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Cramps
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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Figure, Volcano
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944-2002) Title: Figure, Volcano (John Huszar) Year: June 1971 Medium: Acrylic, Pen & Ink on Canvas Size: 72 x 48 inches Condition: Ex...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Porcelain and Тurquoise - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment 35x26"
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 Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Tutu Skirt - underwater black & white nude photo - print on aluminum 22" x 36"
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 Art

Materials

Metal

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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Reflections on Forest Pond in the English Countryside with Warm Yellows & Browns
Located in Preston, GB
Reflections on Forest Pond in the English Countryside with Warm Yellows & Browns, by 20th Century British Artist, Christopher Osborne. Art measures 12 x 10 inches Frame measures 18 ...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Une Bouchee D'Amour (signed presentation print by female photorealist artist)
Located in New York, NY
Audrey Flack Une Bouchee D'Amour, 2013 Mixed media: Digitized drawing with silkscreen Signed, titled and numbered recto (front) in graphite pencil Annotated presentation proof Frame included: in elegant vintage wood frame Print Club of New York, Publisher; Printer: Experimental Printmaking Institute, Lafayette College, Easton, PA Digitized drawing with silkscreen Flack's "Une Bouchee d'Amour" was the 2013 presentation print commissioned by The Print Club of New York, and it is accompanied by a COA issued by the Print Club of NY as well as Alpha 137...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Digital, Screen, Pencil, Graphite

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 Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Pigment

Reflex 3 - Contemporary, Photorealist, Figurative Painting, Portrait, Hoodie
By Ana Maria Micu
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
Reflex 3, 2007 Oil on canvas (Signed on reverse) 17.71 H x 23.62 W in 45 H x 60 W cm The artist Ana Maria Micu wrote about her works: "There is certain culpability in self-represe...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Tori Amos Vintage Print 12"x16" 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 Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Triumphal arch. 2023. Oil on canvas, 45x70 cm
By Paulis Postazs
Located in Riga, LV
Triumphal arch. 2023. Oil on canvas, 45x70 cm Hyperrealistic atrwork with Triumphal arch 1976 Born: Jurmala, Latvia 1987–1994 Rozental’s Art School, Riga, Latvia 1998 Bachelor of Ar...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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 Art

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 Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, C Print, Giclée

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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Silver Gelatin

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 Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Stalemate" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
About the Artist: For as long as I can remember, I have been on a quest to convincingly represent on canvas what I see in the physical world, what I see in my mind and what I feel. M...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The "Two of Us"
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 Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Lexington Windows
Located in Dallas, TX
"He [Cobble] has come to accept the fact that low production can lead to under appreciation in the short run, but he also knows that his gifts of perception and discrimination are ra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Pastel

"F105G Thunderbird" (Original Acrylic Painting)
Located in Denver, CO
Shan Fannin's (US based) "F105G Thunderbird" is an acrylic painting that depicts a F-105G Thundercheif. Born 1969 in California, artist Shannon “Shan” Fannin brings vehicles to lif...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Linen

After a Long Day 1
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Alagbe's artwork beautifully captures the desire for calmness and relaxation. The act of pouring fruit juice into a glass cup represents the quest for a soothing beverage to calm the...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Charcoal, Mixed Media

"Beloved" Graphite Drawing
Located in Denver, CO
Tammy Liu-Haller's "Beloved" is an original, handmade charcoal and graphite drawing that depicts two cows nuzzling their faces together.
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Graphite

"Cadmium MG Y Type" (Original Acrylic Painting)
Located in Denver, CO
Shan Fannin's (US based) "Cadmium MG Y Type" is an acrylic painting that depicts a Cadmium MG Y Type. Born 1969 in California, artist Shannon “Shan” Fannin brings vehicles to life ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Wood Panel

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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

On the Downton Shore
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 Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Landscape with Ravine, Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944-2002) Title: Landscape with Ravine Year: 1968 Edition: 200, plus proofs Medium: Etching on vélin de Rives paper Size: 22 x 30 inches Condition: Good Inscrip...
Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Etching

I Come Bearing Gifts 2
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Presenting my offering: 'I Come Bearing Gifts' – a visual tale of generosity and connection." Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About Artist Adigbo Tolulope...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Soft Dance - underwater black & white nude photograph - archival pigment 52x35"
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 Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Mini Macintosh 2-original impressionism 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. "Mini Macintosh 2" by James Zamora stands as a captivating tes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Steve Martin, “Let’s Get Small Sequence”, framed 24x48" print 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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"1959 Chevrolet El Camino" (2020) By Shan Fannin, Original Acrylic Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Shan Fannin's (US based) "1959 Chevrolet El Camino" is an acrylic painting that depicts the closeup view of the taillights of a red 1959 Chevrolet El Camino ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Board

The Peach Woman, Mexico, Photorealist Lithograph by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - The Peach Woman, Mexico. Year: circa 1979, Medium: Lithograph [pencil-signed and numbered], Edition: A.P., Size: 20 x 25.5 in. (50.8 x 64.77 cm)
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Lithograph

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.

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