Skip to main content

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.

93
to
246
2,084
655
706
718
1,326
1,113
324
521
773
347
462
685
Overall Height
to
Overall Width
to
119,745
69,643
49,768
22,489
15,174
8,057
4,927
4,762
4,012
2,601
2,586
2,410
594
1,151
544
466
383
373
330
300
277
253
230
175
170
164
158
151
137
137
131
117
101
1
5
983
1,796
2
5
16
10
108
104
147
167
78
129
49
47
47
44
1,252
897
585
575
527
Style: Photorealist
Iggy Pop and The Stooges
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition print by Ed Caraeff of Iggy and the Stooges (L-R Dave Alexander, Iggy Pop in front, Scott Asheton in back and Ron Asheton) taken at ...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

"Locked, " Oil Painting
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

Canvas, Oil

The Trouble - photograph of an underwater reflection - archival print 15 x 23"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A passionate furious energy radiates in the ripples of red that overtake the reflection. Intense motion, stirring the water into an explosion of bubbles we encounter “The Trouble...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

The water carrier - Thailand 1959 - Large size Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 of 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition The water carrier - Thailand This photo was made in 1959, printed later, the negative was digitized during the artist...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Lincoln Center Dusk, Photorealist Screenprint by Fran Bull
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fran Bull is a first generation Photorealist whose compositions are based on photographs including natural reflections of glass, water and other surfaces. Lincoln Center Dusk by Fra...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Screen

Peter Max (Portrait of the Pop Artist)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Theo Wujcik (1936-2014): Peter Max, 1970. Etching in black on wove paper. Unsigned. 3.5 x 4.25 in. (sheet), 10 x 9 in. (frame). Custom welded brass frame with resolved corners and ...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Etching

"Sky 53" Oil and Silver Leaf Painting
Located in Denver, CO
James Van Fossan's "Sky 53" is an original, handmade oil and silver leaf painting that depicts a skyscape of grey clouds arching through a pastel blue and purple sky.
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Silver

Abyss - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 18" x 24"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a girl diving in the ocean in kelp forest. This is an extremely rare photograph taken in Pacific Ocean at the California Coast around Palos Verdes Peninsu...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Archival Paper

Ivy Nicholson in New York for American Vogue, 1957
Located in Austin, US
Model and future Factor Star, Ivy Nicholson in New York for American Vogue, 1957 by Norman Parkinson NORMAN PARKINSON POSTHUMOUS LIMITED EDITION PRINTS ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Dolly Parton and John Belushi
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition archival print of Country music star Dolly Parton hugging John Belushi backstage after her Bottom Line concert. NYC 5/14/77 by SoH...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Amy Winehouse
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition print of Amy Winehouse taken in London by Jake Chessum in 2004. Jake recalls the session: “I travelled from NYC to London in Febr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Very Baroque Flowerpiece with Red Birds of Paradise and Shining Parrot
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944-2002) Title: Very Baroque Flowerpiece with Red Birds of Paradise and Shining Parrot Year: 1989 Medium: Acrylic on Panel, with Artist Painted Frame Size: 58.5...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Reflection - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white nude photograph of a young woman in the pool. The photograph depicts part of the body and reflection. Original gallery quality print signed by the arti...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Mezzogiorno al Pantheon, Rome, 1958 - Limited Edition Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork sold in perfect condition Double frame under American box presenting the two sides of the obelisk fountain on the Place du Panthéon. This work by Giacomo della Porta, (and li...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Sky 57" Oil and Silver Leaf Painting
Located in Denver, CO
James Van Fossan's "Sky 57" is an original, handmade oil and silver leaf painting that depicts a skyscape of grey and white clouds arching through a blue sky as the sunlight highligh...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Silver

Dancing Mermaid - underwater photograph - archival pigment print
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a beautiful topless model dancing in the pool. Original gallery quality print signed by the artist. Digital archival pigment print on archival paper wit...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Amy Winehouse portrait
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition print of Amy Winehouse taken in London by Jake Chessum in 2004. Jake recalls the session: “I travelled from NYC to London in February 2004 to do a press shoot...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

"1959 Cadillac El Dorado" Limited Edition Giclée Print
Located in Denver, CO
Shan Fannin's (US based) "1959 Cadillac El Dorado" is an limited edition giclée print that depicts a close up view of the baby blue fins and taillights o...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Giclée

"Hotel Negresco, Nice", Oleg Turchin, Oil on Canvas, 30" x 47", Realism
Located in Dallas, TX
"Hotel Negresco, Nice" by Oleg Turchin is 30x47 inches and oil on canvas. This realist depiction of the famous Hotel Negresco located on the Promenade des Anglais on the Baie de Anges...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Die Loreley - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a naked young women diving in a pool. The realistic photograph is taken with red background. Original gallery quality print s...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Mermaid Angel - underwater photograph - print on paper 17" x 24"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a beautiful young woman in transparent dress on dark background. Original gallery quality print signed by the artist. D...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Marylin Monroe . nude on the bed . the last sitting.
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Marilyn Monroe the last setting nude on the bed 2009 double hand signed and dated COA hand signed perfect condition
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

The Clash arrive at JFK - Joe Strummer getting into a taxi, 1981
Located in White Plains, NY
'The Clash arrive at JFK - Joe Strummer getting into a taxi,' 1981 by famed American photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 10 x 15 inch photo on 17 x 22 inch on the...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Sky 62" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
James Van Fossan's "Sky 62" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a skyscape of grey and white clouds arching through a blue sky as the sunlight highlights their forms.
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

La sorella maggiore, Thailand (1959) - Large size Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition « La sorella maggiore », In a Méo village, Thaïland This photo was made in 1959, printed later, the negative was digit...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Er Fusto, Roma Ciampino Airport (1953) 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 1953, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and the technical parameters (frami...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Infinity - underwater black and white nude photograph - archival paper 17"x22"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white photograph of a topless female dancer in the pool. Original gallery quality print signed by the artist. Digital archival pigment print on archival pap...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Tulips of the Red Stars
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944-2002) Title: Tulips of the Red Stars Year: 1988 Medium: Acrylic on Panel Size: 52 x 42 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed recto; signed, dated,...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Acrylic

American School Signed Terrier Dog Portraits Original Realist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American school realist terrier portrait. Oil on board, circa 1978. Signed. Image size 48L x 30H. Housed in a period modern frame.
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor signed Lifetime Edition
Located in Austin, US
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

Tradizioni scomparse, Hong Kong 1958 - Large size Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition Tradizioni scomparse, Hong Kong This photo was made in 1958, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime an...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Flying Machine: Monument to an Uprising, " Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Gregory Block's (US based) "Flying Machine: Monument to an Uprising" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts yellow and green reeds of Sweet ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Warm Embrace
By Iban Navarro
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an original watercolor on paper in excellent condition. It has only been shown in a gallery setting. The son of master hyperrealist artist Jesus Navarro, it was precisely ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Watercolor, Egg Tempera, Archival Paper

Tutu Skirt - underwater black & white nude photo - print on aluminum 24" x 36"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white photograph of a naked young female dancer in the pool. The dancer is putting on her tut skirt. The photograph depicts her beautiful naked butt - about t...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Metal

Keith Richards, Marquee Sound Check 1971
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition, silver gelatin print of Keith Richards by Alec Byrne, taken at The Marquee Club, London, March 26th 1971, during a Rolling Stones soundcheck. Alec recalls, “There was a classic moment during sound check when Jagger was watching Keith, then turned to Mick Taylor...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment, Silver Gelatin

"You Can Leave Your Hat On" - Large Contemporary Still Life Painting
Located in New Orleans, LA
I have noticed the work of this Tennessee-based painter for awhile now, and the superb craftsmanship and subject story appeal are so engaging. He's widely show, and has been part of ...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil

Devo
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition archival print of Signed limited edition print of Devo posing for SoHo Weekly News, NYC, 10/78 by Allan Tannenbaum. Available in different sizes. Limited edit...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Le Tre Vespe, Roma 1962 - Contemporary Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 3 on 5 sold in perfect condition Limited Edition of 5 + 2 AP The 3 Vespas but also the 3 buzzing and twirling “bees”, since this is the translation of this Italian brand...
Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Pop Art Vintage Color Photograph Dye Transfer Print "Time to Save" 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 Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, C Print, Dye Transfer

Iggy Pop Scala Cinema London 1972
Located in Austin, US
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

Nautical Triptych Blue British Pebble Beach Handmade Cyanotype, Watercolor Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series of cyanotype triptychs showcases the beauty of nature scenes, including stunning beaches and oceans, as well as the intricate textures of water, forests, and skies. These triptychs are large pieces that feature lush blues, making them an impressive addition to any beautifully designed space. Each triptych is printed by hand and carefully crafted to capture the unique essence of these natural environments, with a focus on the interplay of light and shadows, and the subtle nuances of tone and texture. The beach and ocean scenes depict the dynamic beauty of waves crashing against the shore, with the cyanotype process lending a dreamy, ethereal quality to the images. Similarly, the forest and wood scenes...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Film, Emulsion, Watercolor, Photographic Paper, C Print, Co...

Sinnickson Landing, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Water at sunset. Abstracted realism. :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signe...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil

Il cuoco felice - Thailand 1959 - Large size 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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Sky 40" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
James Van Fossan's "Sky 40" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a skyscape of rays of sunshine breaking through stormy grey clouds in a blue sky.
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

Black and White Portrait of an Elderly Gentleman - Imogen Cunningham
Located in Soquel, CA
Portrait of a seated elderly man by Imogen Cunningham (American, 1883). Presented in a new white mat with black accent. Tag from the studio of Imogen Cunningham affixed to verso of m...
Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, Silver Gelatin

Vince II, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Marshes. Reeds. Lush Landscape. New Jersey Meadowlands. Sunset. :: Painting :: Photorealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: R...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil

"Fun Size, " Acrylic painting
Located in Denver, CO
Shan Fannin's (US based) "Fun Size" is an acrylic painting that depicts the closeup view of a red and yellow Volkswagen van hood Born 1969 in Californi...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Board, Acrylic

East River Drive
Located in Austin, US
East River Drive by Norman Parkinson. Robin Miller and Pippa Diggle photographed on the South Street Viaduct beneath Manhattan Bridge for Go Magazine, 1960 ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Eiffel Tower, Tokyo ( 1957 ) - Japan - Large size 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 Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Striking large white horse on black background photoreal portrait 30 x 40
Located in Charleston, US
"Ghost" is a photoreal portrait of a white horse in his dark barn in the South of France. The equine painting stuns the viewer with the drama o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil

Patti Smith in her apartment studio 1974
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition archival print of Patti Smith taken in her apartment studio by Allan Tannenbaum, New York City, 1974. Allan Tannenbaum prints are available in the following s...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Night Flight Over Sedona Red Rocks", Alexander Volkov, Oil on Canvas, Landscape
Located in Dallas, TX
"Night Flight Over Sedona Redrocks" by Alexander Volkov is an original oil on canvas. The painting captures a photorealistic view of the red rocks in Arizona during a sunset. The lig...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil Pastel, Canvas

Kelp Nymph - underwater ocean black & white photograph print on paper 18" x 24"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white photograph of a beautiful young woman diving in kelp forest. The picture is taken in Pacific Ocean near Palos Verdes, California. Original gallery qu...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

'Shattering Dawn' Photorealistic Painting of a deer in woodland greenery
Located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire
'Shattering Dawn' by Ben Waddams is a Contemporary Realist Wildlife oil painting. With such incredible detail you almost expect to see the deer walk off! Ben Waddams is a British wildlife artist living and working in Shropshire. Originally from Buckinghamshire, South East England, Ben has lived in the States for many years on several different occasions and traveled in search of exotic wildlife...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

The Beastie Boys
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition print of the Beastie Boys by Jake Chessum. Jake recalls ” This was from April 1994. I flew from London to shoot at Mike D’s ba...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

Devo Energy Dome
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition archival print of Signed limited edition print of Devo posing for SoHo Weekly News, NYC, 1981 by Allan Tannenbaum. Available in different sizes. Limited editi...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

"Sky 41" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
James Van Fossan's "Sky 41" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a skyscape of orange and lavender hues as sunlight plays across the clouds textured surface.
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

Pineapple Red
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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

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.

Recently Viewed

View All