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.
Embrace 3 (San Francisco 1970's Gay Castro photo)
By Fisher Ross
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Fisher Ross Embrace 3, ca. 1977. 5 7/8 × 4 3/8 inches. 2026 archival pigment print on Canson satin paper from the original. From an edition of 15 on archival paper produced by ...
Photographic Paper
Enjoing a summer day
Located in Zofingen, AG
The composition is centered around a harmonious group of white porcelain vessels, united into a single luminous shape. Against this quiet white mass, the vivid cherries seem to come...
Canvas, Oil
Embrace 5 (San Francisco 1970's Gay Castro photo)
By Fisher Ross
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Fisher Ross Embrace 5, ca. 1977. 4 3/8 × 5 7/8 inches. 2026 digital print from the original in the Fisher Ross Archive. From an edition of 15 on archival paper produced by the F...
Photographic Paper
$270
Pocket Fig-original still life oil painting - contemporary realism 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
Pocket Red Apple-original still life oil painting - contemporary realism 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
$5,329Sale Price|41% Off
Blue lilies Azure Resonance Abstract Floral Oil Painting on Canvas, Signed, XXXL
Located in London, London
Abstract contemporary floral decor Blue flowers still-life. Original floral abstract expressionism oil painting on canvas. XXXL Extra-large original artwork. Artist: Katarina Joy...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$270
Pocket Fig-original still life oil painting - contemporary realism 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
Two Hummingbirds with Floral
Located in Pasadena, CA
Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Signed: Center Back FRAMED/UNFRAMED: 24" x 24" x .5' Artist Statement "The pursuit of realism is not merely a technical exercise,...
Oil, Panel
Cherries in Porcelain #201, Original painting, still life, fruit
Located in Deddington, GB
Cherries in Porcelain - #201 An original oil painting on aluminium composite material panel (ACM) of a cluster of glossy cherries with a traditionally decorated Chinese bowl lit by n...
Metal
A Jockey on a Racehorse. Antique framed oil on canvas. Sir Herbert James Gunn
Located in St. Albans, GB
Sir Herbert James Gunn (1893 - 1964) A Jockey Before the Race Signed Oil on Canvas Provenance: Christies sporting art This is a striking, dynamic equestrian oil painting by the ren...
Canvas, Oil
$3,177
The masquerade
Located in Paris, FR
BALS Wim (1973- ) 'The masquerade' Oil on wood. Signed. Certificate on the back signed by the artist. Willem Bals, known professionally as Wim Bals, is a contemporary Belgian paint...
Oil
Portrait of a Young Couple (San Francisco 1970's Gay Castro photo)
By Fisher Ross
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Fisher Ross Portrait of a Young Couple, ca. 1977. Print measures 8 x 10 inches. Framed measurement: 10 x 12 inches. 2026 digital print from the original in the Fisher Ross Archiv...
Photographic Paper
10-Speed (San Francisco 1970's Gay Castro photo)
By Fisher Ross
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Fisher Ross 10-Speed, ca. 1977. Print measures 8 x 10 inches. 2026 digital print from the original in the Fisher Ross Archive. From an edition of 15 on archival paper produced by...
Photographic Paper
$260
William Bailey - Still Life with Eggs, Candlestick & Bowl poster Limited Edition
Located in New York, NY
William Bailey - Still Life with Eggs, Candlestick & Bowl poster from America The Third Century, Bicentennial edition William Bailey - Still Life with Eggs, Candlestick & Bowl poster...
Lithograph, Offset
"Still Life with Cantaloupe" - Realist Oil Painting on Cradled Panel
Located in Denver, CO
Blair Atherholt is an award-winning contemporary realist oil painter whose creative focus and interest primarily lie in the Still Life genre. His love for painting is inspired and in...
Oil, Panel
$420
Blustery Clouds, Stormy Sky Landscape, Blue Tones, Extra Large Cyanotype, Paper
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. "Blustery Clouds" is an cyanotype of the semi-abstract patterns of clouds in the sky after a storm. Details: + Title: Blu...
Paper, Emulsion, Watercolor, Etching, Lithograph
$269
Pocket Pear - original still life oil painting - contemporary realism artwork
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Oil, Canvas
Encounter
Located in Edinburgh, GB
At dawn in the winter forest, the white horse and the white bear accidentally encountered each other. This is only the first glimpse of each other, the first moment of their meeting....
Acrylic
Romantic Lakeside Sunset with Seated Woman, Antique Oil Painting
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mary Kirschbaum, Sweden Woman by a Lake at Sunset, c. 1890 signed oil on canvas unframed 23 × 33 cm (9.1 × 13 in) framed 33 × 43 cm (13 × 16.9 in) Provenance: Private collection, ...
Canvas, Oil
King Charles Spaniel puppy bath painting (Oklahoma Artist)
By Jay Weaver
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Jay Weaver (?-1960). Is This Necessary?, 1952. Oil on canvas measuring 12 x 16 inches. Framed measurement: 18 x 22 inches. Signed by artist lower right. 1952 Salmagundi label af...
Canvas, Oil
Hedonist
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This captivating oil painting explores the delicate intersection of female sensuality and whimsical surrealism. It features an Anthropomorphic rabbit elegantly lounging upon a beauti...
Oil, Acrylic
"Patient Martyr" - Realist Male Portrait, Oil Painting on Aluminum Panel
Located in Denver, CO
"Patient Martyr" is a realist oil painting on aluminum panel by American painter Zack Zdrale, depicting a male model with his arms outstretched and intertwined above his head, leanin...
Oil, Panel
$2,137
The Pursuit, Roe Deer and Hound in a Winter Landscape, 19th Century
Located in Genève, GE
The painting is unsigned on the front. An old handwritten inscription on the upper stretcher identifies the artist as Steinbach and appears to include the words “in München” (Munich)...
Canvas, Oil
"The Hendrick Hudson Steamboat on the Hudson River" Realist Oil Painting Canvas
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant painting depicts the historic sidewheel steamboat Hendrick Hudson majestically cruising across the Hudson River at sunset. The grand three-deck vessel, with its distinct...
Canvas, Oil
$118Sale Price|20% Off
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow Posed Lying On The Grass
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Ocean Beach Seascape Oil Painting Children Playing Michael Budden Summer Play
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Summer Play, Sailboats and the Jetty 6 x 8 unframed, 9.75 x 11.75 framed Signed LR Summer Play is a study oil painting on canvas by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden t...
Oil
Two Daschounds. An antique painting of dogs framed and signed
Located in St. Albans, GB
Heinrich SPERLING German School Picture Size: 15 x 18" (38 x 46cm) Framed Size: 22 x 25" (56 x 64cm) Signed and framed Sperling was born March 23rd 1844 in Warnkenhagen, and died 2...
Canvas, Oil
$119Sale Price|20% Off
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow With Horns Resting on The Grass
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$3,351
Hyperrealistic Acrylic Painting 'The Missing Move', 90x120 cm, Signed
Located in Zofingen, AG
Certain works of art do not describe an event—they preserve its emotional residue. They remind us that the most profound transformations rarely occur in moments of visible drama, but in the quiet intervals that divide life into what existed before and everything that follows. This painting inhabits precisely that elusive territory. The composition presents an interior of remarkable stillness. A young woman, dressed in white and seen only from behind, stands before expansive panoramic windows. Beside her, a black cat quietly shares the moment. In the foreground, an antique billiard table...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
$100Sale Price|20% Off
After Ralph Goings 'Color Pick' 1982, First Edition, Vintage
By Ralph Goings
Located in Brooklyn, NY
First edition exhibition poster by Ralph Goings titled Tomato Catsup. Born in 1928, Goings is best known for his highly detailed paintings of diners, hamburger stands, California ban...
Offset
View from Il Cellese, Oil on Canvas Landscape Painting, Realism Style
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. In View from Il Cellese, Jeanette Meehan expands on her exploration of interior f...
Canvas, Oil
Impressionistic Seascape Painting Michael Budden Beach Sunrise
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Morning Drama oil/panel image 8 x 10 unframed, 14.5 x 16.5 framed signed LL Morning Drama is an oil painting on panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showca...
Oil
Portrait of a Young Girl in a Striped Dress, c. 1895-1905.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Paul Fischer (1860–1934) Denmark Portrait of a Young Girl in a Striped Dress, c. 1895-1905. signed lower right “Paul Fischer” oil on canvas unframed 34 × 23 cm (13.4 × 9.1 in...
Canvas, Oil
$107Sale Price|20% Off
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow With Horns Facing Away
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$2,203
Cowboy: The Freedom Rider- Western painting, American Artist, Horse painting
Located in Oslo, NO
cowboy, horse, prairie, Western art, Western painting, American art, American artist, freedom, Wild West "This painting was inspired by American Westerns and the films of the Wild W...
Canvas, Oil, Linen
Evening in Tuscany, Original realism lansdcape painting, Oil on Canvas, 122x91cm
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Canvas, Oil
"Hindsight" - Original Still-Life and Landscape, Oil Painting on Panel
By Emma Kalff
Located in Denver, CO
"This painting was made based off of a photo I took from a bus window in Mexico, near Puerto Vallarta. The image stuck with me as the idea of an idyllic hillside. It felt to me like ...
Oil, Panel
Fig - original still life oil painting - contemporary realism artwork
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Canvas, Oil
Cat Awaits the Apocalypse, Realist Acrylic Painting on Cotton Canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
This refined interior scene captures a moment of psychological stillness, where presence and perception quietly intersect. The poised figure of a woman contrasts with the alert silho...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Bulldog with a Food Bowl-oil on board, early 20th century, French.
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Bulldog with a Food Bowl French, early 20th century Oil on board Illegibly signed, lower left 9 1/2 x 12 1/2 (15 x 18 frame) inches A tender and thoughtful portrayal of a seated bul...
Oil, Panel
Trinity. Limited Edition 3/4 - Bronze Sculpture
Located in Riga, LV
Dimensions: 25 W x 37 H x 24 D cm Weight: 5 kg Material: Bronze, patina, metal Edition: 3/4 + 1 AP, signed on base Condition: Excellent, certificate Free worldwide shipping in a bra...
Metal, Bronze
"Kenosha Skies" - Western Landscape and Skyscape, Oil Painting on Linen
Located in Denver, CO
Artist Statement: This painting captures the luminous midday atmosphere above Colorados Kenosha Pass, where expansive skies stretch endlessly above the Continental Divide. Using a co...
Linen, Oil
Pacific Sunset Waves, Contemporary Cyanotype on Paper, Navy Blue, Beach House
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. "Pacific Sunset Waves" is an original cyanotype that abstractly shows the sunset reflections on the sea. Details: + Titl...
Emulsion, Mixed Media, Watercolor, Photographic Paper, Lithograph, Monop...
$2,550
Boy From Hood - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Hyperealism, Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
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. About Artist Fal...
Canvas, Oil
"Cloud Composition 7" Original Realist Skyscape with Clouds
Located in Denver, CO
"Cloud Composition 7" is a realistic capturing of a golden skyscape, created with oil paint on panel. This piece is framed at 9.5 x 9.5 inches and is ready to hang. Jesse Mangerson ...
Oil, Panel
Venice Seascape Oil Painting Market Scene by Michael Budden Venetian Yellow
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Venetian Yellow, Venice oil/panel 6 x 8 unframed 9.75 x 11.75 framed signed LL Venetian Yellow is an oil painting on panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that sh...
Oil
Louis Perrey “Vanity” — A Belle Époque Portrait of Elegance
Located in New York, NY
A refined Belle Époque portrait of a young woman absorbed in her reflection, gracefully holding an oval hand mirror. Louis Perrey captures the intimate ritual of feminine toilette wi...
Canvas, Oil
$107Sale Price|20% Off
British Chalk Sketch of A Young Horse with White Markings
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Impressionistic Realistic Moonlight Landscape Oil Painting Michael Budden
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Moon Sliver oil/panel 8 x 10 unframed 13.50 x 15.50 x 2 framed. Signed LR Moon Sliver is an oil painting on canvas by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcase...
Oil
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
New York City Winter Oil Painting Fifth Avenue Flags St Patricks Michael Budden
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Winter On Fifth Avenue, St Patrick's, Flags 24 x 18 unframed. and 30.25 x 24.5 framed signed LL Winter On Fifth Avenue, St Patrick's, Flags is an oil painting on linen by award winn...
Oil
"Portrait of a Woman"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
"Portrait of a Woman" by Yuriy Lyamin is a captivating artwork that beautifully explores the soft essence of the female form. Rather than focusing on strict realistic details, the ar...
Oil, Canvas
$106Sale Price|20% Off
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of A Bull Lying Down
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
La Fille du Régiment
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
WILLIAM WEGMAN (b. 1943) 'La Fille du Régiment', 2007 SIGNED Vintage Oversized Artist's Photography Poster Commissioned for the Metropolitan Opera's 2007-2008 season, renowned arti...
Offset
Vienna Opera House
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Vienna Opera House" c.1960., is an original color etching by noted Austrian artist Josef Eidenberger, 1899-1991. It is hand signed in pencil by the artist. The p...
Etching
$1,490Sale Price|55% Off
Oil Painting of Horses & Farmer in the English Countryside by British Artist
By James Wright
Located in Preston, GB
Oil Painting of Horses & Farmer in the English Countryside by 20th Century Modern British Artist, James Wright Art measures 24 x 18 inches Frame measures 29 x 23 inches Pres...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Nude. Abstract realism, Horizontal, Pastel colours, Beige, Nudes across mediums
Located in Oslo, NO
The subject of the painting is just awakened young woman, resting in a bad and enjoying first morning sunlight. The relaxed posture and soft colors express a calm mood, the freshnes...
Canvas, Oil
$1,464Sale Price|25% Off
Impasto Oil Painting of River Tree Scene British Postwar & Contemporary Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Impasto Oil Painting of River Tree Scene British Postwar & Contemporary Artist, Terry Evans Terry Evans is a British Postwar & Contemporary Painter born in 1943, known for h...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$3,772
Western Light-original modern landscape abstract 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. We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs...
Canvas, Oil
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
Pomegranates
Located in Zofingen, AG
The serene ceramic jar anchors the composition, creating a quiet dialogue between matte surfaces and glossy fruit. The carefully draped striped tablecloth introduces rhythm and movem...
Canvas, Oil
A hyperrealist canvas by Heinz Schönhammer transforms a café classic into an unforgettable still life.
With a solo show at the Denver Art Museum and a commission from the Met, the Cree Canadian painter has become an international sensation.