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Realist Art

REALIST STYLE

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.

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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Realist
Alexei Butirskiy, "N.Y. Cabbies", 14x20 Manhattan Cityscape Oil Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This piece, "N.Y. Cabbies", is a 14x20 landscape oil painting on canvas by artist Alexei Butirskiy featuring a view down a busy street in Manhattan, New York City on a rainy day. Ped...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Yin Yong Chun, "White Roses with China Pot" 60x48 Floral Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This floral still life, "White Roses with China Pot", by artist Yin Yong Chun is a 60x48 oil painting on canvas featuring a bouquet of white roses in an ornate floral porcelain vase ...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Rigby, "Navajoe and Britannia Brent Reef Challenge Cup", 40x60 Boat Oil Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
Yachts Navajoe and Britannia both were constructed at the end of the 1800s, commissioned by UK royalty. This painting depicts a neck-and-neck race between the two giants off the coas...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Rat Pack in Vegas
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Rat Pack enthusiasts will love this piece! It includes their signatures, photographs from the Sands Hotel in Vegas, copies of their signatures and actual chips from the casinos that...
Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Slim Aarons 'Beauty and the Beast'
Located in New York, NY
Lady Daphne Cameron (Mrs George Cameron) on a tiger skin rug in the trophy room at socialite Laddie Sanford's home in Palm Beach, Florida. Estate stamped and hand numbered edition o...
Category

1950s Realist Art

Materials

Lambda

Self Portrait by Jim Dine (plate seven from Self Portraits portfolio 1971)
Located in New York, NY
Jim Dine, Self Portrait 1971 drypoint on Hodgkinson Hand Made Tone-Weave paper Paper 18 x 14 in. / 46 x 36 cm Plate 8 x 6 in. / 20 x 15 cm plate seven from Self Portraits (1971) port...
Category

1970s Realist Art

Materials

Etching, Drypoint

New York City Nocturne Painting Michael Budden Empire Evening
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Empire Evening Image is 16 x 12 unframed, 22.5 x 18.5 framed. An oil painting on canvas by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases a beautiful nocturne in N...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Radiant, an active green wave depicted in oil on aluminum
Located in Edgartown, MA
Art and design in varied forms have always been a driving interest in my life. Living in Madison, Connecticut, I began my career as a muralist and trompe l’oeil painter doing significant commercial and residential installations throughout New England. Eventually I changed my focus to landscape painting in oil as my work as a muralist became increasingly detailed. In this medium I discovered a more satisfying, intimate scale for my work. It was in my exploration of landscape painting where I discovered a love of aluminum and copper as a substrate. The ultra- smooth surface highlights brushstrokes and texture while adding an ethereal quality to my work. The depth and light of the reflective surface adds wonderful dimension to my paintings. Most of the inspiration for my work comes from the marshes and shorelines of the Northeast, particularly those along the New England shorelines. I often begin my painting en plein air and then complete them in my studio to ensure a strong composition and more effectively explore the effect of light and time on the landscape. Some of my work is also created through imagination using fragments of photos and memories to create a compelling composition. In addition to my gallery work, I also work with both public and private clients on commission pieces. One of my more prominent clients has been the Yale-New Haven Hospital network. My work seems to have a particular appeal due the sense of tranquility and quiet they convey. My work can be viewed at Sheldon Fine Art...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Blu on Red, limited edition print by world renowned female portrait artist
Located in New York, NY
Brenda Zlamany Blu on Red, 2013 Limited Edition special giclee print. Hand signed and numbered. Edition of 100 19 1/2 × 19 1/2 inches Unframed Gorgeous giclee print based upon an o...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Pencil, Giclée

NYC Landscape Oil Painting Michael Budden Macy's Parade Series Pikachu
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Macy's Papa Smirf Part of a series of 11 paintings. An oil painting on canvas panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases images from the Macy's Thanksgi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Reflections
Located in Clinton Township, MI
This artwork by Lee Teter depicts a veteran at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is nicely framed and in very good condition. The signature by Lee Teter is a r...
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Erotic Male Nude
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
William Sibberns (American). Male Nude in Bed, 2009. Pastel on paper, 10 x 14 inches. Measuring 16 x 20 inches framed. Signed and dated on page and...
Category

Early 2000s Realist Art

Materials

Pastel, Charcoal

Self Portrait by Jim Dine (plate four from Self Portraits portfolio 1971)
Located in New York, NY
Jim Dine, Self Portrait drypoint on Hodgkinson Hand Made Tone-Weave paper Paper 18 x 14 in. / 46 x 36 cm Plate 8 x 6 in. / 20 x 15 cm plate one from Self Portraits (1971) portfolio ...
Category

1970s Realist Art

Materials

Etching, Drypoint

Still Life Rising - Oil On Canvas - Abstract Painting By Dante Rondo
Located in Carmel, CA
Any novelist battling through writer’s block might be excited to encounter Dante Rondo, whose life has been a collage of free-spirited experiences that would satisfy the most vicario...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

"Ribbons and Bows" by Unknown Artist, Artist Hand Signed.
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Lithograph print signed by artist-- possibly Etienne--however, illegible. The print measures is 22 x 29; it is in fair/good condition, with slight discoloration around the edges.
Category

20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

The Four Seasons- Autumn
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Michael Schofield created The Four Seasons; this is Autumn. It is a limited edition lithograph, artist proof, and it is also remarqued and signed by the artist. Purchase this for $2...
Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Vintage Hockney poster Kammer 1981 Celia in a Black Dress and Red Stockings
Located in New York, NY
Printed for Galerie Kammer’s 1981 David Hockney exhibition “Drawings and Prints”, this beautiful poster reproduces Hockney’s drawing Celia in a Black Dress and Red Stockings 1973. Fa...
Category

1980s Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

What a little Sunlight Will Do
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist ARTIST STATEMENT “What a Little Sunlight Will Do was painted from an on location study I did while on a mule pack trip i...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Panel, Oil, Linen

Civil War: US Army Transport "Neptune" by Xanthus Smith
By Xanthus Russell Smith
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Xanthus Russell Smith (American, 1839-1929) Army Transport "Neptune" Ink on bristol board, 9 x 14 1/4 inches Framed: 16 x 22 (aprox.) Signed at lower left: "X.S.” Inscribed: (on pap...
Category

Late 19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Paper, Ink

View on the Delaware River Opposite Philadelphia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
JAMES THORP FLAHERTY (American, 1836 1904) On the Delaware Opposite Philadelphia Oil on canvas, 5 3/4 x 7 3/8 inches Framed: 14 x 16 inches (approx.) Signed and dated at lower left: ...
Category

1880s Realist Art

Materials

Board, Oil

The Four Seasons (Autumn)
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Michael Schofield created "The Four Seasons" . This is a limited edition lithograph (Artist Proof) of the Summer Season. (282/800) It is also remarqued. It may be purchased alone fo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Watercolor Portrait of a Girl with Roses signed Bowman 1906
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Unknown Artist (Bowman) (early twentieth century) Girl with Roses Watercolor on paper, 5 x 8 inches Framed: 13 x 16 inches Signed and dated at lower right: “Bowman/.06”
Category

Early 1900s Realist Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

The Four Seasons--Winter
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Michael Schofield created The Four Seasons; this is Winter. It is a limited edition Artist Proof, and it is also remarqued and signed by the artist. This lithograph may be purchase...
Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

NYC Landscape Oil Painting Michael Budden Macy's Parade Sonic & Stars Study
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Macy's Sonic & Stars Study Part of a series of 11 paintings. An oil painting on canvas panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases images from the Macy's...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Nineteenth Century Landscape of a River Bank by an Unknown Artist
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Unknown (American, nineteenth century) River Bank Oil on canvas, 9 x 13 1/2 inches Framed: 13 1/2 x 18 inches (approx.)
Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

New York City Winter Oil Painting Fifth Avenue Flags St Patricks Michael Budden
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
An oil painting on linen by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases the bustling life on Fifth Avenue in NYC peering through the flags above the beautiful St....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

The Standard Station
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Americana is the subject of most of Michigan native Charlie Winkler's photography. He was adept at photoshop and would add any particular car the buyer wished! (This may be the Stan...
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Almazan Realistic Still Life Acrylic Painting
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Almazan Realistic Still Life Acrylic Painting. MIQUEL was an artist focused on the art of realism. His structured works on his great mastery of drawing, are romantic and translates...
Category

Early 2000s Realist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Curtis Creek; Sonora, California
Located in Pasadena, CA
Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist UNFRAMED: 24" x 30" FRAMED: 27" x 33" x 1.5" Artist Statement "This wonderful spot is on a ranch just outside Sonora, Ca, in the f...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Linen

NYC Landscape Oil Painting Michael Budden Macy's Parade Series Stars & Sonic
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Macy's Stars & Sonic Part of a series of 11 paintings. An oil painting on canvas panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases images from the Macy's Thank...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

1920s Silver Gelatin Print by Tina Modotti of a Drawing by Clemente Orozco
Located in Chicago, IL
An original 1920s silver gelatin print by photographer Tina Modotti, showing a drawing of soldiers and families by Clemente Orozco. Photo is stamped “Photographs-Tina Modotti Mexico...
Category

1920s Realist Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

1920's Silver Gelatin Print By Tina Modotti of Diego Rivera Fresco.
Located in Chicago, IL
An original 1920s silver gelatin print by photographer Tina Modotti of the Diego Rivera mural "Lightning Striking Down the Destructive forces in Society Mother Nature, Harmony Betwe...
Category

1920s Realist Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Children Playing on a Boat, likely New York/Brooklyn/Flatbush Area, c. 1895
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Charles Lewis Fussell (American, 1840–1909) Children Playing on a Boat Oil on canvas, 11 x 16 3/4 inches Framed: 19 x 25 inches (approx.) Signed at lower left: “C.L. Fussell” Charle...
Category

1890s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A Jew
Located in Raleigh, NC
Etching by Hermann Struck in good condition with slight light staining
Category

1930s Realist Art

Materials

Etching

1920's Silver Gelatin Print by Tina Modotti of Diego Rivera Fresco
Located in Chicago, IL
An original 1920s silver gelatin print by photographer Tina Modotti, that shows a fresco in the Secretariat of Education Buiilding, Mexico City that illustrates a popular ballad. Ph...
Category

1920s Realist Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

White River Light by Leo Kuschel
Located in Clinton Township, MI
MIchigan's White River is the location of this limited edition lithograph signed and remarqued by Michigan artist Leo Kuschel. It is numbered 124/250 and is also framed.
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Whitefish Point
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Whitefish Point is a famous lighthouse located in Paradise, Michigan at the southeastern end of Lake Superior. Leo Kuschel's paintings and prints are highly collectible in the Midw...
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

Watercolor View from Gayley Street, Media Pennsylvania, 1905
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Charles Lewis Fussell (American, 1840–1909) View from Gayley Street, Media PA, 1905 Watercolor on paper, 13 1/2 x 23 3/4 inches Framed: 25 1/2 x 35 3/4 (approx.) Signed and dated a...
Category

Early 1900s Realist Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

NYC Landscape Oil Painting Michael Budden Macy's Parade Series Charlie Brown
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Macy's Charlie Brown Part of a series of 11 paintings. An oil painting on canvas panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases images from the Macy's Thank...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

NYC Landscape Oil Painting Michael Budden Macy's Parade Series Sponge Bob
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Macy's Sponge Bob Part of a series of 11 paintings. An oil painting on canvas panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases images from the Macy's Thanksgi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Spring Surf on Lake Michigan
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Lake Michigan is famous for its landscape paintings. This limited edition lithograph numbered 459/500 is entitled "Spring Surf on Lake Michigan" and is signed and remarqued by the ...
Category

Late 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

"The Ulysses on Shades of Rose" - Vibrant Butterfly Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Lindsey Kustusch's "The Ulysses on Shades of Rose" is an enchanting original oil on wood panel artwork, measuring 12 x 12 x 1.50 inches. As a 2023 piece, it is offered to the primary market, unframed but with the practicality of being ready to hang. The painting features the Ulysses butterfly, known for its vibrant blue wings, which Kustusch has rendered with a striking intensity of color that stands out against the soft rose background. The contrast of the vivid butterfly against the blush tones creates a captivating visual dialogue, emphasizing the delicate yet bold nature of this tropical species. The golden arc...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

Beth Parcell, "Snowy", 18x14 White Egret Waterscape Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This waterscape piece, "Snowy", is a 18x14 oil painting on canvas featuring a majestic white egret standing in water. The stark white of the egret contrasts against the deep murky gr...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

1920s Silver Gelatin Print by Tina Modotti of Diego Rivera Fresco
Located in Chicago, IL
An original 1920s silver gelatin print by photographer Tina Modotti, showing a fresco by artist Diego Rivera. Photo is stamped “Photographs-Tina Modotti Mexico, D.F.” on reverse. A...
Category

1920s Realist Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

"The Tiger Swallowtail on Shades of Aquamarine" Oil Butterfly Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Lindsey Kustusch's "The Tiger Swallowtail on Shades of Aquamarine" is a striking original oil on wood panel artwork, sized at 12 x 12 x 1.50 inches. This 2023 piece comes as a primar...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

W.C. Nowell, "Cherries in Crystal Bowl", 28x36 Fruit Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This fruit still life, "Cherries in Crystal Bowl", by artist W.C. Nowell is a 28x36 oil painting on canvas featuring a crystal bowl of bright red cherries with fallen cherries also o...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

"Summer in the High Desert" Original Oil Painting of a Landscape & Jackrabbit
Located in Denver, CO
Venture into the wild beauty of the Southwest with Lindsey Kustusch's "Summer in the High Desert," an original 2023 oil painting on a 30 x 60 x 1.50-inch wood panel. This expansive p...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

Sean Farrell, "Red Poppies in Tuscany", 12x36 Floral Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
"Red Poppies in Tuscany", is a 12x36 oil painting on board by artist Sean Farrell featuring a field of red aromatic poppy flowers against a blue sky background. Clusters of blossomed...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Board, Oil

Clever Trompe L'oeil Landscape of Frolicking's Lambs, One About to Jump Through
Located in Charleston, US
Beth de Loiselle's delightful animal painting, "Spring Lambs," portrays a trompe l'oeil effect, featuring a lamb gazing directly at the viewer while baby lambs frolic in the backgrou...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

W.C. Nowell, "Flowers & Feathers", 19x17 Purple Yellow Floral Still Life
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This floral still life, "Flowers & Feathers", by artist W.C. Nowell is a 19x17 oil painting on canvas featuring a tall blue glass pitcher of purple lavender and yellow flowers. The v...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

"The Amur Leopard" - Endangered Big Cat Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Lindsey Kustusch's "The Amur Leopard" is an exquisite handmade original oil on wood panel artwork, with dimensions of 20 x 40 x 1.50 inches. Produced in 2023, this primary market pie...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

Luna II, Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Robin Cole's "Luna II" is an oil painting featuring a white moth. About the artist: My work represents an exploration of an inner wilderness by way of an outer one; it hinges on my...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

W.C. Nowell, "Summer Fun", 26x24 Yellow Floral Blue Vase Marbles Still Life
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This floral still life, "Summer Fun", by artist W.C. Nowell is a 26x24 oil painting on canvas featuring a short blue glass vase of yellow flowers. The vase is sitting on a light grey...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sean Farrell, "Sweet Lemon Blossoms", 12x9 Lemon Fruit Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
"Sweet Lemon Blossoms", is a 12x9 oil painting on board by artist Sean Farrell. Featured is an arrangement of three lemons, still on the stem with their le...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Gentle Sunrise, Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
As the sun rises, the world undergoes a magical transformation. The sky turns vivid and saturated, lending its breathtaking colors to the water below. Smooth tr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Del Bourree Bach, "Tidal Treasure", 21x24 Seashell Ocean Beach Landscape
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This piece, "Tidal Treasure", is a 21x24 acrylic painting on board by artist Del Bourree Bach featuring a view over a solitary body of clear ocean water. A solitary seashell sits amo...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Board

Antique Cat Painting "Cat with Butterfly in a Meadow" Arthur Heyer 1872-1931
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Antique Cat Painting "Cat with Butterfly in a Meadow" Arthur Heyer 1872-1931 Oil on canvas Signed lower right "Heyer A." 25 1/2 x 21 (29 1/4 x 3...
Category

Early 1900s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Reynard Fox Painting in Snowy Winter Landscape Celebrates the Fox's Cunningness
Located in Charleston, US
Beth Carlson's dramatic fox painting, titled "Reynard," emphasizes the fox's power of wit over strength. The cunning fox is set against a beautiful snowy winter backdrop. The fox pa...
Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Realist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Realist 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, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Slim Aarons, Michael Budden, Daniel Pollera, and Su Yu. 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 Realist art, so small editions measuring 0.1 inches across are also available.

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