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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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Style: Realist
Leslie Peck, "Sunny Bunny", 10x10 Rabbit Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas
Leslie Peck, "Sunny Bunny", 10x10 Rabbit Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas

Leslie Peck, "Sunny Bunny", 10x10 Rabbit Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas

Located in Saratoga Springs, NY

This piece, "Sunny Bunny", is a 10x10 oil painting on board by artist Leslie Peck featuring a beautiful rabbit sitting amongst lush green Grass. The rabbit faces away from the viewer...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Rural Reflections, Original Painting
Rural Reflections, Original Painting

Rural Reflections, Original Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A barn stands at the corner of a dirt road, capturing the quiet poetry of rural life. Reflected in the still water below, the structure’s weathered textures a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor

Munichau (Austria)
Munichau (Austria)

Munichau (Austria)

By Luigi Kasimir

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork titled "Munichau (Austria)" 1926, is a color etching on paper by Austrian artist Luigi Kasimir, 1881-1962. It is hand signed in pencil by the artist's estate at the lower center. The plate mark (image) size is 11.5 x 11.5 inches, framed size is 21 x 20.75 inches. Custom framed in a wooden gold frame, with grey/green matting . It is in Excellent condition. About the artist. Luigi Kasimir was born in 1881 at Pettau, today Ptuj, Slovenia, then a part of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. He inherited his talent from his ancestors; his grandfather was a painter and a poet, and his father an officer in the Habsburg army, who later became a professional painter. Kasimir attended the Vienna Academy of Art where he studied under Wilhelm Unger, who introduced him to the technique of the coloured etching, and also to his future wife, the artist Tanna Hoernes.[1] He died in 1962 in Grinzing, a suburb of Vienna.Kasimir was among the first to develop the technique of the coloured etching. Before this, prints were usually hand-coloured with the colour being applied in a casual, haphazard manner. Kasimir would first create a sketch usually in pastel, he then transferred the design on as many as four to six plates, printing one after the other and applying the colour on the plate, all done by hand. Kasimir is mainly famous for his etchings, but he also produced some oil painting, as well as some pastels. One of his favourite genres was the landscape, or veduta. He demonstrated a predisposition street scenes, and tourist landmarks. He depicted places from all over Europe, mainly Italy, Austria, and Germany. He also travelled to the United States to do a series of etchings of famous sights ranging from urban landmarks such as New York City skyscrapers, to natural wonders like Yosemite Valley. Luigi Kasimir’s etchings...

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Etching

"Porcelain Pattern Sphynx 2" - Hand-Painted Resin Cat Sculpture, 2024
"Porcelain Pattern Sphynx 2" - Hand-Painted Resin Cat Sculpture, 2024

"Porcelain Pattern Sphynx 2" - Hand-Painted Resin Cat Sculpture, 2024

Located in Denver, CO

Nana Williams’ "Porcelain Pattern Sphynx 2" is a captivating resin sculpture that merges delicate craftsmanship with intricate surface decoration. This 2024 original work is a resin cast, hand-painted with acrylic gouache, standing at 5.50 x 2 x 3.50 inches (13.97 x 5.08 x 8.89 cm). Inspired by the elegance of fine porcelain, the piece mimics the timeless beauty of blue-and-white ceramic motifs...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Resin, Acrylic, Gouache

Pathway to the Past, Original Painting
Pathway to the Past, Original Painting

Pathway to the Past, Original Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
A rustic blue cottage, weathered by time, nestles among vibrant wildflowers. It was once the home of a widow who lost her loving h...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Acrylic

European Cityscape #5
European Cityscape #5

European Cityscape #5

By Henry Ramirez

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork "European Cityscape" c. 1990 is an oil painting on hard board by Argentinian artist Henry D. Ramirez. It is signed at the lower left corner by the artist. The hard board...

Category

Late 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Nearing Dusk, Original Painting
Nearing Dusk, Original Painting

Nearing Dusk, Original Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Dark silhouettes of bare trees create a quiet, moody landscape at dusk in the countryside. The glowing sunset illuminates the horizon. Deep tones fill a marsh b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor

19th-Century Portrait of A Woman in A Lace Bonnet
19th-Century Portrait of A Woman in A Lace Bonnet

19th-Century Portrait of A Woman in A Lace Bonnet

Located in San Francisco, CA

The label on the back has faded with time, but it appears to read “His Great Grandmother’s Portrait presented to George Michael Beauridge on his 18th birthday by his Aunt (?) July 10...

Category

19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Nob Hill; San Francisco
Nob Hill; San Francisco

Nob Hill; San Francisco

By Michael Obermeyer

Located in Pasadena, CA

Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Signed "Obermeyer" on lower left Artist Statement "During a recent stay in San Francisco, I had this gorgeous view of this beautiful city from my room. Mason Street glows as it heads up to Nob Hill...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Male nudes II, sketch by Keith Vaughan
Male nudes II, sketch by Keith Vaughan

Male nudes II, sketch by Keith Vaughan

Located in London, GB

Keith Vaughan Male nudes II Ballpoint pen sketch 17 x 13 cm Born in 1912, Keith Vaughan was a British painter known for his modernist and semi-abstract depictions of the male fig...

Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Ballpoint Pen

Venice I
Venice I

Juan Álvarez CebriánVenice I, 2023

$1,874Sale Price|27% Off

Venice I

Located in CAMPO REAL, ES

I painted this view of the Venice canal on a foggy gray morning, playing with the chromaticism of the scene to alter the colors and create a special luminosity. I used soft tones to ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

Milk Maids in the Field
Milk Maids in the Field

Milk Maids in the Field

Located in Sheffield, MA

Joseph Julien Jos French, 1862-1924 Milk Maids in the Field Oil on canvas 19 ¾ by 25 ½ in, w/ frame 25 ½ by 31 ¼ in Signed lower right This Belgian 19th century artist specialized ...

Category

Late 19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Original Still Life oil painting on canvas, Fruits, Framed
Original Still Life oil painting on canvas, Fruits, Framed

Original Still Life oil painting on canvas, Fruits, Framed

Located in Palm Coast, FL

Up for sale is an original oil painting on canvas depicting a Still Life composition. Unsigned. Nicely framed. Good condition. Please see the photos, they are part of the descript...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

" Gypsy Girl " 19th Century antique realistic portrait oil painting on panel
" Gypsy Girl " 19th Century antique realistic portrait oil painting on panel

" Gypsy Girl " 19th Century antique realistic portrait oil painting on panel

Located in Jacksonville, FL

Jan Frederik Pieter Portielje (1829-1908) was a Dutch painter known for his remarkable attention to detail and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with precision and realism. Born in Amsterdam, Portielje displayed an early talent for art and pursued his passion through formal training at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. Portielje’s expertise lay in portraiture, particularly in capturing the intricacies of human expression and the beauty of traditional attire. His artwork often depicted scenes from everyday life, showcasing individuals from various backgrounds and cultures. One notable painting that exemplifies his skill is “Gypsy Girl.” In “Gypsy Girl,” Portielje presents a captivating portrait that possesses an astonishing level of realism. The painting depicts a young Romani girl adorned with vibrant jewelry and dressed in traditional clothing. Portielje’s meticulous brushwork and attention to detail make the portrait appear as if it were a photograph captured by a modern camera. The rich colors of the girl’s attire, combined with the intricate jewelry, create a visual feast for the viewer. Portielje’s ability to convey texture and fabric is remarkable, as he captures the folds and drapes of the girl’s clothing...

Category

19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Bird's Nest, 2 Eggs" by Thane Gorek, Original, Mixed Media Painting
"Bird's Nest, 2 Eggs" by Thane Gorek, Original, Mixed Media Painting

"Bird's Nest, 2 Eggs" by Thane Gorek, Original, Mixed Media Painting

Located in Denver, CO

Thane Gorek's (US based) "Bird's Nest, 2 Eggs" is an original, handmade mixed media painting that depicts two baby blue eggs tucked in together in a bird's nest of twigs that resides...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Board

Great Tit, Bird, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind

Great Tit, Bird, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind

Located in Granada Hills, CA

245 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper Year: 2024 Style: Classic Art Title: Great Tit Size: 12 x 16 inch...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Pair of Hyperreal Purple Glass Balloon Sculptures
Pair of Hyperreal Purple Glass Balloon Sculptures

Pair of Hyperreal Purple Glass Balloon Sculptures

By Dylan Martinez

Located in East Quogue, NY

Pair of Hyperreal purple glass water balloon sculptures by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble real water balloons. The sculptures are made in small batches, and each color is hand-mixed. Each piece is unique and is signed on the base by the artist. Material: Hot sculpted, sandblasted, acid-etched solid glass Approx. Size: 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 4 1/2 inches (each) hyperrealism, glass sculpture, glass balloon...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Honeybrook, PA Lancaster County
Honeybrook, PA Lancaster County

Honeybrook, PA Lancaster County

By David Shevlino

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Beautiful landscape by American artist, David Shevlino (b.1962). Oil on wood panel measures 14 x 15.5 inches. Signed and dated lower right. Signed, titled and dated en verso.

Category

1990s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Navajo Women, state #2
Navajo Women, state #2

Navajo Women, state #2

By R.C. Gorman

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork "Two Native American Women" 1980 Is an original lithograph on creme Arches paper by renown Navajo artist Rudolph Carl Gorman, 1932-2005. It is signed, dated and numbere...

Category

Late 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

1980s Dreaming Girl Bronze Sculpture, Realist Style, 36x8 cm
1980s Dreaming Girl Bronze Sculpture, Realist Style, 36x8 cm

1980s Dreaming Girl Bronze Sculpture, Realist Style, 36x8 cm

Located in Zofingen, AG

realism, academism manner, vintage collectible sculpture, cast bronze, "I create this sculpture at the very beginning of my career. I sculpted it from a real model. The girl was ver...

Category

1980s Realist Art

Materials

Bronze

Great Tits, Bird, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind

Great Tits, Bird, Watercolor Handmade Painting, One of a Kind

Located in Granada Hills, CA

61 Artist: Artyom Abrahamyan, Work: Original Painting, Handmade artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Watercolor on Paper, Year: 2023 Style: Classic Art, Subject: Great Tits, Size: 12 x...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Northwest of Heaven, Original Painting
Northwest of Heaven, Original Painting

Northwest of Heaven, Original Painting

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Time stands still at a derelict farm nestled in a sweeping valley. A meandering stream adds movement and direction to the scene. Towering mountains rise in th...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Acrylic

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.