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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
Period: 18th Century
Early 18th Century Globe Terrestre Engraving
By Francois Halma
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderfully detailed steel engraving of the earth, locations labeled in French: Afrique, Grande Tartarie, La Chine, etc., by By Francois Halma (Dutch, 1653-1722), 1705. Interesting f...
Category

Early 1700s Realist Art

Materials

Paper, Ink

18th C. Italian Architectural Engraving of a Borromini Designed Church in Rome
Located in Alamo, CA
"Pianta del Finestrone, Prospetto del finestrone con suoi ornamenti nel mezzo della naue maggiore per fianco nella Basilica di S. Gio. in Laterano" is an architectural engraving of an elevation of monumental windows with their associated columns and ornaments above an entrance to the Basilica of S. Gio. In Laterano in Rome, the Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in the Lateran, also known as the Papal Archbasilica of Saint John in Lateran. It is the church of the Diocese of Rome which serves as the seat of the Roman Pontiff. The print was engraved by Alessandro Specchi (1668-1729), an engraver and architect, after a design by the Italian architect Francesco...
Category

Early 1700s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

"A Dance in Otaheite" (Tahiti), Engraving from Captain Cook's 3rd Voyage
Located in Alamo, CA
"A Dance in Otaheite" (Tahiti) is an engraving created by William Sharp (1749-1824), from a drawing by John Webber (1752-1793), who was the artist on Captain James Cook's 3rd and final voyage of discovery. It is a plate in the atlas of "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean Undertaken by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere", the official British Admirality sanctioned journal published upon completion of the voyage in London in 1784 by Strahan & Cadell. Two women and two men wearing ceremonial costumes, performing a dance outdoors standing on a mat. Three men are playing the drums in the background, in front of a thatched roof building. An audience of men are sitting on both sides of the stage. By the time Webber arrived in Tahiti, 'south sea' imagery had become familiar. Webber gave concentrated attention to dance. He had the opportunity to distinguish the Tahitian dance from the more formalized dancing of Tonga. Whereas they seem to have called to mind the more formal dances of antiquity, the Tahitian dancing aroused memories of peasant and folk dancing. This engraving is professionally framed in Koa wood. Koa wood is legendary in Hawaii. Not only is this amazing wood native to Hawaii, but it is known for the deep rich colors and varied grain pattern. Koa has an honored heritage in Hawaii and is highly revered and sacred. The word “koa” means “warrior” in Hawaiian. The warriors of King Kamehameha the Great, created canoes and weapons from a wood plentiful on the Big Island of Hawaii. This wood became synonymous with the warriors themselves, and it became known as koa. There are three other engravings listed from the official journal of Captain Cook's 3rd voyage available that are presented in identical Koa wood frames and double mats (LU117324682432, LU117324684052, LU117324684062). They would make a wonderful grouping for a display of 2, 3 or 4 prints. A discount is available for a grouping depending on the number of items included. Hawaii was discovered by Captain Cook during this voyage. Hawaii was originally called The Sandwich Islands in honor of The Earl of Sandwich...
Category

1780s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Explorator
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Giovanni Domenico Campiglia, 'Explorator', engraving, 1734, edition unknown, scarce. Signed 'Dom. Campiglia del.' in the matrix, lower left. A fine impression, on handmade antique, l...
Category

1730s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Samuel Buck (1696-1779) Ruins of Byland Abbey Yorkshire Engraving Print
Located in London, GB
To see our other views and maps of England - including London, Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send...
Category

1720s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Byland Abbey Yorkshire UK - 1770 engraving by Samuel & Nathaniel Buck
Located in London, GB
Samuel & Nathaniel Buck Byland Abbey, Yorkshire Engraving “Byland Abbey is an interesting ruin about five miles from Helmsley. It was a fine specimen of ecclesiastical architecture,...
Category

Mid-18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

"Inside of a House in Nootka Sound" (Canada) from Captain Cook's 3rd Voyage
Located in Alamo, CA
"The Inside of a House in Nootka Sound" is an engraving created by William Sharp (1749-1824), from a drawing by John Webber (1752-1793), who was the artist on Captain James Cook's 3rd and final voyage of discovery. It is Plate 65 in "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean Undertaken by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere", the official British Admirality sanctioned journal published upon completion of the voyage in London in 1784 by Strahan & Cadell. This engraving is presented in a Koa wood frame and a white mat. There are occasional tiny faint spots, but the print is otherwise in very good condition. Koa wood is legendary in Hawaii. Not only is this amazing wood native to Hawaii, but it is known for the deep rich colors and varied grain pattern. Koa has an honored heritage in Hawaii and is highly revered and sacred. The word “koa” means “warrior” in Hawaiian. The warriors of King Kamehameha the Great, created canoes and weapons from a wood plentiful on the Big Island of Hawaii. This wood became synonymous with the warriors themselves, and it became known as koa. There are three other engravings listed form the official journal of Captain Cook's 3rd voyage available that are presented in identical Koa wood frames and mats. They would make a wonderful grouping for a display of 2, 3 or 4 prints. Please see listings: LU117324682432, LU117324684022, LU117324684062. A discount is available for a grouping depending on the number of items included. Nootka Sound is on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It was explored by Captain Cook in 1778 after he discovered Hawaii during his 3rd voyage. He originally named it King George's Sound, but did record Nootka Sound, which he thought was its native name. Hawaii was originally called The Sandwich Islands in honor of The Earl of...
Category

1780s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Veduta Della Gran Curia Innocenziana from Vedute di Roma, 1752
Located in San Francisco, CA
This exceptional mid-18th century etching by Giovanni Battista (Giambattista) Piranesi (b. 1720-1778) is titled “Veduta della Gran Curia Innocenziana” (“View of the Palazzo di Montecitorio”). It is from Piranesi’s Vedute di Roma...
Category

1750s Realist Art

Materials

Etching

John Boydell 1751 engraving A South Prospect of the City of Oxford
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Framed Pair of Architectural Engravings made After Giocondo Albertolli
Located in Hallowell, ME
Framed Pair of Architectural Engravings made After Giocondo Albertolli in Italy during the Neoclassical period of the 18th Century. This pair of engravings measure 28.5 inches by 23 inches in nice Roma molding picture frames. Priced for the pair. Albertolli is well listed as an engraver in Benezit. page 89, volume 1. Susquehanna Antiques...
Category

18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Paper, Engraving

William Williams engraving of Jesus College Oxford c.1732 Collegium Jesu
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the view you want. William Williams...
Category

Early 18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

William Williams engraving of Christ Church - College at Oxford c.1732
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the view you want. William Williams...
Category

Early 18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Le Canard a Longue Queue (The Long Tailed Duck) /// Ornithology Martinet Bird
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: François-Nicolas Martinet (French, 1731-1800) Title: "Le Canard a Longue Queue (The Long Tailed Duck)" (Plate 954) Portfolio: Histoire Naturelle Des...
Category

1770s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving, Watercolor, Laid Paper, Intaglio

David Loggan Cambridge View Frontispiece Cantabrigia engraving 1715
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the ...
Category

1710s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Paysages (Landscapes)
Located in New York, NY
Franz Edmund Weirotter (1730-1771), Paysages (Landscapes), 1759, complete set of 6 (5 are illustrated on this site), [signed in the plates lower right Weirotter sc, and also signed a...
Category

1750s Realist Art

Materials

Etching

Robert Morden Map of Nottingham Shire 18th century Nottinghamshire
By Robert Morden
Located in London, GB
Robert Morden (1650-1703) Nottingham Shire (or Nottinghamshire) Engraving with recent hand colouring 34x42cm First published in 1695 for Camden's Britannica (1695-1772) and reprinte...
Category

18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

"King of the Friendly Islands" (Tonga); Engraving from Captain Cook's 3rd Voyage
Located in Alamo, CA
"Poulaho, King of the Friendly Islands, Drinking Kava" is an engraving created by William Sharp (1749-1824), from a drawing by John Webber (1752-1793), who was the artist on Captain James Cook's 3rd and final voyage of discovery. It was published in the atlas of "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean Undertaken by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere", the official British Admirality sanctioned journal published upon completion of the voyage in London in 1784 by Strahan & Cadell. Captain Cook visited Tonga on his 3rd voyage, which he named The Friendly Islands because of the warm welcome he and his crew received, unlike some of the other more hostile Pacific islands. The engraving depicts Cook and his men observed a kava ceremony at the village of Mu’a on Tongatapu. King Paulaho sits in the centre foreground, his back to the spectator with a man kneeling before him. The ceremonial mat depicted behind Paulaho indicates that nobody was allowed to sit behind him. The figure in the centre holds a single cup, referring to the Tongan custom of offering the cup to the king first. Kava is native to the islands of the South Pacific and was first described for English readers in 1768 by Captain James Cook. The kava root has been used for centuries as a central feature of ceremonies and celebrations because it was able to bring about a calming and pleasant social atmosphere. The root was crushed and processed into coconut milk to become the focal ceremonial beverage, simply referred to as kava. This engraving is presented in a Koa wood frame and a white mat. Koa wood is legendary in Hawaii. There are occasional faint spots, but the print is otherwise in very good condition. This amazing Koa wood is native to Hawaii and it is known for the deep rich colors and varied grain pattern. Koa has an honored heritage in Hawaii and is highly revered and sacred. The word “koa” means “warrior” in Hawaiian. The warriors of King Kamehameha the Great, created canoes and weapons from a wood plentiful on the Big Island of Hawaii. This wood became synonymous with the warriors themselves, and it became known as koa. There are three other engravings listed from the official journal of Captain Cook's 3rd voyage available that are presented in identical Koa wood frames and mats (LU117324682422, LU117324684052, LU117324684032). They would make a wonderful grouping for a display of 2, 3 or 4 prints. A discount is available for a grouping depending on the number of items included. Captain Cook is remembered as one of the greatest explorers and navigators in history. His explorations included Australia, New Zealand and islands of the South Pacific and the northwest coast of North America. Hawaii was discovered by Captain Cook during this voyage. Hawaii was originally called The Sandwich Islands in honor of The Earl of Sandwich...
Category

1780s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Landscape "Campi Phlegraei - Plate XXXIII" Naples - By Hamilton-Fabris
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 21.5x39 cm. Beautiful plate from the volume "Campi Flegrei" by William Hamilton including 59 plates by Pietro Fabris. This particular plate illustrates the eruptio...
Category

18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Etching

Le Harle Femell (The Female Merganser) /// Ornithology Martinet Bird Animal Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: François-Nicolas Martinet (French, 1731-1800) Title: "Le Harle Femell (The Female Merganser)" (Plate 953) Portfolio: Histoire Naturelle Des Oiseaux *Signed by Martinet in the...
Category

1770s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving, Watercolor, Laid Paper, Intaglio

Canard de Miclon (Old Squaw) /// Ornithology Martinet Bird Animal Art Duck
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: François-Nicolas Martinet (French, 1731-1800) Title: "Canard de Miclon (Old Squaw)" (1008) Portfolio: Histoire Naturelle Des Oiseaux *Signed by Martinet in the plate (printed...
Category

1770s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving, Watercolor, Laid Paper, Intaglio

18th Century Engraved Portrait of George Savile, Marquis of Halifax by Houbraken
Located in Alamo, CA
A superb 18th century engraved portrait of George Savile, Marquis of Halifax, Plate 82 in "The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain", written by...
Category

Mid-18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Engraving

Landscape Campi Phlegraei - Plate XIII - View of Capri - By Hamilton-Fabris
Located in Roma, IT
Landscape Campi Phlegraei - Plate XIII - View of Capri is an original colored etching realized by Pietro Fabris between 1776 and 1779. This beautiful ...
Category

18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Etching

"Marine Chantier de Construction": 18th C. Engraving of Shipbuilding by Diderot
Located in Alamo, CA
"Marine Chantier de Construction", plate VIII from the 18th century "Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers" (Encyclopedia, or a Systematic Dict...
Category

1750s Realist Art

Materials

Etching, Engraving

1782 View of Windsor Castle by James Fittler RA George Robertson John Boydell
By James Fittler
Located in London, GB
To see our other Architectural Prints and Drawings including other views of Windsor, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller." James Fittler (1758-1835) after George Robertson...
Category

Mid-18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Panorama of London Samuel & Nathaniel Buck 1749 engraving
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of London, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the view you want. Samuel Buck (1696-1779) & Nathaniel Buck (active 1724-59) Panorama of the River Thames from Westminster Bridge to London Bridge Published September 1749 30x404cm Engraving Samuel & Nathaniel were brothers, best known for their depictions of ancient castles and monasteries entitled 'Buck's Antiquities' and those of townscapes of England and Wales, 'Sea-Ports and Capital Towns'. LIttle is known about the brothers' lives. Samuel was born in Yorkshire and died in penury in London in 1779, he was buried in the churchyard of St Clement Danes. Nathaniel pre-deceased him, dying between 1759 and 1774. This panorama is a fascinating insight into a long-lost, but strangely familiar, London. To the left is Westminster Bridge, framing the picture and to the right London Bridge completes the frame. A detailed key identifies 140 buildings and other features. Amongst the more recognisable items are Westminster Abbey, Horse Ferry (which is, indeed, a ferry for taking horses across the river with their carts and carriages), but presuamably somewhat redundant with the new (1750) bridge that coincides with the publishing of this print, the huge stack of used straw...
Category

Mid-18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Landscape - Plate XIV from "Campi Flegrei"
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful plate from the volume "Campi Flegrei" by William Hamilton including 59 plates by Pietro Fabris. Hamilton was one of Fabri's most important patrons. "Campi Flegrei" was pub...
Category

18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor, Etching

Le Millouinan /// Ornithology Martinet Bird Animal Art Duck Natural History
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: François-Nicolas Martinet (French, 1731-1800) Title: "Le Millouinan" (Plate 1002) Portfolio: Histoire Naturelle Des Oiseaux *Signed by Martinet in the plate (printed signatur...
Category

1770s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving, Watercolor, Laid Paper, Intaglio

The Original Entrance to the Cloisters at Magdalen College, Oxford Engraving
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this seller" - or send us a message...
Category

1780s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Sacelle male, de la cote de Coromandel /// Ornithology Martinet Bird Animal Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: François-Nicolas Martinet (French, 1731-1800) Title: "Sacelle male, de la cote de Coromandel" (Plate 949) Portfolio: Histoire Naturelle Des Oiseaux *Signed by Martinet in the...
Category

1770s Realist Art

Materials

Intaglio, Laid Paper, Engraving, Watercolor

French school French Revolution Revolutionary Drawing Wash Painting Realist
Located in PARIS, FR
French school of the end of the 18th century Pen and wash on paper Unsigned 11 x 18 cm (30.5 x 35 cm with the frame) This drawing represents the regi...
Category

Late 18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor

Map of Oxford 18th-century engraving by Pieter van der Aa after David Loggan
Located in London, GB
Pieter van der Aa (1659-1733), after David Loggan (1634–1692) Map of Oxford Engraving 12 x 16 cm An eighteenth-century map of Oxford, engraved by Pieter...
Category

Early 18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

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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