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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
Arrangement XVII, Realist Oil Painting
Arrangement XVII, Realist Oil Painting

Arrangement XVII, Realist Oil Painting

By Zane York

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Zane York deftly walks the line between playfulness and profundity. Drawing inspiration from the inherent strangeness of the natural world, York imbues quotidian scenes with subtle e...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ephesus. Ruins. Temple of Hadrian
Ephesus. Ruins. Temple of Hadrian

Ephesus. Ruins. Temple of Hadrian

By Simon Kozhin

Located in Zofingen, AG

The beauty of antiquity, its architecture, proportions, ornaments, materials and technologies fascinated me even during my studies. Once in the travaling, I was fascinated by the pre...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Top Notch

Top Notch

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original bronze sculpture by artist Stefan Savides. Edition 30/35.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Bronze

Bermuda Beach,  Estate Edition
Bermuda Beach,  Estate Edition

Bermuda Beach, Estate Edition

By Slim Aarons

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A woman running towards the ocean on a beach in Bermuda, 1957. The bather wears a vintage coral red swimsuit, which provides a pop of color against the sun-dappled turquoise waves. F...

Category

1950s Realist Art

Materials

Lambda

Coastal Patrol - original surrealist-realism oilpainting-contemporary art
Coastal Patrol - original surrealist-realism oilpainting-contemporary art

Coastal Patrol - original surrealist-realism oilpainting-contemporary art

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Estate Edition
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Estate Edition

Cortina d'Ampezzo, Estate Edition

By Slim Aarons

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The Piazza Roma, a square in Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Italian Alps, 1962. Slim Aarons Estate Edition, Certificate of Authenticity included Numbered and stamped by the Slim Aarons E...

Category

1960s Realist Art

Materials

Lambda

"Almost sunset"
"Almost sunset"

"Almost sunset"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

In this enchanting work, Ukrainian artist Alexander Khrapachov skillfully captures the moment between day and evening - that special time when nature freezes in anticipation of the s...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Da Tour Boileau (Beauvais)"
"Da Tour Boileau (Beauvais)"

"Da Tour Boileau (Beauvais)"

By François Boucher

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Attributed to François Boucher (1703–1770) – "Da Tour Boileau (Beauvais)" Artist: Attributed to François Boucher (attributed) Title: "Da Tour Boileau (Beauvais)" Medium: Oil on can...

Category

18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Turnip"
"Turnip"

"Turnip"

By Giacomo Ceruti

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Giacomo Ceruti, known as Il Pitocchetto (1698-1767) – “Turnip” Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 204 x 124 cm (unframed) Provenance: Private collection This remarkable painting, “T...

Category

18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Church Interior
Church Interior

Church Interior

By Ray Quigley

Located in Buffalo, NY

A modern illustration by American artist Ray Quigley depicting two men inside of a church.

Category

1950s Realist Art

Materials

Gouache, Illustration Board, Ink

Shadow Patterns and Lost Thistle
Shadow Patterns and Lost Thistle

Shadow Patterns and Lost Thistle

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Oil painting signed by the Artist in the lower right corner.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

A noble bulldog

A noble bulldog

Located in London, GB

Walter Herbert Wheeler (British, 1868-1960) A noble bulldog signed ‘WH Wheeler (lower right) oil on board 7 ¾ x 7 ¼ in. (19.7 x 18.3 cm.) with frame 10 x 9 ¾ in. (25.4 x 24.8 cm.) ...

Category

Early 1900s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Léon-Jean-Bazille Perrault Oil Painting Genre Scene "Playmates"
Léon-Jean-Bazille Perrault Oil Painting Genre Scene "Playmates"

Léon-Jean-Bazille Perrault Oil Painting Genre Scene "Playmates"

By Léon-Jean-Bazille Perrault

Located in New York, NY

Léon-Jean-Bazille Perrault French 1832 - 1908 Playmates A sweet genre painting of a young woman and child playing with a kitten. Rendered in oil paint, Perrault utilizes both thin...

Category

19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

“The Mandarins Garland” realist, still life, orange citrus, tondo framed signed
“The Mandarins Garland” realist, still life, orange citrus, tondo framed signed

“The Mandarins Garland” realist, still life, orange citrus, tondo framed signed

By Daniela Astone

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

A circular oil painting of a garland or wreath of orange citrus fruits, tied with a red ribbon, and inviting butterflies and a small bird. The artist adorns the still life with a bac...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

The Pool of London - 20th Century British marine watercolour by William Walcot
The Pool of London - 20th Century British marine watercolour by William Walcot

The Pool of London - 20th Century British marine watercolour by William Walcot

WILLIAM WALCOT (1874-1943) The Pool of London Signed and dated l.r.: W Walcot 1924 Watercolour and bodycolour over traces of pencil on paper Framed 40.5 by 71.5 cm., 16 by 28 ¼ i...

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor, Paper

Koko, with her favourite ball
Koko, with her favourite ball

Koko, with her favourite ball

Located in London, GB

Vivian Evans, circa 1907 Koko, with her favourite ball signed and dated ‘VIVIAN EVANS. 1907.' (lower right) oil on canvas 10 ¾ x 15 ¾ in. (27.3 x 40 cm.) frame 17 x 22 in. (43.2 x 55...

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Santa Claus Sexy Playboy Cartoon First African American Illustrator, Elmer Simms
Santa Claus Sexy Playboy Cartoon First African American Illustrator, Elmer Simms

Santa Claus Sexy Playboy Cartoon First African American Illustrator, Elmer Simms

By E. Simms Campbell

Located in Miami, FL

Santa has a quickie with Mom. Elmer Simms Campbell was the first African American Illustrator to work for major newsstand magazines. Published December, 1963 Signed in pencil lower...

Category

1960s Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor, Illustration Board, Pencil

Portrait of Dodo - Pekingese Dog - Scottish 1920's art dog portrait oil painting
Portrait of Dodo - Pekingese Dog - Scottish 1920's art dog portrait oil painting

Portrait of Dodo - Pekingese Dog - Scottish 1920's art dog portrait oil painting

By Samuel Fulton

Located in Hagley, England

This absolutely charming portrait of a Pekingese dog called Dodo is attributed to much loved Scottish artist Samuel Fulton. Famous as an animal artist and chiefly a painter of dogs, this has got to be one of his best if you are a Pekingese fan. Painted circa 1920, Dodo, a lovely little black and tan dog is sat profile but is turning to look at the artist/viewer. Beneath him is a beautiful orange and brown Persian rug...

Category

1920s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

"Figures and horses by a country tavern"
"Figures and horses by a country tavern"

"Figures and horses by a country tavern"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Unidentified Dutch Artist (17th Century) "Figures and Horses by a Country Tavern" (1618) Oil on canvas Framed: 69 x 82 cm Canvas: 52 x 64 cm No signatured This exquisite 17th-century Dutch painting masterfully depicts a bustling village scene with figures and horses gathered outside a country tavern. The composition is rich in detail, featuring travelers, merchants, and townspeople engaging in lively interactions, while a Dutch flag waves above the rustic inn, reinforcing the national identity of the scene. Executed in oil on canvas, the painting showcases warm earthy tones and delicate use of light and shadow, capturing the golden glow of a late afternoon or early evening setting. The finely rendered architecture, expressive figures, and atmospheric depth are reminiscent of the works of Isaac van Ostade, Jan Steen, or Adriaen van de Velde...

Category

17th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Story of Rebecca"
"Story of Rebecca"

"Story of Rebecca"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Lodovico Buffetti (Verona, 1722 - 1782) "Story of Rebecca" Oil on Canvas Framed: 89 x 71 cm Flat: 74 x 56 cm No signatured This exquisite 18th-century oil painting by Lodovico Buffe...

Category

18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Apple tree - XX Century, Contemporary Figuratie Watercolor Painting, Dog, Animal
Apple tree - XX Century, Contemporary Figuratie Watercolor Painting, Dog, Animal

Apple tree - XX Century, Contemporary Figuratie Watercolor Painting, Dog, Animal

By Stanislaw Sobolewski

Located in Warsaw, PL

Stanislaw Sobolewski (born in 1952) Studied philology at the Jagiellonian University (1971-1976) and painting under prof. Zbigniew Grzybowski at the Academy of Fine Arts (1974-1979)....

Category

1990s Realist Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Black Pearl Trippers, Estate Edition, North Shore, Massachusetts
Black Pearl Trippers, Estate Edition, North Shore, Massachusetts

Black Pearl Trippers, Estate Edition, North Shore, Massachusetts

By Slim Aarons

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Henry B. Cabot Jr. (standing, centre) with his son Henry Bromfield Cabot III and their host Barclay (Buzzy) H Warburton III (in striped shirt) aboard the brigantine 'Black Pearl', circa 1959. They are sailing off North Shore, Boston, around Manchester and Marblehead harbors, Essex County, Massachusetts. 40 x 40 inches $3950 30 x 30 inches $3350 24 x 24 inches $3000 Complimentary dealer shipping to your framer, worldwide. Undercurrent Projects is proud to offer this vibrant photograph, printed by the Slim Aarons estate. It is part of the estate's only official limited run, of 150. Estate stamp embossed on recto, hand numbered in ink on recto, with certificate of authenticity from the estate (not a secondary gallery licensing from the estate). Increasingly heralded for his influence, Slim Aarons (1916-2006) made a career out of photographing "attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places." Aarons is known for his iconic images of Hollywood glamour and luxurious people, places and lifestyles. Undercurrent Projects offers premium quality photographic prints from the Slim Aarons Archive, owned and housed by Getty Images. All photographs are printed and authorized by the Getty Images Gallery, London. Photographs are printed utilizing the original transparency held at the archive source. Aarons began his career as a combat photographer in World War II. Though he earned a Purple Heart for his service, he declared that combat had taught him that the only beach worth landing on was decorated with beautiful people enjoying themselves in the sun. Slim Aarons is noted for his documentation of the Beautiful People over 50 years, encompassing high society, celebrity, aristocracy, and the jet set. He was born and raised in New York City and New Jersey and later New Hampshire. He took up photography as a teenager. At the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the U. S. Army and was later appointed official photographer at the United States Military Academy at West Point. During World War II he served as an army combat photographer for Yank magazine in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. After the war he became a freelance photojournalist, first based in Hollywood, then Rome, then New York. His photographs appeared in many magazines, including Life, Holiday, Town & Country, Look, Venture, and Travel & Leisure. His first book A Wonderful Time (1974) is considered a classic. * We are pleased to represent the entire archive of the Slim Aarons Estate, offering the official Slim Aarons Estate Edition (only offered in this edition of 150). Please contact us for additional photographs from Slim Aarons * Slide show includes a close-up of the Slim Aarons estate's stamp. The Slim Aarons Estate has released the limited Estate edition as a Lambda print, which is a modern c-type prints. They have chosen Lambda prints for their sharpness, clarity, colour saturation and quality, compared to archival inkjet prints ("giclee"). Lambda printing gives true continuous tone Internal: Curated sales include vintage sailing photography...

Category

1960s Realist Art

Materials

Lambda

Portrait of Lady in Ermine Stole - British 19th century art female oil painting
Portrait of Lady in Ermine Stole - British 19th century art female oil painting

Portrait of Lady in Ermine Stole - British 19th century art female oil painting

Located in Hagley, England

This wonderful 19th century interior portrait oil painting is attributed to the circle of Martin Archer Shee. It is a half-length portrait of a seated lady in a black silk dress, ermine stole and superb floral bonnet. It is a super realistic depiction of different textures - fur, silk and her beautiful face and hair. She is also holding her glasses, suggesting she is an educated woman who likes to read. A really magnificent portrait. The fur of the white winter ermine or stoat, with its trademark black tail-tip can often be seen in portraits of royalty...

Category

19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Oil

A Time Not Forgotten
A Time Not Forgotten

A Time Not Forgotten

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Oil on Canvas painting by John DeMott. Framed size: 108.5" X 68.5"

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

In The Tropics, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
In The Tropics, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

In The Tropics, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

By Anthony Dunphy

Located in Yardley, PA

A cluster of frangipani in a tree. This tropical scene was captured on the island of Guam on my recent vacation there. These flowers are popular in Hawaii as well for making lei. Thi...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Visit to the Bazaar - 1916 British watercolour on silk by Sheringham

Visit to the Bazaar - 1916 British watercolour on silk by Sheringham

By George Sheringham

Located in London, GB

GEORGE SHERINGHAM (1884-1937) Visit to the Bazaar Signed; inscribed with title on a label on the backboard Watercolour and gold paint on silk 15 by 38 cm., 6 by 15 in. (frame size 34 by 56 cm., 13 ½ by 22 in.) Exhibited: London, Leicester Galleries, Exhibition of Works by George Sheringham, 1916, no.17. Sheringham was born in London and studied at the Slade under Henry Tonks and later in Venice, Brussels, Berlin and Paris where he held his first one-man exhibition in 1905. On his return to London he initially supported himself with poster designs and teaching. His first exhibition of fan designs was held at the Ryder Gallery in 1909 followed by another in the following year. With enthusiastic reviews in Studio he had launched his career as a decorative designer, theatrical designer and illustrator. He illustrated books by Max Beerbohm and Cyrus MacMillan. In 1921 he collaborated with his brother Hugh on a book about fishing, The Book of the Fly Rod. He wrote Drawing in Pen and Pencil (1922), with James Laver, Design in the Theatre (1927) and with Rupert Mason and R Boyd Morrison he edited Robes of Thespis, Costume Designs by Modern Artists (1928). As a decorator, Sheringham designed the music room at 40 Devonshire House...

Category

1910s Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor

The King of the World, Painting, Oil on Canvas
The King of the World, Painting, Oil on Canvas

The King of the World, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Hugo Pondz

Located in Yardley, PA

This original artwork is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. - All of my works are hand-painted by me, using the best professional grade oil paints made by Blockx ( ) a...

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.