Skip to main content

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.

to
1,466
5,283
3,184
2,715
1,990
1,835
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
335
1,170
6,188
7,338
123
72
119
143
171
673
1,263
1,363
811
298
199
117,037
64,424
56,470
28,325
14,594
9,612
6,708
6,003
4,184
3,158
2,537
2,337
2,145
604
7,383
5,145
1,793
5,852
2,961
2,136
1,807
1,761
1,287
1,262
1,138
980
978
868
844
706
705
680
636
625
580
536
502
8,134
5,766
3,453
3,213
3,212
3,354
133
98
83
4,060
4,602
9,924
3,988
Style: Realist
Robert Kenneth White "Cairn Road" Signed Realist Oil, Western Desert Landscape
Robert Kenneth White "Cairn Road" Signed Realist Oil, Western Desert Landscape

Robert Kenneth White "Cairn Road" Signed Realist Oil, Western Desert Landscape

By Robert Kenneth White

Located in Miami, FL

ROBERT KENNETH WHITE – "CAIRN ROAD" ⚜ Oil on Canvas ⚜ Hand Signed Lower Right ⚜ Frameless Display A QUIET TESTAMENT TO ENDURANCE AND SOLITUDE In “Cairn Road” (2012), Robert Kenneth ...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Below the Ice
Below the Ice

Below the Ice

By Bonnie Marris

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original oil painting on canvas by artist Bonnie Marris. Framed.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Winter in the city. Oil on canvas, 73.5x85 cm
Winter in the city. Oil on canvas, 73.5x85 cm

Winter in the city. Oil on canvas, 73.5x85 cm

By Rolands Krisjans

Located in Riga, LV

Winter on Barona Street. Oil on canvas, 73.5x85 cm Rolands Krishjans (1966) In 1984 I finished J. Rozenthals art school in Riga. In 1993 I graduated from Latvian Art Academy with d...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

Lovers
Lovers

Lovers

By Anastasia Aureum

Located in London, London

oil on canvas one-of-a-kind hand signed The canvas will be shipped STRETCHED, unframed All custom charges are included in the final price agreed

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil

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

‘Powerful Desert ' Contemporary Mixed Media Mountains Landscape
‘Powerful Desert ' Contemporary Mixed Media Mountains Landscape

‘Powerful Desert ' Contemporary Mixed Media Mountains Landscape

By Uri Blayer

Located in Carmel, CA

Israeli born artist that works mainly in Hawaii, whose realistic and whimsical landscapes has earned him a vast reputation. Blayer's work was critiqued in the New York Times (see be...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Witchcraft" Portrait Figurative Oil Painting 59" x 47" in by Dmitriy Krestniy
"Witchcraft" Portrait Figurative Oil Painting 59" x 47" in by Dmitriy Krestniy

"Witchcraft" Portrait Figurative Oil Painting 59" x 47" in by Dmitriy Krestniy

By Dmitriy Krestniy

Located in Culver City, CA

"Witchcraft" Portrait Figurative Oil Painting 59" x 47" in by Dmitriy Krestniy ATTENTION: Painting ships rolled in a tube. A look through Dmitriy’s designs reveals a glamorous, feminine, provocative yet sensual style influenced by his natural Ukrainian exuberance. He understands and respects the art’s body which continuously is at the center of his paintings. His preference goes by drawing with pastels, oil and charcoal to create innovative paintings among which are such style as photorealism where the artist writes such paintings as the pictorial art...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Hunting Dog speaking to a bunny "Be Quiet", lithograph signed by aris
Hunting Dog speaking to a bunny "Be Quiet", lithograph signed by aris

Hunting Dog speaking to a bunny "Be Quiet", lithograph signed by aris

Located in Chesterfield, MI

Hunting dog speaking to the rabbit: "Be Quiet". Humor in art is rare! Titled and pencil signed by the artist Paul Wood. Published in France by Paris Etching Society. "Made in Fra...

Category

20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Lithograph

TURN TURN TURN
TURN TURN TURN

TURN TURN TURN

By Yale Factor

Located in Three Oaks, MI

Factor brings into a clear focus natural detail, which is all too often only vaguely sensed. Each universe created on canvas or paper is a juxtaposition of traditional Renaissance c...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Dream of flying dandelions
Dream of flying dandelions

Dream of flying dandelions

By Evgeniy Monahov

Located in Zofingen, AG

This live sketch was made on the same day as the first sketch for the painting “Passion for Color”, which later became famous. The posing session was difficult, Polina was tired and ...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Paper, Tempera, Permanent Marker

Purple irises. 1998, canvas, oil, 35x25 cm
Purple irises. 1998, canvas, oil, 35x25 cm

Purple irises. 1998, canvas, oil, 35x25 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Purple irises. 1998, canvas, oil, 35x25 cm Juris Jurjans (1944-2023) - Painter Juris Jurjāns graduated from J. Rozentals School of Art in Riga (1962), and Painting Department of Latvian Art Academy (1969) with diploma work “Summer” (under the guidance of E. Kalniņš). The artist takes part in exhibitions since 1969. Self-exhibitions in: Straupe (1974), Riga (1975, 1984, 1991, 1994), Lielupe (1975), Mersrags (1983, together with A. Jurjane), Smiltene (1986), Liepaja (1986, together with A. Jurjane), Leningrad (1989). J. Jurjans is a member of Latvian Artists’ Union since 1975. 1969 – 72 he worked as a teacher in Riga secondary school No 20. 1972 – 88 Jurjans was an artist of the company “Māksla”. 1972 – 88 teaches at the Latvian Art Academy. Since 1988, he is a lector of the Latvian Art Academy Pedagogic Department. Since 1992, the artist is an assistant professor of the Latvian Art academy Painting...

Category

1990s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Pacific Horizon" Signed Ocean Landscape by Robert Kenneth White, Oil on Canvas
"Pacific Horizon" Signed Ocean Landscape by Robert Kenneth White, Oil on Canvas

"Pacific Horizon" Signed Ocean Landscape by Robert Kenneth White, Oil on Canvas

By Robert Kenneth White

Located in Miami, FL

ROBERT KENNETH WHITE – "PACIFIC HORIZON" Oil on Canvas ⚜ Hand Signed Lower Right ⚜ Frameless Display A TRANQUIL VIEW OF THE CALIFORNIA COASTLINE IN EARLY LIGHT In “Pacific Horizon,...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"The Waves 09.28.2024" oil painting of ocean wave breaks, whitecaps, framed
"The Waves 09.28.2024" oil painting of ocean wave breaks, whitecaps, framed

"The Waves 09.28.2024" oil painting of ocean wave breaks, whitecaps, framed

By Nelson H. White

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

The Waves 09.28.2024 is an oil painting by American Impressionist Nelson H. White. A calm blue sky meets the ocean in a the distant horizon. Waves break in the foreground, forming white-caps, painted in thick white strokes, connotting the chaotic crash of a wave. Signed "Nelson H. White 2024" in lower right corner Frame Dimensions 9 x 16in Framed in a custom Italian gold leaf frame. Nelson H. White was born in New London, Connecticut in 1932. White has been surrounded by art and artists from the time he was born. He received his earliest art instruction from his grandfather, Henry Cooke White (1861-1952) and his father Nelson Cooke White (1900-1989), both important American artists. The family lived in Waterford, Connecticut and the elder White had been an early member of the art colony in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Known for his paintings of the Connecticut landscape and shoreline, Henry Cooke White became a teacher to his son, Nelson Cooke White. Living with his parents at the Florence Griswold house in Old Lyme, he met some of the most important and influential artists of the day, Childe Hassam, Will Howe Foote...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Morning of New Year's Day

Morning of New Year's Day

By Zhang Li

Located in Greenwich, CT

Oil on linen painting by Zhang Li of a Chinese girl looking out of the window. Zhang Li is a member of the Chinese Association of Artists. He has won many national awards in China...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

Alfred Daniels All Souls College, Oxford 1998 watercolour Modern British Art

Alfred Daniels All Souls College, Oxford 1998 watercolour Modern British Art

By Alfred Daniels

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. Alfred Daniels RBA RWS (1924-2015) All Souls College...

Category

1990s Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor

TRANQUILLITY  XX, Painting, Oil on Canvas
TRANQUILLITY  XX, Painting, Oil on Canvas

TRANQUILLITY XX, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Peter Goodhall

Located in Yardley, PA

A large contemporary gallery wrapped canvas, the painted image is extended around the edges so no additional framing is necessary. Supplied ready to hand. Painted with professiona...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Rural life. 1970s, cardboard, oil, 23.5x36.5 cm
Rural life. 1970s, cardboard, oil, 23.5x36.5 cm

Rural life. 1970s, cardboard, oil, 23.5x36.5 cm

By Alfejs Bromults

Located in Riga, LV

Rural life. 1970s, cardboard, oil, 23.5x36.5 cm Alfejs Bromults (1913.3.IV - 1991.11.I) His first professional education was at National University at studies to R.Suta, J. Bine an...

Category

1970s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Grand Canyon Colorado River, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Grand Canyon Colorado River, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Grand Canyon Colorado River, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Mark Hunter

Located in Yardley, PA

Inspired by rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The view is from the campsite on the river our first night of the trip. :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes w...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

"Gallimaufry" Aaron Bohrod, Realism, Surrealism, Charlie Brown, Buddha, Gnome
"Gallimaufry" Aaron Bohrod, Realism, Surrealism, Charlie Brown, Buddha, Gnome

"Gallimaufry" Aaron Bohrod, Realism, Surrealism, Charlie Brown, Buddha, Gnome

By Aaron Bohrod

Located in New York, NY

Aaron Bohrod Gallimaufry, 1989 Signed on the right Oil on gesso panel 14 x 11 inches Aaron Bohrod's work has not been limited to one style or medium. Initially recognized as a regionalist painter of American scenes, particularly of his native Chicago, Bohrod later devoted himself to detailed still-life paintings rendered in the trompe l'oeil style. He also worked for several years in ceramics and wrote a book on pottery. Born in 1907, Bohrod began his studies at Chicago's Crane Junior College in 1925, and two years later enrolled in the Art Institute of Chicago. But it was at the Art Students League in New York City, from 1930 to 1932, that he studied under the man believed to be his most significant early influence, John Sloan. Sloan's romantic realism...

Category

1980s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Tea with Lemon, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Tea with Lemon, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Grace Diehl

Located in Yardley, PA

I have been an artist for most of my life. Throughout my creative journey, I have had the pleasure of studying with many established artists. My current studies are under private men...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

"The Magnificent Seven" Aaron Bohrod, Pun Humor, Magic Realism, Numbers, Text
"The Magnificent Seven" Aaron Bohrod, Pun Humor, Magic Realism, Numbers, Text

"The Magnificent Seven" Aaron Bohrod, Pun Humor, Magic Realism, Numbers, Text

By Aaron Bohrod

Located in New York, NY

Aaron Bohrod The Magnificent Seven, 1990 Signed lower right Oil on gesso panel 11 x 14 inches Aaron Bohrod's work has not been limited to one style or medium. Initially recognized as a regionalist painter of American scenes, particularly of his native Chicago, Bohrod later devoted himself to detailed still-life paintings rendered in the trompe l'oeil style. He also worked for several years in ceramics and wrote a book on pottery. Born in 1907, Bohrod began his studies at Chicago's Crane Junior College in 1925, and two years later enrolled in the Art Institute of Chicago. But it was at the Art Students League in New York City, from 1930 to 1932, that he studied under the man believed to be his most significant early influence, John Sloan. Sloan's romantic realism is reflected in the many depictions of Chicago life...

Category

1990s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Desire Guides Imagination, Oil Painting

Desire Guides Imagination, Oil Painting

By Robin Cole

Located in Denver, CO

Robin Cole's "Desire Guides Imagination" is an oil painting featuring a woman picking blueberries. About the artist: My work represents an exploration of an inner wilderness by way...

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.