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.
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...
Engraving
Landscape Impressionistic Oil Painting Springtime by Michael Budden
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Springtime In Chesterfield oil/canvas 18 x 14 unframed, 23.5 x 19.5 framed Signed LR Springtime In Chesterfield is an oil painting on canvas that showcases the beautiful light of a S...
Oil
$1,800
Snorkelling Holiday, Estate Edition, Mid-Century Modern Photograph
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-1970s photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features a snorkelling holiday in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean. This is an estate-stamped a...
Lambda
Shawn Faust, "Wise Dan" 24x24 Horse and Jockey Velazquez Equine Oil Painting
By Shawn Faust
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This equine piece, "Wise Dan" is a 24x24 oil painting on canvas by artist Shawn Faust depicting a racehorse Wise Dan with jockey John R. Velazquez mounted atop. An intriguing crop on the composition pulls the viewer inward, emanating a contemporary feeling. Pops of color from Velazquez's vibrant yellow silks stand out against the neutral gray background Wise Dan is a 16 year old gelding that was born in 2007 and raced from 2010 to 2014. He was sired by Wiseman's Ferry out of the Wolf Power mare Lisa Danielle. He was trained by Charles LoPresti and raced for Morton Fink, and was bred in Kentucky, United States by Morton Fink. Wise Dan has raced at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Presque Isle Downs, Santa Anita Park, Saratoga, Turfway Park, Woodbine with wins at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Presque Isle Downs, Santa Anita Park, Saratoga, Turfway Park, Woodbine. His stakes wins include wins in the 2014 Turf Mile (G1), 2014 Bernard Baruch (G2), 2014 Turf Classic Stakes (G1), 2014 Maker's 46 Mile (G1), 2013 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), 2013 Woodbine Mile (G1), 2013 Fourstardave Handicap (G2), 2013 Firecracker (G2), 2013 Turf Classic Stakes (G1), 2013 Maker's 46 Mile (G1), 2012 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), 2012 Turf Mile (G1), 2012 Woodbine Mile (G1), 2012 Fourstardave Handicap (G2), 2012 Ben Ali (G3), 2011 Clark Stakes (G1), 2011 Fayette Stakes (G2), 2011 Presque Isle Mile (LS), 2011 Firecracker (G2), and the 2010 Phoenix (G3). About the artist: Shawn’s love and fascination for drawing came as an unexpected gift from his grandfather at the age of 5. Young Faust was a tag-a-long during his grandfather’s impromptu plein air art lesson with his older brother in the back yard of his Aunt’s house. A retired director for the American Red Cross, Shawn’s grandfather, who had only recently picked up the brush himself, began a charcoal sketch that would forever change how Faust would see the world. From that brief lesson, Faust recalls vividly, “The techniques I witnessed from my grandfather that day, were pure magic!” With his newfound gift of magic, Shawn quickly began practicing his art of 3D illusion for anyone who wanted to see it. During his childhood, you would be hard pressed not to find Shawn doodling on a piece of paper at some point during the day. Among his favorite things to draw as a youngster were his comic book heroes. Instead of reading the comics, he spent all his time studying the line work and muscle forms of the comic book characters. And so, began his interest in portraying the human form. Upon entering college at the University Of Delaware, Shawn enrolled as an accounting major yet emerged with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1990. At the U of D he is forever grateful for the privilege of studying under distinguished artists Stephen Tanis, Charles Rowe, Robert Straight...
Canvas, Oil
$350
Naturalistic Monochromatic Figurative Drawing of a Mustached Calvary Officer
Located in Houston, TX
Naturalistic monochromatic figurative portrait by an unknown artist. The drawing features a pencil portrait of a calvary officer wearing a hat with a "2F" logo. Framed in a reddish-b...
Paper, Pencil
Contemporary Conus Marmoreus shell lying on a stone fine oil painting
Located in Milan, IT
A marvellous, tiny shell, commonly known as a marbled cone, lies on a marble stone, almost at the edge. Reminiscent of Rembrandt's famous engraving, Gianluca Corona enhances the lumi...
Wood, Oil
$471
Architecture Fragments of St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire
Located in London, GB
James Basire & John Carter Architectural Fragments of St Albans Cathedral Engraving 44 x 62 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an...
Engraving
"Afternoon Along the Nile"
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Provenance: Property from an American Private Collection John Beard Jackson, Pittsburgh (1845-1908, 'one of the best known men of Pittsburgh', served in ma...
Canvas, Oil
$623
Margaret Crutchley, Cedar of Lebanon at Sunset, Tree Art, Sunset Painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Cedar of Lebanon at Sunset By Margaret Crutchley [2021] original Acrylic on a deep canvas Image size: H:50 cm x W:50 cm Complete Size of Unframed Wor...
Canvas, Acrylic
Lemons II, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original Art by Paulo Jimenez © 2014. Please contact me for international shipping availability. Thank you :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of...
Oil
Original oil painting rainy city scene contemporary figurative painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Title: "Orange Umbrella" Medium: Oil on Canvas Size: 40 x 30 inches "Orange Umbrella" is a dynamic and contemporary 40 x 30-inch oil painting depicting two figures walking in an urb...
Oil
$701Sale Price|35% Off
Great grandfather at sea II. Watercolor, paper, 67 x 95, 5 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Great grandfather at sea II. Watercolor, paper, 67 x 95,5 cm Dark sea with two ships Zigmunds Šņore was born in 1942 in Latvia. His works has been exhibited since 1969 and are held...
Paper, Watercolor
Flowers over the City. 1975. Watercolor on paper, 11x14, 8 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Flowers over the City. 1975. Watercolor on paper, 11x14,8 cm Herberts Mangolds (1901-1978) Graphic, army officer. In 1920 he graduated from the Artillery Cadet School of Latvian and...
Paper, Watercolor
Lanfranco - Steve Cauthen Up, Photorealist Oil Painting by Roy Miller
By Roy Miller
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Roy Miller, British (1938 - ) Title: Lanfranco - Steve Cauthen up Year: 1986 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed and dated l.r. Size: 24 in. x 28 in. (60.96 cm x 71.12 cm) Frame ...
Oil
Plan of the Rood Loft in St George's Chapel (1790), engraving by James Basire
Located in London, GB
James Basire & Henry Emlyn Plan and Elevation of the Rood Loft in St George's Chapel at Windsor Engraving 47 x 55 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Ant...
Engraving
Architectural Details of St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire
Located in London, GB
James Basire & John Carter Architectural details of St Albans Cathedral Engraving 62 x 46 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an o...
Engraving
$11,000
"Over the Rainbow" (2024) By Gregory Block, Original Oil Painting of Donuts
Located in Denver, CO
Gregory Block's (US based) "Over the Rainbow" is an original, handmade painting that depicts a variety of colorful box of fresh donuts in high detail. About the Artist: Gregory was...
Mixed Media
$850
Highwaymen Style
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fabulous large Florida painting very much in the style of the highwaymen. I believe this is done by a Jensen Beach Florida artist name, Elaine Defenthaler. She passed away in 2013 an...
Oil
Rufus Crested Coquette, realist gouache miniature bird portrait, 2020
By Dina Brodsky
Located in New York, NY
Dina introduces a sense of movement to her gouache Bird by Bird series with her miniature portrait, Rufus Crested Coquette. Wings spread, beaks open wide, and legs hover in the air. ...
Paper, Gouache
"Thrum of the Forge" Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
David Cheifetz's "Thrum of the Forge" is an oil painting depicting a city avenue lined with buildings and cars as a surreal red evening colors the sky overhead. Bio/artist statement...
Oil
Evening Round Up
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Original Oil Painting signed by the Artist on the lower right corner.
Oil
Pastoral, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This landscape was created purely from my imagination . I always find it fascinating when people tell me it reminds them of a specific place. ** Please note that due to the size of...
Acrylic
A small oil painting of Deer in a Forest, late 19th century
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Alice G. Gropper (late nineteenth century) Deer in the Forest Oil on canvas, 12 1/4 x 10 1/2 inches FRAMED: 14 1/2 x 16 1/2 inches (approx.) Inscribed on stretcher: (in ink) "Alice ...
Canvas, Oil
$419
Cabaret of Paris : Cancan Dancer - Original Etching on parchment, Handsigned
Located in Paris, IDF
Alméry Lobel-Riche Cancan Dancer Handsigned original engraving Signature printed in the plate Numbered /12 On parchment 31 x 22.5 cm (c. 12.2 x 8.9 inche...
Etching
Lilies In East Village New York
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Lilies in East Village New York. RAFAEL SALDARRIAGA was born in Medellin, Colombia in 1955. Arrived in the United States in 1993. After living in New Mexico and Hawaii established his residency in New York City. He studied in Live de Zulateqi's Art Academy and also graduated from the school of Architecture and Urban Design with Pontificia Bolivariana University. In 1984 he became a full-time painter. SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2005- Galleria de Arte El Taller, Medellin, Colombia 2003-4 Notes in Color, Colombian Center Gallery, New York City 2000- Artist on the Scene, AMC Gallery, New York City 2000- Bodegones, Colombian Government Trade Bureau, New York City 1998- Still Life, United Nations Secretarial Bldg., New York City Bodegones, Consulate General of Colombia, New York City 1999-01. Open Studio, New York, NY 1985- Club Campestre, Cali Colombia 1984-93- Open Studio, Medellín, Colombia 1976- Academia de Arte Libe de Zulategi y Mejia, Medellín, Colombia GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2006. Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts, Open Studios, New York, NY 2005. Latin American Expressions, The Flinn Gallery, Greenwich Library, CT 2004. Latin American Art Exhibition, Wally Findlay Galleries, New York, NY 2008 Latin American Art Exhibition, Wally Findlay Galleries, Palm Beach, FL 2001. Drawings and Photographs, Gunter Knob Studio, New York City 1999. New House Galleries for Contemporary Art at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island, NY . Selected Latin Artists, Art Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey . Chelsea Art Walk, New York, NY 1998. AT&T Latino Art Festival 1998, Queens, NY . Latin American Art in the 90s, St. Johns University, Jamaica, New York . Chelsea Art Festival, New York City . The Belle Arts Gala, NE Gallery, New York City 1997. Hui No’eau Visual Art Center Open Studio, Maui, Hawaii . Colombia in New York, Euroamerica Gallery, New York City . Gran Prix...
Oil, Canvas
STEAM TRAIN Signed Lithograph 1977, Rural Landscape, Western Art
By Wayne Cooper
Located in Union City, NJ
STEAM TRAIN is an original, hand drawn, limited edition lithograph by the American painter Wayne Cooper printed in NYC using traditional hand lithography ...
Lithograph
$5,476
Black Furs, Dramatic Photography, Vibrant Floral Artwork, Chromagenic Prints
Located in Deddington, GB
Black Furs is a limited edition print by Allan Forsyth. The black background heightens the tones of the flowers creating a dramatic scene. Discover new photography by Allan Forsyth ...
Archival Pigment
$1,533Sale Price|20% Off
Pink peonies in vase. 1983, canvas, oil, 60x70 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Pink peonies in vase. 1983, canvas, oil, 60x70 cm Light pink peonies bouquet in day light in brown vase on the table
Canvas, Oil
Commerce along the Pearl River
By Peter Adams
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Exhibited China's Crown Jewel; Recent Paintings by American Artists, American Legacy Fine Arts, June 21 – July 28, 2019 ...
Oil, Panel
$1,290
"Phoenix Purple" Contemporary Realistic Detailed Pink And Yellow Rose Portrait
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
A contemporary, serene acrylic painting of a single flower exuding a joyous elegance. The up-close pink flower composition is delicately portrayed with thin and delicate brushstrokes, providing a realistic and immersive viewing experience. The soft and subtle nuances of pink, and the bright yellow tucked in soft green bed...
Acrylic, Canvas
Swan Lake, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting Lake. Swans: a rich palette of green, white swans on the lake, the reflection of the sky in the water, clouds, evoke a feeling of love and gratitude to nature. The picture h...
Oil
$12,500
"Elegant Still Life of Many Cups, Some with Orange" Gold, Blue, White, Turquoise
Located in Wellesley, MA
"Elegant Still Life of Many Cups, Some with Orange" Oil on Canvas, 24 x 30 Inches. Exquisite, complex and joyful still life composition of multiple cups stacked, in shades of blue,...
Canvas, Oil
Sea. Sunset., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Sea. Sunset. Summer landscape: sunset, warm water, ocean, sea, small waves, sun reflection, sky, beach, create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism....
Acrylic
$2,010
The Flight into Egypt 17th century engraving after Rubens by Lucas Vorsterman
By Peter Paul Rubens
Located in London, GB
To see more, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller." Lucas Vorsterman (1595 - 1675) after Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640) The Fligh...
Engraving
$1,800
Dolores Guinness, Sardinia, Estate Edition, Portrait Photograph
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features German-born socialite Dolores Guinness (1936 - 2012) in Porto Cervo on the Costa Smerelda, ...
Lambda
$3,000
Dolores Guinness, Sardinia, Estate Edition, Portrait Photograph
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features German-born socialite Dolores Guinness (1936 - 2012) in Porto Cervo on the Costa Smerelda, ...
Lambda
$3,600
Dolores Guinness, Sardinia, Estate Edition, Portrait Photograph
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features German-born socialite Dolores Guinness (1936 - 2012) in Porto Cervo on the Costa Smerelda, ...
Lambda
$1,725Sale Price|20% Off
Evolution. Oil on canvas, 100x100 cm
By Igor Maikov
Located in Riga, LV
Igor Maikov (1966) Education: 1981 - 1984 The Art Academy of Latvia 1973 - 1983 Salaspils Primary and Secondary School Exhibitions: 1994 - Group Exhibition «Rol-Art», Latvia ...
Canvas, Oil
Taped Sky
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original watercolor painting by American artist Catherine Koenig.
Archival Paper, Watercolor
$10,515Sale Price|20% Off
Oil on canvas by Eugene Verboeckhoven & Alexander Daiwaille (1796-1881)
Located in Uppingham, GB
Oil on canvas by Eugene Verboeckhoven (1796-1881) & Alexander Daiwaille (1818-1888) Landscape with cattle & sheep on a farm track. Signed by both artists. Canvas size: 22" x 31" Fr...
Oil
$1,725Sale Price|20% Off
Jardin Marco Polo, Oil on cardboard, 40x48 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Oto Pladers (1897.8.III – 1970.2.V) Oto Pladers learned in Riga city school of art (1913 – 15). He was called into the army in 1916 and continued studies after the war in Latvia Art ...
Canvas, Oil
$5,000Sale Price|20% Off
Ken Otsuka, "Lewey Lake", Summer Lake Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas
By Ken Otsuka
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This piece, "Lewey Lake" is a 24x34 oil painting on canvas by artist Ken Otsuka. Featured is a serene summer view out into a still body of water, lush green...
Canvas, Oil
Radishes, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
By Lynne Atwood
Located in Yardley, PA
This group of brilliantly colored radishes has a full spectrum of warm and cool reds and greens. The spindly roots underground add interest to the piece. :: Painting :: Realism :: Th...
Watercolor
Coffee Pot with Glass Balls and Flowers, Original Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist John Jaster illustrates a dramatic still life in high contrast realism. A vintage blue campfire coffee pot sprouts a dynamic arrangement of colorful fl...
Acrylic
The Adventure Begins
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Original oil painting on linen by artist Bruce K. Lawes. Framed.
Linen, Oil
Poolside Backgammon (Aarons Estate Edition)
By Slim Aarons
Located in New York, NY
Guests at the Villa Nirvana, owned by Oscar Obregon, in Las Brisas, Acapulco, Mexico, 1972. Estate stamped and hand numbered edition of 150 with certificate of authenticity from th...
Lambda
"Hereafter" Oil Painting
By Robin Cole
Located in Denver, CO
Robin Cole's (Us based) "Hereafter" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts storm clouds. Nature and those that inhabit it—our human selves included—possess a magic for ...
Oil, Canvas
$184,000Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait of Mrs. Johnstone
Located in Miami, FL
This is one of Raeburns best works from his best period that is not in a museum or private collection. Three-quarter length portrait, seated in a white dress with a black scarf over...
Oil
"Beached, " Framed Limited Edition Giclee Print, 24" x 36"
Located in Westport, CT
This coastal Limited Edition print by Daniel Pollera depicts a brightly-lit row boat, with two ores resting on either edge of the boat, sitting on a small island of sand in the water...
Digital, Giclée
"Beached, " Framed Limited Edition Giclee Print, 30" x 45"
Located in Westport, CT
This coastal Limited Edition print by Daniel Pollera depicts a brightly-lit row boat, with two ores resting on either edge of the boat, sitting on a small island of sand in the water...
Digital, Giclée
Glare of the sun on the water 5., Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Glare of the sun on the water 5. Blue water, ocean, small waves, sun glare on the water, sand, beach, create an atmosphere of relaxation and romance. Made in the style of realism, l...
Acrylic
Ferrari 250 GTO
Located in West Hollywood, CA
“Ferrari 250 GTO” by Marcello Petisci reimagines one of the most legendary sports cars in automotive history through a playful and contemporary lens. The classic Ferrari form is colo...
Canvas, Acrylic
An Impressionist Acrylic & Ink on Canvas Painting, "You, Me, and the Sea"
Located in San Diego, CA
A one of a kind 36x18 Impressionist Acrylic & Ink on Canvas Painting executed by artist Stefanie Bales. A certificate of authenticity will be provided upon its purchase or delivery. ...
Acrylic
Girl holding a Mirror, Painted Bronze Sculpture by Richard Shiloh
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Richard Shiloh, Polish/Israeli (1949 - ) Title: Girl holding a Mirror Year: Circa 1975 Medium: Bronze with Painted patina, signature inscribed ...
Bronze
Mixed Message, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By David Sipko
Located in Yardley, PA
This is a beach scene that you often see in Cape Cod with the life guard stands displaying warning flags. The always present shark flags and the green flag always seems like a mixed...
Oil
White And Pink Peonies in The Window
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
White And Pink Peonies Still Life Oil Painting, framed. canvas size 23.5x31 framed 28.5x36 Zbigniew Kopania, artist painter, cinematographer, born December 21, 1949, in Łódź Poland. ...
Canvas, Oil
Coronaleader JB, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
A portrait of Brazil'spresident, Jair Bolsonaro vested in unusual garments. :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the arti...
Oil
Candy Apples, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
By Lynne Atwood
Located in Yardley, PA
Rows of beautiful shiny candy apples complete with sticks and resting on white paper. The apples are so realistic that you want to take a bite! :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece ...
Watercolor
Gate of Christ Church, Oxford engraving by Reeves after Mackenzie for Ackermann
Located in London, GB
To see our other Oxford and Cambridge pictures, including an extensive collection of works by Ackermann, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from th...
Aquatint
"Elegant Still Life, Composition with Six Cups and Bowl in Blue, White and Gold"
Located in Wellesley, MA
"Elegant Still Life, Composition with Six Cups and Bowl in Blue, White and Gold" Olga Antonova’s subject is compositions of extraordinarily elegant and beautiful cups, plates, teapo...
Oil