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.
Daniel Gainey, Arizona, Estate Edition, Mid-Century Modern Photograph
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early 1970s photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features winemaker Daniel Gainey and his wife out riding at their ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is an...
Lambda
Daniel Gainey, Arizona, Estate Edition, Mid-Century Modern Photograph
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early 1970s photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features winemaker Daniel Gainey and his wife out riding at their ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. This is an...
Lambda
Design Fragment of St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire
By John Basire
Located in London, GB
James Basire & John Carter Architectural Fragments of St Albans Cathedral Engraving 62 x 46 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an...
Engraving
$18,250
Yin Yong Chun, "White Roses", 24x30 Floral Still Life Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This floral still life, "White Roses", by artist Yin Yong Chun is a 24x30 oil painting on canvas featuring a bouquet of white roses in a glass vase with fallen white petals on the t...
Canvas, Oil
St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire
By John Basire
Located in London, GB
James Basire & John Carter St Albans Cathedral Engraving 62 x 46 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to ...
Engraving
On The Slopes Of Sugarbush, Vermont, Estate Edition, Mid-Century Modern Photo
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early 1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features a group of people relaxing at the chalet of stockbroker A Albert Sack Jr, at the Sugarbus...
Lambda
On The Slopes Of Sugarbush, Vermont, Estate Edition, Mid-Century Modern Photo
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This early 1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features a group of people relaxing at the chalet of stockbroker A Albert Sack Jr, at the Sugarbus...
Lambda
Pink Hydrangea
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This piece is part of an ongoing series of round canvases dedicated to the "portraits of flowers." Instead of treating florals as simple decorative elements, I approach each canvas a...
Oil
Mid august, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Painting Mid-August. Nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. A saturated palette of greenery, a quiet river, water, a blue sky with clouds, water lilies on the water, the r...
Oil
$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
Bazaar of the Coppersmiths, David Roberts Lithograph
Located in London, GB
DAVID ROBERTS RA 1796 - 1864 Bazaar of The Coppersmiths, Cairo First Edition lithograph Full plate: 230 Presented in a acid free mount We pride ourselves in the hand colouring of our antique David Roberts lithographs...
Laid Paper, Lithograph
Lorne's Pond With Yarrow - Nature Landscape Romantic Realism
By Amber Young
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Amber Young's creative focus centers on nature, with a particular emphasis on the intricate beauty of forests, flowers, and water reflections.Young's artistic journey is deeply roote...
Canvas, Oil
The Sunflower and the Bee, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting was done with high quality oil paint on canvas. I use traditional techniques to achieve a high level of realism and show how beautiful nature is. It measures 16x16 i...
Oil
$630Sale Price|30% Off
Sea, 1980. Cardboard, oil, 56x68 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Painter, art teacher Valters Uzticis was born on 19 July 1914 in Daugavpils into a family of labourers. From 1932 to 1936 he studied at the Liepāja Art Secondary School. In 1943 he graduated from the master workshop of figurative painting of Professor Ludolfs Liberts...
Oil, Cardboard
$3,142
'Tiny, Sharp Arrows’ or, ‘Nabokov’s Wife’, Painting, Oil on Canvas.
Located in Yardley, PA
'Tiny, Sharp Arrows’’ or, ‘Nabokov’s Wife’ is a mesmerizing oil painting on canvas, measuring 16â€
Oil
Bohemia's Barracks, New York City, Estate Edition, Mid-Century Modern Photograph
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This late 1960s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features artistic denizens gathered in the lobby of the Chelsea Hotel on W. 23rd Street, Manhattan,...
Lambda
$1,294Sale Price|20% Off
It's raining like in the Midsummer. 2017, mixed media on canvas, 60x50 cm
Located in Riga, LV
It's raining like in the Midsummer. 2017, mixed media on canvas, 60x50 cm Janis Zingitis born in 1973 in Riga, Latvia (then Soviet Union). Attended Janis Rozentals...
Canvas, Mixed Media
In The Morning, Painting, Oil on Wood Panel
By John Pacer
Located in Yardley, PA
Oil on Masonite. The painting will be signed when purchased, if the buyer wishes. :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by...
Oil
$1,664Sale Price|20% Off
Landscape with birches. 1960s. Oil on canvas, 52x62 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Landscape with birches. Oil on canvas, 52x62 cm
Canvas, Oil
Sailing regatta., Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Sailing regatta. Sailboats sail under the midday sun, the light is reflected from the canvas of the sail and passing clouds, the ocean, a serene view, creates an atmosphere of relaxation, harmony and bliss. Realism. The work of the palette knife knife...
Oil
The evening classes
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this piece, I captured the intimate preparation of dancers before their performance, blending realism and impressionism to evoke grace and anticipation. The soft glow highlights t...
Canvas, Oil
$1,325Sale Price|20% Off
Winter Snow Scene with Pheasants with Golden Sky by 20th Century German Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Winter Snow Scene with Pheasants with Golden Sky by 20th Century German Artist, Ludwig Schöngarth German 1937-2003 Art measures 36 x 24 inches Frame measures 40 x 28 inches This s...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
Almazan Realistic Still Life Acrylic Painting, Framed, 21st Century
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Almazan Realistic Still Life Acrylic Painting MIQUEL was an artist focused on the art of realism. His structured works on his great mastery of drawing, are romantic and translates ...
Wood, Oil
0ctopus Bronze by Sophie Martin 3/8
Located in Pasadena, CA
Animal sculptor Sophie MARTIN creates from inert clay a whole living animal kingdom. She freely observes the animal and captures and interprets a movement; and places it in nature an...
Bronze
Japan, Girls Playing on Konkonchiki Game, original photograph
Located in Middletown, NY
Hand-tinted albumen print, 7 7/8 x 10 1/4 inches (200 x 260 mm), numbered B 1085 and captioned in negative at lower right. Tiny in-negative defects creating white spots. Unmounted;...
Watercolor, Photographic Paper
$459
Architectural Fragment of St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire
By John Basire
Located in London, GB
James Basire & John Carter Architectural fragments of St Albans Cathedral Engraving 62 x 46 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an...
Engraving
Conch Shell, realistic oil painting blue - grey w earth tones
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mr. Newton says, "A conch shell and two smaller shells, a scallop shell and a clam shell. Lit from the left. The conch shell is an amazing piece of work from nature. No human could ...
Oil, Canvas
Mother and Child Native American 1939 Indian Portrait Drawing
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Boleslaw Cybis (1895-1957). Mother and Baby, Indian Negro Series, image #15 of 18 unique image that comprise the drawing series. Conte on paper, sheet measures 18 x 23 inches. Si...
Paper, Conté
$432
Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford interior engraving by Bennett after Westall
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...
Engraving, Aquatint
Chinese Contemporary Art by Su Yu - Mickey and Donald Duck
By Su Yu
Located in Paris, IDF
Ink on paper Su Yu is a Chinese artist born in 1987 who lives & works in Beijing in China. He was an old student of prestigious art teachers as Shi Liang & Chen Danqing at Oil Paint...
Paper, Ink
Floor plan of St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire
By John Basire
Located in London, GB
James Basire & John Carter Floor plan of St Albans Cathedral Engraving 61 x 95 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation ...
Engraving
Keble College Chapel, watercolour by David Garland
Located in London, GB
David Garland (b.1941) Keble College Chapel Watercolour 28 x 38 cm This richly coloured watercolour was painted by David Garland for the 1971 edition of the 'Oxford Almanack.' Th...
Watercolor
Architectural Details of St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire
By John 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 ...
Engraving
Chief
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Original oil painting signed by the Artist on lower right corner.
Oil
$459
Architectural Segments of St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire
By John Basire
Located in London, GB
James Basire & John Carter Specimens of the Architecture and Ornaments of the Abbey Church at St Albans Engraving 62 x 46 cm This engraving was originally published by the Societ...
Engraving
Clare Bridge, watercolour by Mark McCrum
Located in London, GB
Mark McCrum Clare Bridge Watercolour 29 x 39 cm Signed and dated to lower right Mark McCrum, born in Cambridge, England, is a distinguished author and artist known for his diverse...
Watercolor
Won't Be There
By Justin Allen
Located in Columbia, MO
Born in Jefferson City Missouri in 1976 Justin Allen attended Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri where he studied filmmaking before studying painting at the Art Students Leagu...
Oil, Panel
Small Modern Grey and Red Toned Embroidered Portrait of a Woman
Located in Houston, TX
Realistic brown and red toned intricately embroidered portrait of a woman in Hollywood glam style. Work is unsigned. Framed in a thick black wooden frame. Dimensions Without Frame: ...
Thread
19th Century Swedish Monochrome Watercolor King Welcome Scene Signed Frame
Located in Stockholm, SE
This rare original historical monochrome watercolour (grisaille) of the late 19th century, attributed to the renowned Swedish illustrator Theodor Heurlin (1867–1953), constitutes a v...
Wood, Paper, Watercolor, Cardboard
$3,900
19thC Belgian Realist Pastoral Oil Canvas Landscape Painting Ram Sheep & Goat
Located in Portland, OR
A fine 19th century antique realist oil on Canvas painting circa 1870, a pastoral landscape of a ram with sheep, by Belgian artist Laurent De Beul (1841-1872). This very attractive ...
Canvas, Oil
The Valley of Thebes at Dusk, 19th Century Realist Oil on Panel
By Amédée Rosier
Located in New York, NY
Amédée Rosier (French, 1831-1898) Title: The Valley of Thebes Medium: Oil on Panel Size: 12 inches x 22 1⁄2 inches Size framed: 23x33in Markings: Signed lower right A pupil of Cogn...
Oil, Panel, Wood Panel
Slim Aarons 'Bahamas Signpost''
By Slim Aarons
Located in New York, NY
Slim Aarons Bahamas Signpost 1964 C print Estate stamped and hand numbered edition of 150 with certificate of authenticity from the estate. A signpost in Nassau points the way to...
Lambda
$693Sale Price|20% Off
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)....
Paper, Watercolor
View of Piazza S. Marco - Watercolor by N. Cipriani - Late 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
View of Piazza San Marco is an amazing colored watercolor on paper realized in the last years of 19th Century by the Italian artist Nazzareno Cipriani (Rome, 1843-1925). Signed in ...
Watercolor
Clover
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This painting is another exquisite botanical portrait that captures a clover flower head in minute detail. It showcases the remarkable interplay of hues characteristic of this plant ...
Watercolor
Still life with tulips, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Still life painting of tulips painted on stretched linen. The painting is framed and ready to hang and ready to ship. :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official cer...
Oil
Rainbow Shows Endeavour the Way, Race 5, 1934 America's Cup
By Shane Couch
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unframed Dimensions: 30 x 40 in. Framed Dimensions: 35 1/2 x 45 1/2 in. Signed lower left The painting depicts Rainbow leading Endeavour in the crucial race five of the 1934 Americ...
Canvas, Oil
Speranza (Hope) Oil on Canvas Figurative Background Images Florence Framed
Located in Houston, TX
Speranza -Hope by Melissa Franklin Sanchez is an Oil on Canvas Painting. Looking closely at Speranza by Mellissa F. Sanchez you will notice the background with objects. The bright...
Canvas, Oil
Through the Looking Glass Oil on Canvas Ballet Two Paintings in the Painting
Located in Houston, TX
Through the Looking Glass by Melissa Franklin Sanchez is an Oil on Canvas Painting. Looking closely at Through the Looking Glass you will send another painting in this painting. A...
Canvas, Oil
London Bridge in 1827 - British watercolour by Henry Barlow Carter
By Henry Barlow Carter
Located in London, GB
HENRY BARLOW CARTER (1795-1867) Construction of New London Bridge in June 1827. John Rennie, Esq., Engineer Signed and dated 1827 Sepia watercol...
Watercolor
Radicchio, food still life, purple on grey, super realistic painting
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The artist describes this work: "Inspired by a head of Radicchio in our local market. The white veins crossing through the maroon really caught my eye and needed to be captured in o...
Oil, Canvas
Bunny Boy: Neon Melancholy
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A profound and atmospheric surrealist painting that explores themes of alienation, childhood vulnerability, and emotional detachment in the modern world. Against the backdrop of a co...
Oil, Acrylic
Hubert Hennes New College Oxford Cloisters watercolour
Located in London, GB
To see our other original vintage public information posters, 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 poster you want. Hubert Hennes (b.1907) New College...
Watercolor
"Shed n5"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This is an old house on the outskirts of Warsaw. Probably, a poor old woman onse lived in this house, decorating her windows with various curtains and her yard with simple flowers. I...
Canvas, Oil
Golden sunset, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Golden sunset over the ocean. During my travels I study a lot of the sea and the ocean. Then in the workshop I again plunge into a state of admiration for the elements of the sea and...
Oil
$1,500
"Coral Reef" Limited Edition Realistic Multi Color Etching, Signed 14/100
Located in Soquel, CA
"Coral Reef" Limited Edition Realistic Multi Color Etching, Signed 14/100 Beautifully detailed etching of a coral reef by Gabrielle Brill (German, American b. 1913 d. 2020.) A variety of coral structures and different plants are rendered throughout this composition, nestled within larger organic shapes. The etching is highly detailed and utilizes fine line work to create shading and form. The piece is printed with shifting tones of green, blue, and purple. Titled, numbered, and signed along bottom edge: "'Coral Reef' 14/100 Gabrielle Brill" Gabrielle Brill (née Bernhard) was born in 1913 to a prominent Jewish family in Berlin, Germany. Brill began studying art at a young age and in 1933 her family relocated to Vienna, Austria to escape rising antisemitism in Germany and allow Brill to continue her artistic studies. In 1936, Brill went to visit her older sister, an art teacher in Florence, where she met her first husband, Wolfgang Wasow. Brill decided to remain in Florence and began teaching at the same school as her sister, the Mount San Vigilio...
Paper, Ink, Etching
Highland Cattle Oil Painting, Realist Style, Signed, 1910-1919, Framed
Located in Naples, Florida
A signed and dated oil on canvas by British artist Robert Watson (1865–1916), depicting a herd of Highland cattle gathered along the shore of a loch within a mountainous Scottish lan...
Canvas, Oil
$2,200Sale Price|63% Off
Robert Kenneth White "Daughter of the Light" Large Signed Mystical Realist Oil
Located in Miami, FL
ROBERT KENNETH WHITE – "DAUGHTER OF THE LIGHT" ⚜ Oil on Canvas ⚜ Hand Signed on Verso ⚜ Frameless Display A VISIONARY WORK OF SYMBOLISM AND LIGHT In “Daughter of the Light” (2015), ...
Canvas, Oil
Parisian Café Eiffel Tower Paris France Limited Edition Print by British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Parisian Café Eiffel Tower Paris France Limited Edition Print by British Artist. A high quality limited edition print of Angela's European Series, incorporating the Eiffel Tower - on...
Paper, Printer's Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Giclée
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