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.
$1,400
Brass Coffee Grinder and Bowl, Photorealist Oil Painting by Andras Gombar
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Andras Gombar, French (1946 - ) Title: Still Life 1 Year: circa 1965 Medium: Oil on Canvas mounted to Wood, signed Size: 20 x 24 in. (50.8 x 60.96 cm)
Canvas, Wood, Oil
$51,685Sale Price|20% Off
Portrait of Mrs William Tisdall Elsie Gardiner - British Edwardian oil painting
Located in Hagley, England
This superb large British Edwardian exhibited portrait oil painting is by noted artist George Spencer Watson. It was painted in 1909 and exhibite...
Oil
Day Dreaming; Miao Girl
By Mian Situ
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance On consignment to the gallery from a private collector in Newport Beach, California. Signed "Mian Situ" on lower left Artist Statement "Miao people are one of the larges...
Canvas, Oil, Panel
My Coloring Table (Still Life Interior Artist Studio).
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Piero Aversa (1928-1990) My Coloring Table, ca. 1965. Oil and sand on canvas, measuring 20 x 24 inches. Measuring 21 x 25 inches in brass frame. Signed lower right. Piero Avers...
Linen, Oil
William Yates-Wilson - His First Long Trousers - 1940s British oil painting
Located in London, GB
WILLIAM YATES WILSON (working 1940-1960) His First Long Trousers Signed l.r.: YATES/WILSON Oil on canvas 61 by 51 cm., 24 by 20 in. (frame size 81 by 71.5 cm., 32 by 28 in.) Will...
Oil
A seascape with waves III
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this painting, I poured my passion into capturing the relentless energy and beauty of the sea. The waves’ movement and light play embody both power and serenity, inviting you to f...
Canvas, Oil
"Amsterdam-Street" Realist Netherlands Cityscape Oil Painting on Canvas Framed
Located in New York, NY
A charming, realistic oil painting of a classic canal scene in Amsterdam, rendered in a traditional 19th-century academic style with a warm, inviting atmosphere. A tall, elegant ‘bef...
Canvas, Oil
Brilliance-original modern Ocean-seascape oil painting-Contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs...
Canvas, Oil
"November" - Realist Portrait and Skyscape, Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Born in 1986, Zachary Glenn Tutor is a second-generation American artist whose work is grounded in a sustained and deeply personal engagement with the imagery and mythology of the Am...
Canvas, Oil
Ginny Williams, Botanical Still Life Painting, Blue and White Chinoiserie
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant and wonderfully restrained, Ginny Williams’ Lady Grace features a single sculptural bloom rising from a blue and white vessel against a dramatic black background. The simplic...
Oil, Board
$4,000Sale Price|50% Off
Weather Prophet (Rooster)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Mark Morrison (1895-1964) "Weather Prophet", Rooster. ca. 1940. Carved Granite. 7.25" wide, 10.25" deep, height is 19.25" Exhibition History: Whitney Museum, 1949 Annual of Con...
Granite
Limelight Hydrangea in Vintage Glass - #202, Original painting, Floral
Located in Deddington, GB
Limelight Hydrangea in Vintage Glass - #202 The Limelight hydrangea is known for the subtle green tint within its blooms, although in bright sunlight it often appears almost pure wh...
Metal
LARGE OIL PAINTING by SALVATORE COLACICCO (NAVY ADMIRALTY 20th CENTURY PIECE
Located in Ferndown, GB
OIL PAINTING LARGE SALVATORE COLACICCO (NAVY ADMIRALTY 20th CENTURY Very good condition for age , (see pictures) FINE MARTINE PAINTING ORIGINAL ...
Oil
$755Sale Price|20% Off
RMS Laconia, signed oil painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
RMS Laconia, 1921 by Louis Letouche (French 1924-2015) oil painting on linen canvas, stretched over board framed Framed size: 14.25 x 22.75 inches Superb oil painting by the well ...
Oil
Rattlesnake - Reproduction
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Reproduction Bronze Sculpture inscribed with the Artist's signature.
Bronze
Breakfast, Honey, Original 50 x 50 Oil on Board Still Life Painting
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...
Oil, Board
Deer, Large Patinated Bronze Sculpture
Located in Long Island City, NY
This bronze sculpture of a deer is a realistic rendering of the majestic animal. Deer have been the center of literature and art for many cultures across the world. They have also ...
Bronze
Children in a Boat
By Ming Wai
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork, "Children in a boat" 1976 in a color off set lithograph by renown Chinese/American artist Wai Ming A.K.A Lo Hing Kwok, b.1938. It is hand signed and inscribed A.P (Artist Proof) in pencil by the artist. The image size is 21.5 x 28.75 inches, sheet size is 32.5 x 39.5 inches. Custom framed in wood dark brown rustic frame and beige matting. It is in excellent condition About the artist: Wai Ming, was born in Canton, South China on November 11, 1938, the son of a school master with nine children. Extremely poor as a child, he was raised in Hong Kong enduring many hardships amidst a chaotic environment of war and refugee settlements. Wai Ming's love for art flourished and he developed his drawing techniques without any art education, just painting what he saw. In the 1960s, Ming found representation in Hong Kong and also took the unusual step of opening his own gallery to display his work in. His primary interest being to capture images of life in fishing villages, or 'fish-folk', who have retained traditional Chinese culture, his work was at home with the sensibilities of many art buyers in Hong Kong. Crossing the ocean in his mid-30s, Wai Ming arrived in San Francisco from Hong Kong in 1974. There, he experienced initial resistance from galleries and the official art world for a variety of reasons, but was ultimately embraced by dealer Jack Swanson...
Lithograph
$963Sale Price|20% Off
Impressionist Oil Painting of Figures on Parisian Street, 20th Century Art
By Tony Mercier
Located in Preston, GB
Figures on Parisian Street Paris in Impressionist Style by British Artist, Tony Mercier (Born 1945) Art measures 8 x 10 inches Frame measures 11 x 13 inches This evocative Parisian...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
$112Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Lithograph
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...
Canvas, Oil
$420
Costa Rica Beach Foam, Shoreline Seascape, Minimal Blue, Limited Edition Print
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype of a Sandy Shore with Foam. Details: + Title: Sandy Shore with Foam + Edition Size: 100 + Stamped and Certificate of Aut...
Emulsion, Monotype, Paper
$9,975
Approach of the Simoon, Giza, Egypt: Original 19th C. Lithograph by D. Roberts
Located in Alamo, CA
This is an original 19th century duotone lithograph entitled "Approach of the Simoon, Desert of Gizeh" by David Roberts, from his Egypt and Nubia volumes of the large folio edition, ...
Lithograph
Still life with apples and dragonfly
Located in Zofingen, AG
Experience the vibrant freshness of "Still life with apples and dragonfly," an original oil painting on linen. This medium-sized artwork captures a delightful scene from a unique bi...
Canvas, Oil
Night Watch. Limited Edition 3/5 - Bronze Sculpture
Located in Riga, LV
Dimensions: 36 W x 38 H x 13 D cm Weight: 8,2 kg Material: Bronze, patina Edition: 3/5 + 1 AP, signed on base Condition: Excellent, certificate Free worldwide shipping in a branded b...
Bronze
Crowded Street Scene From Luntmakargatan, Stockholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
Olof Arborelius (1842–1915) From Luntmakargatan, Stockholm oil on paper mounted on board signed with monogram “OA” unframed 24 × 30 cm (9.4 × 11.8 in) frame 35 × 41 cm (13.8 × 16.1...
Oil, Board, Laid Paper
$751Sale Price|40% Off
White lilies" floral still life realism of the Volskya Liliyaily.
Located in Zofingen, AG
"White lilies" floral still life realism of the Volsky Lily. The painting is done in oil on canvas. It is written in 3 layers. Flowers look very impressive on a dark background. Lil...
Canvas, Lacquer, Oil
Silence
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Silence. The painting depicts a typical sunny, clear day at the seaside. The receding horizon is calm. The sea is still. In the foreground are bushes of southern greenery. Further ba...
Oil
Alta, Utah vintage 1970s skiing poster
Located in London, GB
To see our other original vintage posters, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller." Alta Original vintage poster 67 x 53 cm Printed ...
Lithograph
"Remember When" (2024) By Matt Talbert, Original Oil Painting, Portrait
By Matt Talbert
Located in Denver, CO
Matt Talbert's "Remember When" (2024) is an original, handmade oil painting on panel that depicts a portrait of a seated brunette in deep contemplation. Artist bio/statement: Matt ...
Oil, Panel
Whopper
Located in Zofingen, AG
Original oil painting on canvas, still life painting made under natural light. This artwork is painted using high-quality fine linen canvas. Signed on the front and back of artwork. ...
Canvas, Oil
Station Road Watercolor Painting, Realist Style, Signed, 1960s, Framed
By Andrew Wyeth
Located in Greenville, DE
Original Andrew Wyeth watercolor, "Station Road," 19.5 x 27.5 inches. Painted on Tom Clark's property in Chadds Ford, PA. Thomas "Tom" Clark (1876-1962) was a farmer and resident of ...
Watercolor, Paper
FINE ORIGINAL ANTIQUE 18th CENTURY BRITISH OIL PAINTING MAN O WAR
Located in Ferndown, GB
FINE ORIGINAL ANTIQUE 18th CENTURY BRITISH OIL PAINTING MAN O WAR IN HARBOUR Description Good Condition canvas but very old with some browning in places (see picture). Cleaned ,re-...
Oil
Soft Spring Landscape Painting, Impressionist Oil on Panel 20x24
Located in Atlanta, GA
A soft, impressionist landscape painting capturing the quiet shift of spring. Gentle tonal variation and painterly movement give this piece an easy, atmospheric presence. The palette...
Oil, Board
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
English 20th century portrait of an English Frigate in full sail at sea in oils.
Located in Woodbury, CT
English 20th century portrait of an English Frigate in full sail at sea in oils. A very well painted oil on canvas with great detail of a ship cutting through the sea at I'm sure great speed. The piece is an oil on canvas with I think gouache added to the waves to make them a brighter white. The piece is signed Mason and with some investigation, we are attributing this painting to the talented English painter Barry Mason...
Canvas, Oil
"“Orientalist Scene"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Unidentified Artist Orientalist Scene Oil on canvas Framed: 162 x 221 cm Canvas: 144 x 200 cm No signatured This striking large-scale oil painting presents a dramatic Orientalist co...
Canvas, Oil
Sea Drive, Nassau, Estate Edition Photograph
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mid-1960s photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features film producer Kevin McClory taking his wife Bobo Sigrist and their family for a drive in an 'Amphica...
Lambda
French Pool - original impressionism waterscape artwork - oil painting
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...
Canvas, Oil
White Lily
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Bring the tranquil and meditative beauty of nature into your home with this original oil painting featuring a stunning white lily. Set against a dramatic, moody dark background, the ...
Oil
$16,500
Saint Mark's Basilica Interior Oil Painting, Realist, Framed, 1911
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Saint Mark's Basilica Venice Oil Painting Signed, lower left dated, titled verso. Romanesque Bizantine Basilica. canvas 35"x45" framed 46.5 x56.5. Frank LeB...
Oil, Cotton Canvas
Portrait of a Young Man
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Vito Tomasello. Portrait of Wayne Herman, 1971. Pasel on paper, 18 x 24 inches. Signed and dated upper left. A lifetime NYC resident, Tomasello is best known for his male nude draw...
Paper, Pastel
Winter Moonlight Nocturne Snow Scene Landscape Oil Painting by Michael Budden
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Enchanted Evening oil/canvas 16 x 20 unframed, 22.5 x 26.5 framed signed LL Enchanted Evening is an oil painting on canvas by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that sh...
Oil
Photorealistic Ocean Painting Print, Surf and Sand by Todd Kenyon
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Todd Kenyon "Surf and Sand" Giclee Print on Canvas (Lead Time Varies) 40 x 67 inches __________________________ JoAnne Artman Gallery is pleased to present Endless Blue, a captivati...
Canvas, Archival Pigment
$1,581Sale Price|45% Off
Study of a Basset Hound by Léon Espinasse (French 19th/20th)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"Portrait of a Basset Hound" Léon Espinasse (French, c. 1870 to 20th century) Watercolor on paper Signed lower left 12 x 9 3/8 (23 ¾ x 21 frame) inches A stunning exercise in comple...
Watercolor, Paper
Hyperreal Colored Glass Balloon Sculptures - Set of 5
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 5 hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture installation by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Balloon Size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 inches (each) Dylan Martinez’s hype...
Glass, Blown Glass
'Sister, A portrait of the Moon' , Signed Etching c2021
Located in Frome, Somerset
'Sister' , by contemporary printmaker and artist Rosie McLay (British) Edition 59 of 75 in total, handmade etching by the artist. Ink on paper layed on Dutch gold leaf. Hand etched ...
Engraving
19th Century Neapolitan Boat Ride Painting, Oil on Canvas, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent work by Pietro Gabrini, very striking due to its size and luminosity. Signed and dates P. Gabrini 78. Very good condition. All of our works are covered by our own guaran...
Canvas, Oil
$670
Early Breakfast, Figurative Italian Still Life, Mediterranean Oranges on Paper
By Gio Bellagio
Located in Barcelona, ES
“Early Breakfast” is a contemporary still life evoking the ease of the Italian lifestyle through clean geometry and luminous color. A bowl of oranges and a translucent bottle sit wit...
Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Paper
$927
St Ives Porthminster Beach, Angela Gordon-Webb, Original Seascape Painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Angela Gordon-Webb St Ives, Porthminster Beach Original Seascape Painting Acrylic Paint on Canvas Canvas Size: H 23cm x W 30cm Framed Size: H 46cm x W 52cm x D 3cm Sold Framed Please note that in situ images are purely an indication of how a piece may look. Porthminster Beach, St Ives through the window, an original seascape painting by Angela Webb. The bright turquoise tones of the sea are dispersed by the faint wisp of the window’s curtains...
Canvas, Acrylic
Venus Bronze Sculpture, Realist Style, Vintage, 1980s
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this work, the author turned to classical mythology and created the image of the goddess Venus. Goddesses of youth, beauty and love. He created the classical female torso on a marble basement. Кeferring to the classical works of antiquity, the sculptor created his own version of the Venus statue...
Bronze
A View from La Jolla
By Calvin Liang
Located in Pasadena, CA
Provenance Acquired by the gallery directly from the artist Signed "Calvin Liang" on lower left Description Winner of the Impressionist Award of Excellence, Master Signature Catego...
Canvas, Oil
$269
Pocket Broccoli - original oil still life painting - Contemporary Realism art
Located in London, Chelsea
Gallery service: Complimentary worldwide shipping is offered, with Signet Contemporary Art covering all tariffs, customs duties and import taxes, making international collecting simp...
Oil, Canvas
"Four Stacked Blue, White, and Gold Cups on Ground with Lavender Flowers"
Located in Wellesley, MA
Olga Antonova’s subject is compositions of extraordinarily elegant, beautiful and whimsical cups, plates, teapots, and dishes, but there is something playful about these paintings. Stacked teacups are also amusing, having a kind of jaunty and upbeat personality of their own. Polka dots are as endearing to adults as to children, and everyone responds to the bling and sparkle of gold and silver while marveling at Antonova’s seemingly effortless ability to paint these radiant details...
Canvas, Oil
Argonauts. Limited Edition AP 2 - Bronze Sculpture
Located in Riga, LV
Dimensions: 57 W x 37 H x 14 D cm Weight: 7,6 kg Material: Bronze, patina, metal Edition: AP 2, signed on base Condition: Excellent, certificate Free worldwide shipping in a branded ...
Metal, Bronze
Portrait of a Bearded Man (San Francisco 1970's Gay Castro photo)
By Fisher Ross
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Fisher Ross Portrait of a Bearded Man, ca. 1977. Print measures 8 x 10 inches. Framed measurement: 10 x 12 inches. 2026 digital print from the original in the Fisher Ross Archive...
Photographic Paper
El rincón del artista - Óleo sobre tela - Enmarcado
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra va firmada en la parte inferior (desconozco el artista) Se presenta enmarcada la pintura (el marco presenta alguna leve falta) Medidas obra: 46 cm altura x 38 cm ancho. Me...
Oil
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
Elegancia entre rosas - Dibujo a pastel - Firmado y enmarcado
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
La obra va firmada por el artista en la parte inferior Se presenta enmarcada la obra Medidas obra: 100 cm. de altura x 72 cm. de ancho Medidas marco: 132 cm. de altura x 104 cm. d...
Pastel
$550
Late 19th Century British Romantic New Zealand Landscape Diamond Lake Oil Canvas
Located in Stockholm, SE
A solemn peace permeates this landscape, painted in oil on canvas by an unidentified British master at the end of the 19th century. The painting transports the viewer to the pictures...
Canvas, Wood, Oil
