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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
Echo of the Black Cat
Echo of the Black Cat

Echo of the Black Cat

Located in Zofingen, AG

This striking, contemporary painting invites the viewer into a space of quiet mystery and irony. A young woman with auburn hair, dressed in a dark, structured dress, stands confide...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Acrylic

"Countryside" by J-P George - Oil on cardboard 16x31 cm
"Countryside" by J-P George - Oil on cardboard 16x31 cm

"Countryside" by J-P George - Oil on cardboard 16x31 cm

Located in Geneva, CH

Oil on cardboard sold with frame Total size with frame 24x39 cm Jean-Philippe GEORGE-JULLIARD is an artist born in Switzerland in 1818 and died in 1888. His works have been sold at ...

Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Oil on Canvas of Jackie O with Gold Leaf   49 x 51
Oil on Canvas of Jackie O with Gold Leaf   49 x 51

Oil on Canvas of Jackie O with Gold Leaf 49 x 51

By Christina Major

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Words: Now I think that I should have known that he was magic all along. I did know it but I should have guessed that it would be too much to ask to grow old with and see our childr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

"Kenosha Colors", Plein Air Colorado Landscape by Tracy Wall
"Kenosha Colors", Plein Air Colorado Landscape by Tracy Wall

"Kenosha Colors", Plein Air Colorado Landscape by Tracy Wall

Located in Denver, CO

Tracy Wall's (Colorado, US based) "Kenosha Colors" is an original, handmade, mixed media painting that depicts Colorado aspen trees in autumn. As an artist, Tracy Wall sheds new light on everyday life, inviting the viewer to see the familiar as if for the very first time. Working with a variety of subjects, Tracy paints interesting viewpoints with compelling value, color, and shapes. Appealing compositions are everywhere, and they make strong impressions from afar even before the subject matter is recognized. She loves to balance representational impressions with more abstracted compositions. Tracy has studied at the Art Students League of Denver under such influential artists as Michelle Torrez, Ken Velastro, Kevin Weckbach, John Lencicki, and Rob Gratiot while also participated in additional workshops from Sally Strand, Carol Marine...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Canvas

Beach Ocean Impressionistic Seascape Oil Painting Oxford Md Boat Michael Budden
Beach Ocean Impressionistic Seascape Oil Painting Oxford Md Boat Michael Budden

Beach Ocean Impressionistic Seascape Oil Painting Oxford Md Boat Michael Budden

By Michael Budden

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Oxford Light 11 x 14 unframed and 17.25 x 20.25 framed signed LR Oxford Light is an oil painting on panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases a beauti...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

1869 Romantic Alpine Landscape Oil Painting Monk Meeting at Wayside Cross Signed
1869 Romantic Alpine Landscape Oil Painting Monk Meeting at Wayside Cross Signed

1869 Romantic Alpine Landscape Oil Painting Monk Meeting at Wayside Cross Signed

Located in Stockholm, SE

This atmospheric antique oil painting, signed and dated 1869 by E. Dahlberg, captures a picturesque mountain landscape, likely in the Alps. The composition focuses on a quiet narrati...

Category

1860s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Oil

Portrait of Mary Haggie - British 1925 art portrait landscape oil painting
Portrait of Mary Haggie - British 1925 art portrait landscape oil painting

Portrait of Mary Haggie - British 1925 art portrait landscape oil painting

By Charles Buchel

Located in Hagley, England

This lovely British 1920's Art Deco vibrant portrait oil painting is by Charles A. Buchel. Painted in 1925 and signed and dated it is a seated portrait of a young woman, Mary Haggie,...

Category

1920s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

"Paris Rainy Cafe" by Christopher Clark, Original Oil Painting, French Cityscape
"Paris Rainy Cafe" by Christopher Clark, Original Oil Painting, French Cityscape

"Paris Rainy Cafe" by Christopher Clark, Original Oil Painting, French Cityscape

By Christopher Clark

Located in Denver, CO

Christopher Clark's "Paris Rainy Cafe" is an original, hand made oil and acrylic painting that depicts a night scene of a bustling cityscape in France. Christopher has been an artist since early childhood, when he would watch Bob Ross on PBS and mimic the famed oil painter’s art with crayons. He considers himself a self-educated artist, with his studies ranging from personal training with contemporary masters, to classical academic art technique, with much inspiration from 19th Century art and the Impressionist Movement. Christopher lived in Italy for a time, immersing himself in Italian culture and art, which continues to influence his painting. His fan base has grown considerably since his return to the US, gaining the attention of Lucasfilm and Marvel Fine Art, which both signed him as an officially licensed artist in 2016. Other clients include George Lucas, Major League Baseball, Louisville Slugger, and Fender Guitars. Christopher’s painting skills are not his only talent in the arts. He has won several national swing dance championship competitions, and also studies tango and blues dancing. He has played guitar since the age of 12, and during his time as lead guitarist for a rock band, he opened for Blue Oyster Cult and Eddie Money...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel

The Violin Player, Berlin, German Women Artists
The Violin Player, Berlin, German Women Artists

The Violin Player, Berlin, German Women Artists

Located in Grand Rapids, MI

Elise Brennicke (German, Born 1855) Signed: Elise Brennicke 1909 (Lower, Right) " The Violin Player ", 1909 Oil on Canvas 39 3/4" x 30 7/8" Housed in a 2 5/8" Period Ornamented ...

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Orientalist "Moorish Soldier Holding a Rifle" Manuel Garcia Hispaleto
Orientalist "Moorish Soldier Holding a Rifle" Manuel Garcia Hispaleto

Orientalist "Moorish Soldier Holding a Rifle" Manuel Garcia Hispaleto

Located in SANTA FE, NM

"Moorish Soldier Holding a Rifle" Manuel Garcia Hispaleto (Spanish, 1836-1898) Watercolor on paper Signed lower left "MGHispaleto" Original wood frame with gilded stucco 18 3/4 x 12 1/2 (33 1/2 x 26 frame) inches Manuel García Hispaleto, originally Manuel García y Martínez (22 November 1836, Seville -26 December 1898, Madrid) was a Spanish painter known for portraits and costumbrista (genre) scenes. His brother, Rafael García...

Category

1850s Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor, Handmade Paper

Yellow laces
Yellow laces

Yellow laces

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. ...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

The Mediterranean noon III
The Mediterranean noon III

The Mediterranean noon III

Located in Zofingen, AG

In this oil painting, I captured the serene warmth of a Mediterranean noon, blending impressionism with realism to bring the shimmering water and gentle sunlight to life. The woman’s...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Rathaus in Vienna
Rathaus in Vienna

Rathaus in Vienna

By Josef Eidenberger

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork "Rathaus in Vienna" c. 1960 is an original color etching by noted Austrian artist Josef Eidenberger, 1899-1991. It is hand signed in pencil by the artist. The plate mark...

Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Etching

Sunflowers in a Mediterranean Landscape, 20th Century Oil on Canvas
Sunflowers in a Mediterranean Landscape, 20th Century Oil on Canvas

Sunflowers in a Mediterranean Landscape, 20th Century Oil on Canvas

Located in Preston, GB

Sunflowers in a Mediterranean Landscape Art measures 24 x 20 inches Frame measures 26 x 22 inches Sunlit Reverie Among the Sunflowers Original oil painting by Vinny (inspired by ...

Category

20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Entangled
Entangled

Entangled

Located in Berlin, DE

Willibrord Haas (*1936 Schramberg), Entangled, 2008. etching, 28 cm (height) x 17 cm (width). Signed “Willibrord Haas” in pencil by the artist, dated “2008”, titled “Verschränkt” and...

Category

Early 2000s Realist Art

Materials

Paper

American Impressionist Oil Painting Gustave Cimioti 1875-1969 Marine Monhegan
American Impressionist Oil Painting Gustave Cimioti 1875-1969 Marine Monhegan

American Impressionist Oil Painting Gustave Cimioti 1875-1969 Marine Monhegan

By Gustave Cimiotti Jr.

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Gustave Cimioti Jr. Monhegan oil/canvas board signed LR 15.88 x 19.88 unframed, 21.19 x 25.07 framed Good original condition in period frame. Possibly original Biography: Gustave Ci...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Act. Oil on canvas, 58x69 cm
Act. Oil on canvas, 58x69 cm

Act. Oil on canvas, 58x69 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Act. Oil on canvas, 58x69 cm Victor Karnaukh (1950, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR – 2012, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine) – a painter, a monument designer, graduate of Latvia...

Category

1990s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Cheval Libre (Free Horse)
Cheval Libre (Free Horse)

Cheval Libre (Free Horse)

By Pierre Jules Mêne

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist: After Pierre Jules Mene (French, 1810-1879) Title: Cheval Libre (Free Horse) Year: 1868 Medium: Cast bronze sculpture with dark brown patina Edition: Unknown Size: Inclu...

Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Bronze

"Snarling Fox"
"Snarling Fox"

"Snarling Fox"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Charles Verlat (1824–1890) "Snarling Fox" This dramatic oil painting by Charles Verlat, a prominent 19th-century Belgian artist, captures a striking and emotionally charged depictio...

Category

19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

The ballet fairy
The ballet fairy

The ballet fairy

Located in Zofingen, AG

Through this oil painting, I captured the delicate strength and grace of a ballerina mid-movement. The realism and soft light embody her ethereal spirit and relentless passion. I wan...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait of a Seated Gentleman - British 19th century art portrait oil painting
Portrait of a Seated Gentleman - British 19th century art portrait oil painting

Portrait of a Seated Gentleman - British 19th century art portrait oil painting

By Thomas Lawrence (circle)

Located in Hagley, England

This striking British 19th century portrait oil painting is attributed to the circle of Sir Thomas Lawrence. Painted circa 1820 it is the portrait of a seated gentleman in a brown hi...

Category

Early 19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Shortcut, Original Oil Painting

Shortcut, Original Oil Painting

By Mark Harrison

Located in Denver, CO

Mark Harrison's (UK based) "Shortcut" is an oil painting that depicts an urban street with a towering city skyline at night. Sometimes they are silent epic landscapes of the Desert...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Dog Portrait of a Terrier on a Red Ground, circa 1910
Dog Portrait of a Terrier on a Red Ground, circa 1910

Dog Portrait of a Terrier on a Red Ground, circa 1910

Located in SANTA FE, NM

Red Terrier Possibly Dutch School Oil on wood panel, circa 1900-1910. Initialed lower left 7 1/2 x 7 (12 x 11 1/2 frame) inches A charming and thoughtfully rendered depiction of a t...

Category

Early 1900s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Fruits hidden from autumn
Fruits hidden from autumn

Fruits hidden from autumn

Located in Zofingen, AG

The painting was created after a September trip to Alsace. During a walk, I noticed beautiful green fruits — not yet ripe, framed by dark leaves. They seemed to have been taken from ...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Floral
Floral

Floral

Located in Zofingen, AG

This exquisite painting showcases a vibrant bouquet of bearded carnations, bursting with rich pink-red colors and intricate details. Each flower is depicted with delicate, fringed p...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Antique Still Life with Grapes and Peaches by A. Rudolphi, Oil on Canvas
Antique Still Life with Grapes and Peaches by A. Rudolphi, Oil on Canvas

Antique Still Life with Grapes and Peaches by A. Rudolphi, Oil on Canvas

Located in Berlin, DE

Elegant oil on canvas still life by A. Rudolphi, signed lower left and dating from around 1900. The composition features a delicate arrangement of grapes in a silver bowl, halved pea...

Category

19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Dachshund. Dog. Black. Small. Animals. Dogs. Realism
Dachshund. Dog. Black. Small. Animals. Dogs. Realism

Dachshund. Dog. Black. Small. Animals. Dogs. Realism

Located in Oslo, NO

This small yet delicate and elegant work depicts a portrait of a dog lying on a gray blanket. Its confident and minimalist expression immediately draws attention. The unusual, minima...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Contemporary portrait "Full Moon"
Contemporary portrait "Full Moon"

Contemporary portrait "Full Moon"

Located in Zofingen, AG

This artwork captivates with its blend of cultural and surreal elements. The central figure, a poised woman in a traditional East Asian kimono, radiates elegance through intricate fl...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Mountain Lake Oil Painting of a Loch in the Scottish Highlands by British Artist
Mountain Lake Oil Painting of a Loch in the Scottish Highlands by British Artist

Mountain Lake Oil Painting of a Loch in the Scottish Highlands by British Artist

By Andrew Grant Kurtis

Located in Preston, GB

Mountain Lake Oil Painting of a Loch in the Scottish Highlands with two boys fishing with their dog, by British Artist, Andrew Grant Kurtis M.A.(Lon) B.Des.(Hons) L.S.I.A.D. Art measures 24 x 18 inches Frame measures 27 x 21 inches As an artist of both classical and traditional style, Andrew Grant Kurtis excels in his paintings of english landscape...

Category

20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A rough collie

A rough collie

Located in London, GB

A charming and sensitively rendered late 19th-century oil portrait of a Rough Collie, this work captures the breed's intelligence and gentle temperament with remarkable clarity. Indi...

Category

Late 19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, 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.