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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
European painter - 19th-20th century stormy sea with sailing ship painting
European painter - 19th-20th century stormy sea with sailing ship painting

European painter - 19th-20th century stormy sea with sailing ship painting

Located in Varmo, IT

European painter (19th–20th century) - Seascape with a sailing ship in a storm. 45 x 67 cm (unframed) - 51 x 73 cm (framed). Oil on panel, in a gilded wooden frame. Signed indisti...

Category

Late 19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Panel, Oil

Elegance in Contemplation
Elegance in Contemplation

Elegance in Contemplation

By Anzhelika Muzychenko

Located in Zofingen, AG

This painting depicts an elegant horse with a focus on its head and neck. The horse has a smooth, glossy brown coat that contrasts beautifully with the warm golden background. Its po...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Beach & Ocean Impressionistic Seascape Oil Painting with Dunes by Michael Budden
Beach & Ocean Impressionistic Seascape Oil Painting with Dunes by Michael Budden

Beach & Ocean Impressionistic Seascape Oil Painting with Dunes by Michael Budden

By Michael Budden

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Dunes and Beach Access oil/canvas 16 x 20 image Dunes & Beach Access is an oil painting on canvas by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that showcases a beautiful beach...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Character vs. Charicature
Character vs. Charicature

Character vs. Charicature

By William Hogarth

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

William Hogarth (1697-1764). Character vs. Charicature, 1743. Engraving on laid paper, plate measuring 8.25 x 9.25 inches. Framed measurement: 16.25 x 20.25 inches. Characters and...

Category

Mid-18th Century Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

"Guerra's Peonies" Oil Painting
"Guerra's Peonies" Oil Painting

"Guerra's Peonies" Oil Painting

By Robin Cole

Located in Denver, CO

Robin Cole's (Us based) "Guerra's Peonies" is a plein air oil painting that depicts colorful pink peonies. Nature and those that inhabit it—our human selves included—possess a magi...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Summer Bouquet Oil On Canvas
Summer Bouquet Oil On Canvas

Summer Bouquet Oil On Canvas

By Zbigniew Kopania

Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL

Summer Bouquet 2022 Still Life oil on canvas, artist signed lower right framed. Zbigniew Kopania, artist painter, cinematographer, born December 21, 1949, in Łódź Poland. Kopania sty...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Contemporary Bronze Male Torso Sculpture
Contemporary Bronze Male Torso Sculpture

Contemporary Bronze Male Torso Sculpture

By Roger Reutimann

Located in Boulder, CO

This contemporary bronze sculpture by Swiss-American artist Roger Reutimann combines the refinement of classical figurative sculpture with a clean modern aesthetic. Featuring a power...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Bronze

Odalisque - Woman in a Harem - French 1900 Orientalist art portrait oil painting
Odalisque - Woman in a Harem - French 1900 Orientalist art portrait oil painting

Odalisque - Woman in a Harem - French 1900 Orientalist art portrait oil painting

By Lucien Laurent Gsell

Located in Hagley, England

This charming ex Christie's Victorian Orientalist oil painting is by noted French exhibited artist Lucien Laurent Gsell. The painting dates to around 1900 and portrays a beautiful yo...

Category

Early 1900s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Le Chat et Les Fleurs
Le Chat et Les Fleurs

Le Chat et Les Fleurs

By Édouard Manet

Located in Middletown, NY

Etching and aquatint on cream laid, watermarked Rives paper. 6 5/8 x 5 inches (167 x 126 mm). Sixth and final state, a posthumous impression. A fine, inky impression with full margin...

Category

1860s Realist Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Fishermen Sailors at Sea - Scottish Victorian art marine portrait oil painting
Fishermen Sailors at Sea - Scottish Victorian art marine portrait oil painting

Fishermen Sailors at Sea - Scottish Victorian art marine portrait oil painting

By Patrick William Orr

Located in Hagley, England

This charming Scottish Victorian oil painting is by noted Scottish artist Patrick William Orr. Painted circa 1880, this marine portrait is of two fishermen sailors at sea, sorting th...

Category

19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Oil

"Baa-Relief" Aaron Bohrod, Pun Humor, Magic Realism, Sheep, Lamb
"Baa-Relief" Aaron Bohrod, Pun Humor, Magic Realism, Sheep, Lamb

"Baa-Relief" Aaron Bohrod, Pun Humor, Magic Realism, Sheep, Lamb

By Aaron Bohrod

Located in New York, NY

Aaron Bohrod Baa-Relief, 1986 Signed lower left Oil on gesso panel 8 x 10 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

1980s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

"Still Life" by Eve Cornejo, Oil on Canvas with Deep Browns, Near Black Hues
"Still Life" by Eve Cornejo, Oil on Canvas with Deep Browns, Near Black Hues

"Still Life" by Eve Cornejo, Oil on Canvas with Deep Browns, Near Black Hues

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

This still life by Russian-American artist Eve Cornejo is simultaneously dark and full of color. The ruby red vessel in particular nearly jumps off of the canvas in contrast to the b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Michigan Avenue, Chicago.
Michigan Avenue, Chicago.

Michigan Avenue, Chicago.

By Luigi Kasimir

Located in San Francisco, CA

This artwork "Michigan Avenue, Chicago" 1930 is a colors etching by Austrian artist Luigi Kasimir 1881-1962. It is hand signed at the lower center in pencil by the artist. The plate ...

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Etching

Ocean Crashing against Rocks, Isles of Shoals
Ocean Crashing against Rocks, Isles of Shoals

Ocean Crashing against Rocks, Isles of Shoals

By Frank Waller

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Frank Waller (American, 1842-1923) Ocean Crashing against Rocks, Isles of Shoals Oil on canvas, 9 1/2 x 20 1/4 inches FRAMED: 15 x 26 inches (approx.) Note: while this work is unsi...

Category

Early 1900s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Portrait of a Soldier - British 19th century art  military portrait oil painting
Portrait of a Soldier - British 19th century art  military portrait oil painting

Portrait of a Soldier - British 19th century art military portrait oil painting

Located in Hagley, England

This interesting British Victorian military portrait is by artist C Marten. Painted in 1897 it is a three quarter length portrait of a soldier by a brick wall and window with bars. T...

Category

19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Jackson Creek Florida, Oil Painting
Jackson Creek Florida, Oil Painting

Jackson Creek Florida, Oil Painting

By Kent Sullivan 1

Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Nestled amidst the vibrant foliage, Jackson Creek emerges as the centerpiece of artist Kent Sullivan's realistic piece. The flowing water possesses an idyllic allure amidst the lush landscape, reflecting the verdant bounty that thrives along its banks. The meeting of land and water echoes the harmonious balance co-existing within this ecologically diverse region. The work serves as a poetic reminder of the profound beauty lying within reach and demanding our respect. With every delicate brushstroke, Kent invites us to reflect on the value of nature's magnificence and our shared responsibility to protect and cherish these invaluable treasures.


About the Artist
There are more places Kent Sullivan would like to paint than he ever will be able. Employing many of the Hudson River School methods in his landscapes, Kent captures the ephemeral interactions of clouds, sun and earth with his delicate use of color and gesture. His work is published in two prominent books: "Art of the National Parks" and "Picturing Florida." He has lectured at museums and been sought after by many large corporations. “Several years ago I had the incredible fortune of being part of the NASA art program. Five paintings are now part of the Smithsonian Collection. At one gathering at the Kennedy Space Center...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

"A Warm Evening"
"A Warm Evening"

"A Warm Evening"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

On a warm evening, whilst relaxing with the whole family in good company, enjoying some sweet watermelons.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Portrait of a Young Woman
Portrait of a Young Woman

Portrait of a Young Woman

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Jose Mitjans Pico (1904-1991). Portrait of a Young Woman Oil on canvas 20 x 16 in, 27 x 23 in (framed). Signed right margin.

Category

Mid-20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

After Eugene Verboeckhoven Antique Belgian Pastoral Oil Painting Passing Brook
After Eugene Verboeckhoven Antique Belgian Pastoral Oil Painting Passing Brook

After Eugene Verboeckhoven Antique Belgian Pastoral Oil Painting Passing Brook

By Eugène Joseph Verboeckhoven

Located in Stockholm, SE

This exceptional mid-19th century pastoral oil painting, after Eugene Verboeckhoven's celebrated composition "Passing the Brook," depicts a serene rural scene where cows and sheep cr...

Category

Mid-19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, 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

New York City Painting Michael Budden Evening On Broadway St James & Sardis
New York City Painting Michael Budden Evening On Broadway St James & Sardis

New York City Painting Michael Budden Evening On Broadway St James & Sardis

By Michael Budden

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Evening On Broadway, St. James & Sardi's Image is 10 x 8 unframed, 15.5 x 13.5 framed. An acrylic painting on canvas panel by award winning contemporary artist Michael Budden that...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Watching Owl on Rock / - The Library Guardian -
Watching Owl on Rock / - The Library Guardian -

Watching Owl on Rock / - The Library Guardian -

Located in Berlin, DE

Anonymous, Watching Owl on Rock, around 1960. Bronze, solid cast figure, 6.5 inches (height) x 4.7 inches (width) x 3.9 inches (depth), 2.44 kg. - Excellent condition - The Libr...

Category

1960s Realist Art

Materials

Bronze

Antique American Modernist Framed Dog Portrait Signed Large Oil Painting
Antique American Modernist Framed Dog Portrait Signed Large Oil Painting

Antique American Modernist Framed Dog Portrait Signed Large Oil Painting

Located in Buffalo, NY

Antique American dog portrait oil painting. Oil on board. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Handsomely framed in a wood molding. Excellent condition, rea...

Category

1920s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

"Ensemble of Austrian artists"
"Ensemble of Austrian artists"

"Ensemble of Austrian artists"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

Franz Rotter (1900–1944) – "Ensemble of Austrian Artists" Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 176 x 288 cm (unframed), 181 x 295 cm (framed) Signature: Lower left corner Provenance: Pr...

Category

20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Chicago River Wrigley Clock Tower Cityscape Urban Painting by Michael Budden
Chicago River Wrigley Clock Tower Cityscape Urban Painting by Michael Budden

Chicago River Wrigley Clock Tower Cityscape Urban Painting by Michael Budden

By Michael Budden

Located in Chesterfield, NJ

Along the Chicago River, Wrigley Clock Tower oil/panel 8 x 10 unframed, 14.5 x 16.5 framed signed LL Along the Chicago River, Wrigley Clock Tower is an oil painting on canvas panel...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Acrylic

Antique Horse Bronze Trotting Stallion Isidore Jules Bonheur (France, 1827-1901)
Antique Horse Bronze Trotting Stallion Isidore Jules Bonheur (France, 1827-1901)

Antique Horse Bronze Trotting Stallion Isidore Jules Bonheur (France, 1827-1901)

By Isidore Jules Bonheur

Located in SANTA FE, NM

Antique Horse Bronze Portrait of a Trotting Stallion Isidore Jules Bonheur (France, 1827-1901) Cast bronze mounted on a rectangular plinth with dark brown patina, Signed: I. BONHEUR 17 x 11 3/4 A brilliant exploration of a stallion in full trot. The patina is a deep, warm walnut brown with honey-colored tones. Isidore Bonheur was best known and the most distinguished of the 19th century French animalier sculptors. Isidore, the younger brother of Rosa Bonheur and older brother of Auguste, began his studies of painting initially with his father, who was friends with Francisco Goya. By 1848 he debuted at the Paris Salon having discontinued animal and landscape painting to concentrate on creating sculptures and in 1849, Bonheur enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. He won medals at the Paris Salon in 1859 and did so again in 1865 and in 1869. After entering the Exposition Universelle 1855, he won the Gold Medal in 1889. In the 1870s exhibited in the London at the Royal Academy of Arts where he earned great prestige and won the coveted Medaille d’Or. After winning numerous other medals and prizes, Bonheur was awarded the Legion d' Honneur in 1895 and he was Knighted in Portugal, Spain and France. Bonheur continued exhibiting at the Paris Salon until 1899. Many of his bronzes were fabricated at the foundry owned by Hippolyte Peyrol, Bonheur's brother-in-law by marriage to Isidore’s youngest sister Juliette Bonheur. The Peyrol casts for both Rosa and Isidore are exceptionally well executed which suggests a strong working relationship between the founder and sculptor. There is little doubt that Isidore Bonheur was an acute observer of nature; his animals were not anthropomorphized but modelled to catch movement or posture characteristics of the particular species he was sculpting. He achieved this most successfully with his sculptures of horses which are usually depicted as relaxed rather than spirited. These figures are among his most renowned works and his equestrian models became very popular, particularly among the British aristocracy. An acute observer of nature, his sculptures reflect his commitment to the Realist school - with precise detailing of the movements of animals in their natural habitats. Ultimately, His naturalistic studies of animals are now some of the most highly sought after works by any of the animalier. He was possibly inspired by his many visits to the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show...

Category

1870s Realist Art

Materials

Bronze

Antique 1905 Scandinavian Romantic Landscape Oil on Canvas Nordic Fjord Signed
Antique 1905 Scandinavian Romantic Landscape Oil on Canvas Nordic Fjord Signed

Antique 1905 Scandinavian Romantic Landscape Oil on Canvas Nordic Fjord Signed

Located in Stockholm, SE

This panoramic, idyllic oil-on-canvas landscape, painted by the artist J. Lorenz in 1905, represents a magnificent example of the Scandinavian academic school. The canvas transports ...

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Oil

Magical journey, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Magical journey, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Magical journey, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Gardani Art

Located in Yardley, PA

One-of-a-kind Realism Original Oil Painting on canvas by Gardani available for you. Hand signed by the Artist front and back, comes with official Gardani Certificate of Authenticity ...

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.