Is still life art realism?

Whether or not still life art is realism depends on the piece. Dutch still lifes produced during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries are examples of a realistic style. Impressionist and Expressionist still lifes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are not realistic. Shop a variety of still life art on 1stDibs.

What is a still life?

A still life is a type of painting or drawing portraying an arrangement of different objects. Typically, these subjects include fruit, flowers, dining ware, and glassware.

Does a still life have to be realistic?

No, a still life doesn't have to be realistic. Still life is a genre or type of subject matter. To fit the definition, a piece simply needs to portray inanimate objects. Artists can employ any style they choose to represent the objects in their paintings. Some examples of abstract still-life paintings include Georges Braque's Violin and Candlestick, Pablo Picasso's Still Life with Chair Caning and Paul Cézanne's Fruit Bowl, Glass, and Apples. Find a large collection of still-life paintings on 1stDibs.

What is a still-life painting?

A still- life painting depicts inanimate, everyday objects.

What is Dutch still life?

Dutch still life paintings are painted works of art depicting everyday objects that were produced in the Netherlands during the 16th and 17th centuries. Although the pictured items are realistic, they tend to have symbolic meanings. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Dutch still life paintings.

What is Flemish still life?

Pronkstilleven is a type of still life that was developed in the 1640s by Flemish artists. Rather than traditional still-life paintings, these emphasized abundances and various objects considered to be part of a luxurious life such as fruits, flowers and wild game. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Why is it called still life?

Why it is called still life has to do with the history of the art genre. Still life painting became a distinct genre thanks to the work of late 16th- and 17th-century Dutch artists. They called their paintings stilleven, which translates to motionless or silent life in English. This term relates to the fact that Dutch still life artists painted motionless objects such as flowers and fruit. As the genre spread beyond the Netherlands, English-speaking artists referred to it as still life. Shop a selection of still life paintings on 1stDibs.

What is a still life image?

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What is the difference between a still life and a portrait?

The subject of a portrait is typically a person; the subject of a still life consists predominantly of inanimate objects.

Who invented the still-life genre?

Although still lifes occur in ancient murals, Jacopo de’Barbari is considered to have painted the first still life, in 1504.

What nationality is the still life technique?

Most people considered the nationality of the still life technique to be Dutch. This is because Realist still life painting originated in Holland in the 16h century. However, artists from other parts of the world also work in the genre. On 1stDibs, shop a range of still life paintings.

What does a still life painting portray?

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How does Tom Wesselmann use lines in his work Still Life with Fuji?

In his work Still Life with Fuji Chrysanthemums, Tom Wesselmann used well-defined contour lines to depict flowers, fruit and other household objects. The American Pop artist made the piece of laser-cut steel and designed it to hang on the wall like a canvas painting. Shop a variety of Tom Wesselmann art on 1stDibs.

Still Life Realism

Art In Life

Realism Painting Fruit

Christopher WitchallFruit Bowl with Pomegranate - original still life realism contemporary artwork, 2026

$1,532

H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 1.19 in

Fruit Bowl with Pomegranate - original still life realism contemporary artwork

By Christopher Witchall

Located in London, Chelsea

Set against the dark background, the fruit appears almost illuminated from within, enhancing the realism and dramatic presence of the work. This is an original work, available for sa...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Martha NairnPhysalis - original oil painting realist flower still life realism art, 2025

$2,052

H 14.18 in W 18.12 in D 0.79 in

Physalis - original oil painting realist flower still life realism art

By Martha Nairn

Located in London, Chelsea

This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. A delicate still life featuring physalis, rendered with meticu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Natalia ShaykinaSummer Flowers-original still life realism floral oil painting-contemporary art, 2026

$2,052

H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 0.79 in

Summer Flowers-original still life realism floral oil painting-contemporary art

Located in London, Chelsea

My work primarily focuses on landscapes, florals, and still life, capturing the beauty and spirit of my native Ukraine.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Paintings

Linen, Acrylic

$4,091

H 27.56 in W 39.38 in D 1.19 in

Roses Splash - original realism still life painting - contemporary artwork

By Heinz Schönhammer

Located in London, Chelsea

Schönhammer’s style merges the elegance of realism with the drama of motion, lending the composition a sense of narrative beyond the stillness of traditional floral paintings.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Irina TrushkovaStill Life with Citrus, Original Oil Painting, Contemporary Realism, 2026

$2,462

H 18.9 in W 20.87 in D 1.19 in

Still Life with Citrus, Original Oil Painting, Contemporary Realism

By Irina Trushkova

Located in London, Chelsea

Whether showcased in a gallery or adorning the walls of a private collection, this original painting invites viewers to savor the beauty and simplicity of everyday objects captured w...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Heinz SchönhammerFruit Splash - original realism still life painting - contemporary artwork, 2026

$3,968

H 35.44 in W 51.19 in D 1.19 in

Fruit Splash - original realism still life painting - contemporary artwork

By Heinz Schönhammer

Located in London, Chelsea

Now available for purchase online and exclusively at Signet Contemporary Art, his meticulously crafted still life paintings exemplify the highest level of photorealistic artistry.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Natalie ToplassUnderworld - original realism still life oil painting - contemporary art, 2026

$3,831

H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 0.99 in

Underworld - original realism still life oil painting - contemporary art

Located in London, Chelsea

Adjacent to these core values, occasionally acting as a kind of ‘theatrical’ setting, is a still life aspect to my work, drawing ideas from neglected or discarded objects and places-...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Robert JacksonPARTY OF FIVE - Realism / Birds / Humorous Still Life / Toys, 2024

$20,000

H 40 in W 30 in

PARTY OF FIVE - Realism / Birds / Humorous Still Life / Toys

By Robert Jackson

Located in New York, NY

Original painting by Robert C. Jackson

Category

2010s Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Materials

Oil, Linen

Stephen NamaraWhen Life is Still / watermelon and cherries - Magic Realism, 2017

$11,000

H 48 in W 48 in D 2 in

When Life is Still / watermelon and cherries - Magic Realism

By Stephen Namara

Located in Burlingame, CA

Still Life with Watermelon and Cherries - Magic Realism still life oil painting in neutral grey with white and red.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Realist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Recent Sales

Helena Leigh-HuntHelena Leigh-Hunt Still Life Realism Painting "Untitled"

Unavailable

Ekaterina BrylevaDutch Still Life - 21st Century Contemporary Realism Oil Painting, 2017

Unavailable

H 17.72 in W 19.69 in D 0.71 in

Dutch Still Life - 21st Century Contemporary Realism Oil Painting

Located in Singapore, SG

This unique original artwork comes unframed and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist. Shipping safely to your door with DHL Express.

Category

2010s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Joseph Q. DailyStill Life with White and Pink Lilacs "Old Friends" (Realism, Naturalism)

Unavailable

H 10 in W 18 in

Still Life with White and Pink Lilacs "Old Friends" (Realism, Naturalism)

By Joseph Q. Daily

Located in Binghamton, NY

Joseph Q. Daily's "Old Friends" is a small scale, Realist still life. In this piece, white and pink lilacs lie across a wooden table and sit in a porcelain bowl. They are accompanied...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Linen, Oil

Unavailable

H 11.23 in W 9.85 in

Still Life With Scissors - 21st Century Contemporary Still Life Oil Painting

By Samir Rakhmanov

Located in Singapore, SG

. — Size: 28.5 × 25 cm (11.2 × 9.8 inches) — Medium: Oil pastels on fibreboard — Genre: Still life — Style: Contemporary Realism / Minimalist — Colour scheme: Red, pearl white and e...

Category

2010s Minimalist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Oil Pastel, Fiberboard

Yuriy UshakovWhite Still Life With a Chair - 21st Century Contemporary Still Life Painting, 2021

Unavailable

H 47.25 in W 27.56 in

White Still Life With a Chair - 21st Century Contemporary Still Life Painting

Located in Singapore, SG

— Signed lower right: Ushakov — Size: 120 × 70 cm (47.2 × 27.6 inches) — Medium: Oil on canvas — Genre: Still Life — Style: Contemporary Impressionism / Realism — Colour scheme: ...

Category

2010s Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Unavailable

H 23 in W 25.5 in

gouache on paper bird's nest, "Blue Jay" (Naturalism, Realism)

Located in Binghamton, NY

Charlotte B. Heath's "Blue Jay" is a gouache on paper painting of a Blue Jay's nest. Heath paints directly from nature. She handles her subject carefully, as seen in her delicate, ye...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Naturalistic Still-life Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Nancy HaginLace, 2014

Unavailable

H 30 in W 42 in

Lace

By Nancy Hagin

Located in New York, NY

realism still life

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Realist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Watercolor

Nancy HaginLow Horizon, 2014

Unavailable

H 26 in W 28 in

Low Horizon

By Nancy Hagin

Located in New York, NY

Materials

Plywood, Oil

Unavailable

H 15.75 in W 19.69 in

Still Life With an Apple - 21st Century Contemporary Impressionist Oil Painting

By Valeria Privalikhina

Located in Singapore, SG

"Still Life With an Apple" has many offers a multitude of readings.

Category

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Samir RakhmanovStill Life With Red and Blue - 21st Century Contemporary Oil Painting, 2021

Unavailable

H 19.69 in W 23.63 in

Still Life With Red and Blue - 21st Century Contemporary Oil Painting

By Samir Rakhmanov

Located in Singapore, SG

— Signed lower left: Rakhmanov — Size: 50 × 60 cm (19.7 × 23.6 inches) — Medium: Oil on canvas — Genre: Interior / Still Life — Style: Contemporary Impressionism / Realism — Colou...

Category

2010s Impressionist Interior Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Valeria PrivalikhinaDried Flowers On Red - 21st Century Impressionist Summer Oil Still Life Painting, 2021

Unavailable

H 13.78 in W 11.82 in

Dried Flowers On Red - 21st Century Impressionist Summer Oil Still Life Painting

By Valeria Privalikhina

Located in Singapore, SG

— Size: 35 × 30 cm (13.8 × 11.8 inches) — Medium: Oil on canvas — Genre: Still Life — Style: Contemporary Impressionism / Realism — Colour scheme: Cool red, golden orange and soft...

Category

2010s Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Sold

H 16 in W 12 in

"White Roses" - Contemporary Realism - Still Life - Manet

By Marc Chatov

Located in Atlanta, GA

"White Roses" is an oil painting featuring hues of pink, white, green and grey. Marc Chatov is inspired by the work of Diego Velasquez, Édouard Manet, William Bouguereau. Renowned p...

Category

2010s American Realist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Materials

Canvas, Lacquer, Oil

Robert ChaillouxStill Life with Flowers & Fruit in a French Farmhouse Interior by French Artist, 1992 Circa

$8,551

H 29 in W 26 in D 3 in

Still Life with Flowers & Fruit in a French Farmhouse Interior by French Artist

Located in Preston, GB

Still Life with Flowers & Fruit in a French Farmhouse Interior by 20th Century French Artist, Robert Chailloux (1913-2006). Art measures 18 x 21 inches Frame measures 26 x 29 i...

Category

1990s Realist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil

Lilya Volskaya"Red and green apples in the summer garden" Original Painting by Lilya Volskaya, 2023

$2,230Sale Price|20% Off

H 23.63 in W 19.69 in D 0.6 in

"Red and green apples in the summer garden" Original Painting by Lilya Volskaya

By Lilya Volskaya

Located in Zofingen, AG

The paintings are drawn with oil on the canvas. The beautiful, inspiring summer landscape with apples sets you up for 100% positive and a burst of energy. This is a real vitamin boos...

Category

2010s Realist Still-life Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Lacquer, Oil

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Still Life Realism For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact still life realism you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. In our selection of items, you can find contemporary examples as well as a Photorealist version. Making the right choice when shopping for a still life realism may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century. On 1stDibs, the right still life realism is waiting for you and the choices span a range of colors that includes gray, black, brown and blue. Finding an appealing still life realism — no matter the origin — is easy, but Dwight Smith, Dani Humberstone, Christopher Stott, Olga Antonova and Marc Chatov each produced popular versions that are worth a look. Frequently made by artists working in paint, oil paint and fabric, these artworks are unique and have attracted attention over the years.

How Much is a Still Life Realism?

The price for a still life realism in our collection starts at $25 and tops out at $4,750,000 with the average selling for $2,779.

Finding the Right Paintings for You

Painting is an art form that has spanned innumerable cultures, with artists using the medium to tell stories, explore and communicate ideas and express themselves. To bring abstract paintings, landscape paintings, still-life paintings and other original paintings into your home is to celebrate and share in the long tradition of this discipline.

When we look at paintings, particularly those that originated in the past, we learn about history, other cultures and countries of the world. Like every other work of art, paintings — whether they are contemporary creations or works that were made during the 19th century — can often help us clearly see and understand the world around us in a meaningful and interesting way.

Cave walls were the canvases for what were arguably the world’s first landscape paintings, which depict natural scenery through art. Portrait paintings and drawings, which, along with sculpture, were how someone’s appearance was recorded prior to the advent of photography, are at least as old as Ancient Egypt. In the Netherlands, landscapes were a major theme for painters as early as the 1500s. Later, artists in Greece, Rome and elsewhere created vast wall paintings to decorate stately homes, churches and tombs.

Today, creating a wall of art is a wonderful way to enhance your space, showcase beautiful pieces and tie an interior design together.

No matter your preference, whether you favor Post-Impressionist paintings, animal paintings, Surrealism, Pop art or another movement or specific period, arranging art on a blank wall allows you to evoke emotions in a room while also showing off your tastes and interests. A symmetrical wall arrangement may comprise a grid of four to six pieces or, for an odd number of works, a horizontal row. Asymmetrical arrangements, which may be small clusters of art or large, salon-style gallery walls, have a more collected and eclectic feel.

Download the 1stDibs app, which includes a handy “View on Wall” feature that allows you to see how a particular artwork will look on a particular wall, and read about how to arrange wall art. And if you’re searching for the perfect palette for your interior design project, what better place to turn than to the art world’s masters of color?

On 1stDibs, you’ll find an expansive collection of paintings and other fine art for your home or office. Browse abstract paintings, portrait paintings, paintings by emerging artists and more today.

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With a solo show at the Denver Art Museum and a commission from the Met, the Cree Canadian painter has become an international sensation.

Yale’s Trove of British Art Is Back on View in a Refreshed Louis Kahn Building

After a two-year closure, they Yale Center for British Art opens its doors again, with all sorts of changes to its building and programming.

At 89, Artist Lucio Pozzi Is Reaching New Career Heights

The Italian-American’s 2020 abstract painting “The Hoe” personifies his “art of not knowing.”

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With a Show at MoMA, Marlon Mullen Paints Pictures That Are beyond Words

The nonspeaking California artist is having a moment, with vivacious paintings that play on art-magazine covers as well as more mysterious abstractions.