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.
Untitled (Seated Man Facing Left)
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Conté crayon on paper Signed and dated, l.r. This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Mark Beard, born in 1956 in Salt Lake City, now lives in New York City. ...
Paper, Conté
Self-Portrait / - The Inner Essence -
Located in Berlin, DE
Herbert Rolf Schlegel (1889 Breslau - 1972 Landsberg am Lech), Self-Portrait, 1946, pencil on heavy paper, 94 cm (height) x 73 cm (width), monogrammed “HRS” in the upper right corner...
Paper
Portrait of Young Man
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Outstanding male portrait by 20th-century American artist, Vito Tomasello. Portrait of a young man, c.1950. Pencil on paper, sheet measures 14 x 17 inches. Excellent condition. S...
Paper, Pencil
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
$3,600
"Male Nude Study" Ink Drawing, Academic Realist, Profile, Unframed, 9.5x9.75 in
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
“Male Nude Study” is a sketch by renowned figure artist Steven Assael. The drawing was produced entirely in ink with every stroke of pen executed in complete confidence. The drawing ...
Paper, Pen
Sun reflex before Sunset
Located in Zofingen, AG
The last live sketch with industrial marker and tempera at the very end of a beautiful day, when the setting sun painted everything in the studio gold. Sheet from Monahov's studio a...
Paper, Tempera, Permanent Marker
$752Sale Price|20% Off
Nude. Contemporary Realistic Figurative Mixed Media Drawing Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary realistic figurative mixed media drawing on cardboard by Polish artist Andrzej Szypluk. Monochromatic drawing of a female in nude. PROVE...
Chalk, Pastel, Cardboard, Pencil
Cross Up
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original realist pastel drawing by American female artist Catherine Koenig.
Archival Paper, Oil Pastel
Self Love - Bruno Surdo, Original Multimedia Figure Drawing
By Bruno Surdo
Located in Chicago, IL
Bruno Surdo Self Love, 2017 charcoal on paper 20h x 20w in 50.80h x 50.80w cm BRS026 Bruno A. Surdo b. Chicago, 1963 EXHIBITIONS 2023 New Work, Gallery VICTOR, Chicago, IL 20...
Charcoal, Conté, Gouache, Color Pencil
Dream of flying dandelions
Located in Zofingen, AG
This live sketch was made on the same day as the first sketch for the painting “Passion for Color”, which later became famous. The posing session was difficult, Polina was tired and ...
Paper, Tempera, Permanent Marker
Seductive Women of the Bible Original Artwork
By Edmund Dulac
Located in Miami, FL
Keep thee from evil women, an original design for the planned, but unpublished series of American Weekly covers, 'The Book of Proverbs', watercolor and gouache, signed lower right, ...
Watercolor, Gouache, Illustration Board
Gone - Original Charcoal Drawing of a Male Torso, Matted and Framed
Located in Chicago, IL
The subject is walking away from the viewer in Nathan Brad Hall's charcoal drawing entitled simply "Gone". His muscular physique, with defined muscul...
Paper, Charcoal
$330Sale Price|20% Off
A girl II - XXI century, Contemporary Realistic Figurative Mixed Media Drawing
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary realistic figurative mixed media drawing PROVENANCE Exhibited at Katarzyna Napiorkowska Gallery. The Gallery is a primary representative for this artist. The Gallery o...
Chalk, Pastel, Pencil, Cardboard
Violinist (Portrait of Young Man with Violin)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Outstanding male portrait by 20th-century American artist, Vito Tomasello. Portrait of a Violinist, 1950. Charcoal on paper, sheet measures 13 x 19 inches. Signed lower left. A ...
Paper, Charcoal
woman sitting
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Woman Sitting" 2013 is a pencil drawing on paper, by noted American artist Richard Benjamin Royce, born 1941. It is signed and dated at the...
Pencil
$330Sale Price|20% Off
Nude - XXI century, Contemporary Realistic Figurative Mixed Media Drawing
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary realistic figurative mixed media drawing PROVENANCE Exhibited at Katarzyna Napiorkowska Gallery. The Gallery is a primary representative for this artist. The Gallery o...
Cardboard, Chalk, Pencil, Pastel
John Sergeant - The Life Class - 20th Century British Sepia Watercolour
Located in London, GB
JOHN SERGEANT (1937-2010) The Life Class Sepia wash, unframed 35 by 20.5 cm., 13 ¾ by 8 in. (mount size 52 by 36 cm., 20 ½ by 14 ¼ in.) Sergeant was born in London, the son of a ...
Watercolor
Ballerina
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Ballerina" c.1950 is a watercolor on paper by French noted artist Charles Kiffer, 1902-1992. It has the estate stamp of the artist on the back. The artwork size ...
Watercolor
Silvia, Nude Photorealist Drawing by Gianfranco Fusari
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Franco Fusari, Italian Title: Silvia Year: 2009 Medium: Conte Pastel on Paper, signed Size: 19.7 in. x 10.2 in. (50.04 cm x 25.91 cm) Frame Size: 31.5 x 17.5 inches
Pastel, Paper
Untitled #177
By John Button
Located in New York, NY
Graphite on paper Dated in pencil, l.r. Numbered 177 in pencil, u.r. This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. John Button (1929-1982) was a fine draftsman and...
Graphite, Paper
Young woman in thoughtful pause
Located in Genève, GE
Work on paper Golden wooden frame with glass pane Dimension with frame : 43.7 x 56 x 2 cm Young woman in thoughtful pause This captivating work depicts a woman reclining nonchalantly...
Crayon
Charles Sims, RA - Nude Drapery Study for the Royal Academy Mural
Located in London, GB
CHARLES SIMS, RA, RWS, RSW (1873-1928) Drapery Study for the Royal Academy Arts & Crafts Mural Pencil, squared for transfer Unframed, in conservation mount 17.5 by 24 cm., 7 by 9 ...
Pencil
untitled / ohne Titel
By Martin Eder
Located in New York, NY
Martin Eder untitled work on paper executed in ballpoint pen with traces of watercolor. Ohne Titel Arbeit auf Papier, ausgeführt in Kugelschreiber mit Spuren von Aquarell. 2007
Ink, Watercolor, Pen
Atlas - Graphite Drawing on Paper of Impossible Body Pose, Original
Located in Chicago, IL
This study in human contortion represents and impossible pose. By capturing twists and poses of the figure which could not be performed in real life, the artists tests his knowledge ...
Graphite
$330Sale Price|20% Off
H 7.09 in W 5.12 in
A girl II - XXI century, Contemporary Realistic Figurative Mixed Media Drawing
Located in Warsaw, PL
Contemporary realistic figurative mixed media drawing PROVENANCE Exhibited at Katarzyna Napiorkowska Gallery. The Gallery is a primary representative for this artist. The Gallery o...
Chalk, Pastel, Pencil, Cardboard
$700
H 39 in W 27.5 in
Summer Blue - original large blue nude by Paula Craioveanu 39x27.5in in Florida
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Summer Blue", pencil and ultramarine tempera on paper, inspired by Matisse. Part of Nude in Interior series. Nude shown in a Victorian interior, in a cinematic view. In a distorted ...
Tempera, Pencil, Archival Paper
$600
H 27.5 in W 19.5 in D 0.2 in
Sky is the Limit original blue ultramarine couple in love by Paula Craioveanu
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Sky is the limit", love and passion. Original work on colored paper, with blue ultramarine tempera on red colored paper, inspired by Matisse. Size 2is 7.5x19.5in / 70x50cm . Ship...
Paper, Tempera
$500
H 19.5 in W 27.5 in D 0.2 in
Blue Nude 1 original tempera paper Paula Craioveanu inspired Matisse in Florida
Located in Forest Hills, NY
Blue Nude. Inspired by Matisse. Part of my "Nude in Interior" series Original, signed. 50x70cm / 20x28in actual size ink, graphite, tempera on pa...
Paper, Tempera, Pencil
$235
H 24 in W 18 in D 0.13 in
A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Pastel Figure Study of a Seated Male Nude Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Pastel Figure Study of a Seated Male Nude Model by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). An exceptionally well executed, early 1930s p...
Paper, Pastel
$560Sale Price|20% Off
H 39 in W 27.5 in
Philosopher 2 - original large art by Paula Craioveanu ink acrylic 39x27.5in
Located in Forest Hills, NY
"Philosopher 2", ink, tempera, acrylic on paper. Large drawing. Shipped rolled in a tube, from Europe, using DHL or FedEx. Artist Statement "I started by painting interiors, being ...
Paper, Tempera, Pencil, Acrylic
$235
H 24 in W 18 in D 0.13 in
A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Pastel Figure Study of a Standing Male Nude (Back)
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Pastel Figure Study of a Standing Male Nude Model (Back) by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). An exceptionally well executed, earl...
Paper, Pastel
$760
H 39 in W 27.5 in
Dreaming - Large Contemporary Nude Drawing, Tempera on Paper 39x27in in Florida
Located in Forest Hills, NY
“Dreaming”, pencil and ultramarine tempera on paper, inspired by Matisse and Botero. Part of Nude in Interior series. Nude shown in a Victorian interior, in a cinematic view. In a di...
Tempera, Archival Paper, Pencil
Untitled
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Charcoal with red and white conté crayon on Rives BFK paper Signed and dated, recto This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Mark Beard, born in 1956 in Salt ...
Wax Crayon, Rag Paper, Charcoal
$1,339
H 28.94 in W 23.12 in
Academic Study of a Male Nude with Moustache and Staff, Florentine School
Located in Firenze, IT
Academic Study of a Male Nude with Moustache and Staff, Florentine School, Late 18th – Early 19th Century. Charcoal and white chalk on cotton paper prepared with tempera. Sheet dim...
Paper, Chalk, Charcoal, Tempera
Untitled
By Mark Beard
Located in New York, NY
Charcoal with red and white conté crayon on Rives BFK paper Signed and dated, recto This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. Mark Beard, born in 1956 in Salt ...
Conté, Charcoal, Paper
$235
H 24 in W 18 in D 0.13 in
A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Figure Study Drawing, Standing Male Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine 1930s Modern Academic Figure Study Drawing, Standing Male Nude Model by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). An exceptionally well executed early 1930s cha...
Paper, Pastel
Sold
H 18 in W 24 in
Haven - Original Charcoal on Paper Nude Figure Drawing, Gold Frame
Located in Chicago, IL
Nathan Brad Hall Haven , 2023 charcoal on paper 18h x 24w 45.72h x 60.96w cm FRAMED DIMENSIONS 23.50h x 29.50w in 59.69h x 74.93w cm NBH002 Framing Options Available Nathan Brad Ha...
Paper, Charcoal
Figure Study
Located in London, GB
John R. Grabach, (American 1886-1981), Figure Study, Charcoal on paper, signed (centre), 75cm x 56cm, (90cm x 70cm framed). An American painter who gained prominence in the art wor...
Paper, Charcoal
Sold
H 27.17 in W 21.26 in
Late 19th century Italian figure drawing - Male Nude - Pencil paper Italy
Located in Varmo, IT
19th-20th century Italian painter - Male nude. 58 x 43 cm without frame, 69 x 54 cm with frame. Drawing in pencil and white chalk on paper, in a lacquered wood frame. Condition re...
Paper, Pencil
Nude woman charcoal drawing
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Frame size 55x73 Is born in Madrid on the 21st july 1951. After attending primary school, he starts to grow an enormous tendency for drawing. At the age of 14 he begins to work in ...
Charcoal
Study for femme Nue, Liggend Naakt
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid 20th Century life drawing study on paper by the Dutch artist Wim Oepts. Possibly an atelier sketch for the painting, 'Liggend Naakt' from 1937 (SK054 Mon...
Paper, Ink
Femme Nue, Liggend Naakt.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid 20th Century life drawing on paper by the Dutch artist Wim Oepts. Possibly an atelier sketch from the series Zittend Naakt from 1937 (TK045 Monografie en...
Paper, Crayon
Consolidated listing
By Paul Cadmus
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Three drawings by Paul Cadmus: 1. Double sided chalk drawing: Recto: Seated Nude Dancer, Verso: Standing Nude Dancer Colored chalks on CM Fabriano paper, c. 1970's Recto: Signed uppe...
Chalk
Sold
H 3.55 in W 2.76 in
Christian Bouillé (1948-2005) A naked man, original drawing
Located in Paris, FR
Christian Bouillé (1948-2005) A naked man, Ink on paper 9 x 7 cm In a modern wooden frame 26 x 21.5 cm Christian Bouillé was born in 1948 in Montereau in...
Ink
"String of Pearls, " Charcoal Drawing
Located in Denver, CO
Mark Bradley Schwartz's (US based) "String of Pearls" is an original, handmade charcoal drawing that depicts a dark haired woman in sepia tones with ...
Paper, Charcoal
"Back View 10, " Mixed Media Drawing
Located in Denver, CO
Mark Bradley Schwartz's (US based) "Back View 10" is an original, handmade mixed media drawing that depicts the monochromatic nude back of a brunette woman straddling a chair. Arti...
Paper, Mixed Media
"Vanity, " Charcoal Drawing
Located in Denver, CO
Mark Bradley Schwartz's (US based) "Vanity" is an original, handmade charcoal drawing that depicts the monochromatic portrait of a woman with lo...
Charcoal, Vellum
"Male Nude" pencil on paper cm. 31 x 42 1890ca
Located in Torino, IT
Male nude, male, pencil, 1890,study Shipping free Frame cm. 46 x 56 No frame cm 31x41
Paper, Pencil