A direct challenge to Abstract Expressionism’s subjectivity and gestural vigor, Photorealism was informed by the Pop predilection for representational imagery, popular iconography and tools, like projectors and airbrushes, borrowed from the worlds of commercial art and design.
Whether gritty or gleaming, the subject matter favored by Photorealists is instantly, if vaguely, familiar. It’s the stuff of yellowing snapshots and fugitive memories. The bland and the garish alike flicker between crystal-clear reality and dreamy illusion, inviting the viewer to contemplate a single moment rather than igniting a story.
The virtues of the “photo” in Photorealist art — infused as they are with dazzling qualities that are easily blurred in reproduction — are as elusive as they are allusive. “Much Photorealist painting has the vacuity of proportion and intent of an idiot-savant, long on look and short on personal timbre,” John Arthur wrote (rather admiringly) in the catalogue essay for Realism/Photorealism, a 1980 exhibition at the Philbrook Museum of Art, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At its best, Photorealism is a perpetually paused tug-of-war between the sacred and the profane, the general and the specific, the record and the object.
“Robert Bechtle invented Photorealism, in 1963,” says veteran art dealer Louis Meisel. “He took a picture of himself in the mirror with the car outside and then painted it. That was the first one.”
The meaning of the term, which began for Meisel as “a superficial way of defining and promoting a group of painters,” evolved with time, and the core group of Photorealists slowly expanded to include younger artists who traded Rolleiflexes for 60-megapixel cameras, using advanced digital technology to create paintings that transcend the detail of conventional photographs.
On 1stDibs, the collection of Photorealist art includes work by Richard Estes, Ralph Goings, Chuck Close, Audrey Flack, Charles Bell and others.
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Santa Monica Harley, Tom Blackwell
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Tom Blackwell (1938-2020) Title: Santa Monica Harley Year: 1977 Medium: Silkscreen on Masonite Edition: 56/60, plus proofs Size: 23 x 37.5 inches Condition: Good Inscription:...
Screen
Reflected Overhang II, Photorealist Screenprint by David T. Kessler
Located in Long Island City, NY
David T. Kessler, American (1950 - ) - Reflected Overhang II, Year: circa 1980, Medium: Screenprint, signed, titled and numbered in pencil, Edition: 100, Image Size: 23.5 x 34 in...
Screen
$300
Birds of Paradise (Red), Photorealist Lithograph by Lowell Blair Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Lowell Blair Nesbitt was an American painter and printmaker who’s work consists of unique and vivid depictions of flowers. Birds of Paradise (Red) Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (19...
Lithograph
Reflected Overhang, Photorealist Screenprint by David T. Kessler
Located in Long Island City, NY
David T. Kessler, American (1950 - ) - Reflected Overhang, Year: circa 1980, Medium: Screenprint, signed, titled and numbered in pencil, Edition: 100, Image Size: 23.5 x 34 inche...
Screen
Fire Engine, FNDY, Photorealist Silkscreen by Ron Kleemann
By Ron Kleemann
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Ron Kleemann, American (1937 - ) Title: Fire Engine (FDNY) Year: 1979 Medium: Serigraph on Somerset Paper, signed and numbered in pencil Editio...
Screen
Twin Springs Diner, Photorealist Screenprint by Ralph Goings
By Ralph Goings
Located in Long Island City, NY
Featuring two men seated at the counter of a diner, Ralph Goings’s depiction of a classic American establishment can be viewed as a prime example of photorealism. Although both figur...
Screen
Porsche, Photorealist Screenprint by Ron Kleemann
By Ron Kleemann
Located in Long Island City, NY
Ron Kleemann, American (1937 - 2014) - Porsche, Year: 1980, Medium: Screenprint on Arches Paper, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 250, Size: 23.5 x 33 in. (59.69 x 83.82...
Screen
Red Formula, Photorealist Racing Screenprint by Ron Kleemann
By Ron Kleemann
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Ron Kleemann, American (1937 - ) Title: Red Formula Year: 1979 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 195 Image Size: 17.25 x 24 inches Paper Size: 23....
Screen
Relish, Photorealist Still Life Screenprint by Ralph Goings
By Ralph Goings
Located in Long Island City, NY
Relish by Ralph Goings, American (1928–2016) Date: circa 1990 Screenprint, Signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 195,AP 55 Size: 25 in. x 38 in. (63.5 cm x 96.52 cm)
Screen
Tom Sneva, Photorealist Racing Screenprint by Ron Kleemann
By Ron Kleemann
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Ron Kleemann, American (1937 - ) Title: Tom Sneva Year: 1979 Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 195 Image Size: 17.25 x 24 inches Paper Size: 23.5 x...
Screen
Peach Lily on Beige, Photorealist Screenprint by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933 - 1993) Title: Peach Lily on Beige Year: 1980 Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 200 Image Size: 40 x 29 inches Si...
Screen
O'Connor's Diner, Photorealist Silkscreen by John Baeder
By John Baeder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: John Baeder, American (1938 - ) Title: O’Connor’s Diner Year: 1980 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Size: 22 x 30 in. (55.88 x 76.2 cm)
Screen
Four Flowers, Photorealist Screenprint on Paper by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Four Flowers Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933–1993) Date: 1980 Screenprint, signed, numbered and dated in pencil Edition of 137200 Image Size: 25 x 25 inches Size: 31.5 x 31.25 i...
Screen
Viola Adorata, Photorealist Screenprint by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933 - 1993) Title: Viola Adorata Year: 1981 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Image Size: 30 x 38 inches Size: ...
Screen
Three Egrets 1980 Signed Limited Edition Screen Print
By Fran Bull
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Artist: Fran Bull Title: Three Egrets Year: 1980 Print: Screen Print on Rives BFK White paper Size: 22'' x 30'' inches Edition: Signed in pencil and marked 230/250 Fran Bull is b...
Screen
Duesenberg, Photorealist Classic Car Screenprint by Phyllis Krim
By Phyllis Krim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Duesenberg Phyllis Krim, American (1930–2014) Date: 1978 Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of AP 30 Image Size: 22 x 22 inches Size: 26 in. x 26 in. (66.04 cm x 66.0...
Screen
$850
Night, Times Square from the City Scapes Portfolio, Screenprint by Noel Mahaffey
By Noel Mahaffey
Located in Long Island City, NY
Night, Times Square from the City Scapes Portfolio Noel Mahaffey, American (1944) Date: 1981 Screenprint on Somerset, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 250, 30 AP Size: 22 in....
Screen
The Window, Photorealist Lithograph by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - The Window. Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 175, Size: 26 in. x 16.5 in. (66.04 cm x 41.91 cm)
Lithograph
The Gallery of Homes, Photorealist Lithograph by Alan Torey
Located in Long Island City, NY
Alan Torey - The Gallery of Homes, Year: 1971, Medium: Lithograph, signed, numbered and dated in pencil, Edition: 15/150, Image Size: 15.5 x 23.5 inchces, Size: 23 x 31 in. (58....
Lithograph
Downtown Houston, Signed Photorealist Screenprint by CJ Yao
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: C.J. Yao Title: Downtown Houston Year: 1982 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Paper Size: 22 x 30 inches
Screen
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
Transparent Barricades, Ian Hornak
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944-2002) Title: Transparent Barricades Year: 1981 Medium: Silkscreen in colors vélin de Rives BFK paper Size: 26 x 40 inches Edition: 86/200, plus proofs Condit...
Screen
$37,319Sale Price|24% Off
Urban Landscapes No. 3
Located in London, GB
The complete set of eight screenprints in colours, 1981, on Fabriano Cotone paper, with full margins, signed and numbered from the edition of 50 in pencil (there were also 15 artist'...
Screen
$413Sale Price|20% Off
Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 2 - Roma - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 2 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Archival Pigment, Pigment
$4,116
Euphemia No 2, Allan Forsyth, Limited Edition Butterfly Print, Affordable Art
Located in Deddington, GB
Euphemia No 2 is a limited edition still life study of a butterfly by Allan Forsyth. Allan Forsyth is available at Wychwood Art online and in our gallery. Allan is an artist who expl...
Archival Ink, Photographic Paper
Time Square Night (Eternity), Photorealist Screenprint by Ken Keeley, circa 1995
By Ken Keeley
Located in Long Island City, NY
This screenprint was created by New York-based artist Ken Keeley. Keeley's Keeley's collections of candy bars and magazines; storefronts and street scenes gr...
Screen
For Amber Waves of Grain, Photorealist Lithograph by Raymond Hosford
Located in Long Island City, NY
Raymond Hosford, American - For Amber Waves of Grain, Year: 1973, Medium: Lithograph, signed in pencil, Image Size: 16 x 24 inches, Size: 22 x 30 in. (55.88 x 76.2 cm), Publisher...
Lithograph
Waiting in the Wings, Photorealist Ballet Screenprint by Douglas Hofmann
By Douglas Hoffman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Douglas Hofmann, American (1945 - ) Title: Ballerinas Year: Circa 1990 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 100 Image Size: 33.5 x 20 inches Frame Siz...
Screen
Encounter-Paula Cooper Gallery, Photorealist Poster by Lowell Blair Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Encounter-Paula Cooper Gallery Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933–1993) Date: 1974 Poster Size: 40 x 30 in. (101.6 x 76.2 cm)
Offset
Man on Bench (Color), Photorealist Etching by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - Man on Bench (Color). Medium: Aquatint Etching, Signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: AP, Size: 20 in. x 28 in. (50.8 cm x 71.12 cm)
Etching, Aquatint
AJ Foyt Cartwheel, Photorealist Screenprint by Ron Kleemann
By Ron Kleemann
Located in Long Island City, NY
Ron Kleemann, American (1937 - 2014) - AJ Foyt Cartwheel, Year: 1977, Medium: Screenprint, signed, numbered and dated in pencil, Edition: 175, Image Size: 20 x 29.75 inches, Si...
Screen
$4,500Sale Price|40% Off
Mustang Sally Forth, Large Photorealist Art Screenprint by Ron Kleemann
By Ron Kleemann
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large framed screenprint by Pop Artist Ron Kleemann of a shiny chrome prop plane, parked on a tarmac glistening with rainwater. The title "Mustang Sally Forth...
Screen
The Archways, Photorealist Lithograph by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - The Archways. Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 175, Size: 24.5 in. x 20 in. (62.23 cm x 50.8 cm)
Lithograph
Yellow Iris, Photorealist Screenprint on Paper by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Yellow Iris Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933–1993) Date: 1978 Screenprint on Arches, signed, numbered and dated in pencil Edition of 175 Image Size: 24 x 24 inches Size: 29.5 x 2...
Screen
Design 7, 1945 Gelatin Silver Print by Rowena Fruth
By Rowena Fruth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Design 7 Rowena Fruth American (1896–1983) Date: 1945 Gelatin Silver Print Size: 20 in. x 16 in. (50.8 cm x 40.64 cm)
Silver Gelatin
Parrot, circa 1940 Gelatin Silver Print by Rowena Fruth
By Rowena Fruth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Parrot Rowena Fruth American (1896–1983) Date: circa 1940 Gelatin Silver Print Size: 10 in. x 8 in. (25.4 cm x 20.32 cm)
Silver Gelatin
Life Begins at Four, circa 1940 Gelatin Silver Print by Rowena Fruth
By Rowena Fruth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Life Begins at Four Rowena Fruth American (1896–1983) Date: circa 1940 Gelatin Silver Print Size: 20 in. x 16 in. (50.8 cm x 40.64 cm)
Silver Gelatin
Iris on Beige, Photorealist Screenprint on Paper by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Photorealist flower screenprint by American artist Lowell Blair Nesbitt, signed and numbered in pencil. Iris on Beige Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933–1993) Date: Circa 1980 Scr...
Screen
Tiger Lily, Photorealist Screenprint on Paper by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Photorealist flower screenprint by American artist Lowell Blair Nesbitt, signed and numbered in pencil. Tiger Lily Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933–1993) Date: 1978 Screenprint,...
Screen
Soho Saint (Fire Engine), Photorealist Screenprint by Ron Kleemann
By Ron Kleemann
Located in Long Island City, NY
Ron Kleemann, American (1937 - 2014) - Soho Saint (Fire Engine), Year: 1976, Medium: Screenprint, signed, numbered and dated in pencil, Edition: 80, Image Size: 35.5 x 38.5 inch...
Screen
Barriers, Photorealist Screenprint on Paper by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Photorealist cityscape screenprint by American artist Lowell Blair Nesbitt, signed and numbered in pencil Barriers Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933–1993) Date: 1971 Screenprint,...
Screen
Paloma, Photorealist Screenprint by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - Paloma. Year: circa 1990, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 250, Size: 26 in. x 40 in. (66.04 cm x 101.6 cm)
Screen
$413Sale Price|20% Off
Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 1 - New York - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 1 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Archival Pigment
$413Sale Price|20% Off
Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 1 - New York - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 1 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Archival Pigment
Tiled Lunch Counter, Photorealist Screenprint by Ralph Goings
By Ralph Goings
Located in Long Island City, NY
Focusing on the three men seated at the countertop and the waitress with her back to them, Ralph Goings employs photorealism to share an idyllic image of a classic American diner. F...
Screen
American Radiator Building (Blue), Photorealist Etching by Richard Haas
By Richard Haas
Located in Long Island City, NY
Richard Haas, American (1936 - ) - American Radiator Building (Blue). Year: 2005, Medium: Etching, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 30, Image Size: 20 x 16 inches, Size: 26 ...
Etching
Red Spotted Lily, Photorealist Screenprint on Paper by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Photorealist flower screenprint by American artist Lowell Blair Nesbitt, signed and numbered in pencil. Red Spotted Lily from the Stamp Series Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933–1...
Screen
Cities Services Building (Blue), Photorealist Etching by Richard Haas
By Richard Haas
Located in Long Island City, NY
Richard Haas, American (1936 - ) - Cities Services Building (Blue). Year: 2005, Medium: Etching, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 30, Image Size: 20 x 16 inches, Size: 26 x ...
Etching
General Electric Building (Blue), Photorealist Etching by Richard Haas
By Richard Haas
Located in Long Island City, NY
Richard Haas, American (1936 - ) - General Electric Building (Blue). Year: 2005, Medium: Etching, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 30, Image Size: 20 x 16 inches, Size: 26 x...
Etching
Wines and Liquors, Photorealist Lithograph by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - Wines and Liquors. Year: circa 1979, Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: AP, Image Size: 12 x 23 inches, Size: 18 in. x ...
Lithograph
$750
Balloons in Central Park, Photorealist Screenprint by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - Balloons in Central Park. Year: circa 1990, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 19/200, Size: 22 in. x 29 in. (55.88 cm...
Screen
Bluebird, Photorealist Floral Lithograph by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933 - 1993) Title: Bluebird Year: 1981 Medium: Serigraph, Signed and Numbered in Pencil Edition: AP 5/25 Image Size: 27.5 x 35.5 inches Fram...
Lithograph
Blue Iris, Photorealist Etching on Paper by Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Long Island City, NY
Lowell Blair Nesbitt was an American painter and printmaker who’s work consists of unique and vivid depictions of flowers. Blue Iris Lowell Blair Nesbitt, American (1933–1993) Date:...
Etching
La Cabana, Photorealist Screenprint by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - La Cabana. Year: circa 1990, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 250, Size: 26 in. x 35 in. (66.04 cm x 88.9 cm)
Screen
Neighbors, Photorealist Lithograph by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - Neighbors. Year: circa 1979, Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 200, AP, Image Size: 12 x 23 inches, Size: 17 in. x 28 ...
Lithograph
Esperanza, Screenprint by Audrey Flack
By Audrey Flack
Located in Long Island City, NY
Esperanza by Audrey Flack, American (1931) Date: Circa 1972 Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 150 Size: 34 in. x 24 in. (86.36 cm x 60.96 cm) Published by Shorewood
Screen
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
The Unexpected Frontier, Ian Hornak
By Ian Hornak
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Ian Hornak (1944-2002) Title: The Unexpected Frontier Year: 1981 Edition: 57/150, plus proofs Medium: Silkscreen in colors on vélin de Rives BFK paper Size: 29.13 x 38.19 in...
Screen
The Landmark Tavern, Photorealist Screenprint by Harry McCormick
Located in Long Island City, NY
Harry McCormick, American (1942 - ) - The Landmark Tavern. Year: circa 1980, Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: AP, Image Size: 24 x 33 inches, Size: 29 in....
Screen
Angel's Concert, Photorealist Screenprint by Ian Hornak
By Ian Hornak
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Ian Hornak Title: Angel's Concert Year: 1978 Medium: Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 200 Image Size: 18 x 25.5 inches Size: 22 x 29 in. (55.88 x 73.66 cm)
Screen
Trash Can, Photorealist Lithograph by Paul Sarkisian
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Paul Sarkisian, American (1928 - ) Title: Trash Can (From Documenta, The Superrealists, New York) Year: 1972 Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 300 P...
Lithograph
$7,408
Magnolia Angelic, Allan Forsyth, Contemporary Luxury Statement Art, Bright Art
Located in Deddington, GB
Allan Forsyth MAGNOLIA ANGELIC Limited Edition Floral Print Archival Chromagenic Photographic Print Edition of 25 Artwork Size: H 76cm x W 228cm x D 2cm Diasec Framed and Ready to Ha...
Metal