Skip to main content

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.

to
1,650
5,381
3,201
2,728
2,004
1,849
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
331
1,182
6,306
7,368
122
72
118
144
171
701
1,279
1,373
862
309
197
117,897
64,516
56,624
28,646
14,584
9,627
6,895
6,034
4,183
3,158
2,548
2,314
2,145
600
7,472
5,191
1,815
5,900
2,970
2,157
1,830
1,778
1,283
1,273
1,142
1,000
991
884
852
707
707
683
643
627
587
543
508
8,164
5,777
3,566
3,322
3,321
3,463
133
98
84
4,058
4,718
10,036
4,038
Style: Realist
St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire
St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire

St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire

By John Basire

Located in London, GB

James Basire & John Carter Floor plan of St Albans Cathedral Engraving 61 x 95 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation ...

Category

1810s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

"Autobiography" Aaron Bohrod, Pun Humor, Cars, Realism, Motoring
"Autobiography" Aaron Bohrod, Pun Humor, Cars, Realism, Motoring

"Autobiography" Aaron Bohrod, Pun Humor, Cars, Realism, Motoring

By Aaron Bohrod

Located in New York, NY

Aaron Bohrod Autobiography, 1991 Signed lower right Oil on gesso board 12 x 16 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

1990s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire
St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire

St Albans Cathedral (1810), engraving by James Basire

By John Basire

Located in London, GB

James Basire & John Carter St Albans Cathedral Engraving 62 x 46 cm This engraving was originally published by the Society of Antiquaries of London, an organisation dedicated to ...

Category

1810s Realist Art

Materials

Engraving

Serene Countryside Scene with Trees, a Tranquil Pond and a Charming Cottage
Serene Countryside Scene with Trees, a Tranquil Pond and a Charming Cottage

Serene Countryside Scene with Trees, a Tranquil Pond and a Charming Cottage

Located in Preston, GB

Serene Countryside Scene with Trees, a Tranquil Pond and a Charming Cottage by 20th Century German Artist, Krahn. Art measures 20 x 16 inches Frame measures 24 x 20 inches This pa...

Category

20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Oil

Nineteenth Century Winter Landscape in Pennsylvania by Thomas Birch
Nineteenth Century Winter Landscape in Pennsylvania by Thomas Birch

Nineteenth Century Winter Landscape in Pennsylvania by Thomas Birch

By Thomas Birch

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Thomas Birch (American, born England, 1779-1851) Winter Landscape, Pennsylvania Oil on canvas, 18 x 24 inches FRAMED: 27 x 33 inches (approx.) Thomas Birch was born in Warwickshire, England, son of the enamel and miniature painter William Russell Birch (1755-1834). He and his father settled in Philadelphia in 1794 and produced popular sets of engravings that documented the city's growth such as The City of Philadelphia (1800) and Country Seats (1808). Thomas Birch began to paint portraits around 1806, and soon gravitated to the subjects that made him famous, landscapes, winter scenes, and marine scenes. Birch also painted numerous winter scenes throughout his career, perhaps influenced by the popularity of sleighing and skating in Philadelphia. His landscapes represented the more rustic tradition of English painting and although the subject matter was either the Pennsylvania of New Jersey countryside, Birch’s imagination was oriented toward seventeenth century Dutch painting as he was influenced by artists Jan van Goyen and Salomon van Ruysdael. Birch frequently exhibited his work at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Artists’ Fund Society, formed in 1835. His art was influential in the later development of the Hudson River School of painting and the style of romantic realism...

Category

Early 19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Flyover nº II
Flyover nº II

Flyover nº II

By Juan Álvarez Cebrián

Located in CAMPO REAL, ES

"Elevated Passage No. II" captures the serenity of the Tablas de Daimiel, a UNESCO-protected wetland in Ciudad Real, Spain. The painting features a wooden bridge that stretches from ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

"Dr. King", Impressionist Portrait: Realist Acrylic and Gold Leaf Art
"Dr. King", Impressionist Portrait: Realist Acrylic and Gold Leaf Art

"Dr. King", Impressionist Portrait: Realist Acrylic and Gold Leaf Art

Located in San Diego, CA

This is a one of a kind original acrylic and gold leaf painting by San Diego artist, Duke Windsor. Windsor’s success as a contemporary artist lies in his ability to infuse ordinary s...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Elephants, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Elephants, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Elephants, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Valeria Radzievska

Located in Yardley, PA

A pair of elephants hugging. Strong marriage, love, feelings, fidelity, trust. Such manifestations of conjugal love, which can sometimes be seen in the animal world, are impressive. ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Clare Bridge, watercolour by Mark McCrum
Clare Bridge, watercolour by Mark McCrum

Clare Bridge, watercolour by Mark McCrum

Located in London, GB

Mark McCrum Clare Bridge Watercolour 29 x 39 cm Signed and dated to lower right Mark McCrum, born in Cambridge, England, is a distinguished author and artist known for his diverse...

Category

1980s Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor

“Cassandra” oil painting, portrait of woman with curly hair, warm tones, tondo
“Cassandra” oil painting, portrait of woman with curly hair, warm tones, tondo

“Cassandra” oil painting, portrait of woman with curly hair, warm tones, tondo

By Steven Assael

Located in Sag Harbor, NY

“Cassandra” is an oil on copper panel portrait painting by acclaimed figurative painter Steven Assael. A realist portrait of a woman’s head in the center of the panel surrounded by a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Copper

"Cup Composition & Orange Ball"   Elegant Stacked Gold/White Cups on Pale Aqua
"Cup Composition & Orange Ball"   Elegant Stacked Gold/White Cups on Pale Aqua

"Cup Composition & Orange Ball" Elegant Stacked Gold/White Cups on Pale Aqua

By Olga Antonova

Located in Wellesley, MA

Olga Antonova’s subject is compositions of extraordinarily elegant, beautiful and whimsical cups, plates, teapots, vases and dishes, but there is something playful about these paintings. Stacked teacups are also amusing, having a kind of jaunty and upbeat personality of their own. Polka dots are as endearing to adults as to children, and everyone responds to the bling and sparkle of gold and silver while marveling at Antonova’s seemingly effortless ability to paint these radiant details. Olga Antonova "Cup Composition with Gold and White Cups...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Horizon"
"Horizon"

"Horizon"

Located in Edinburgh, GB

A sketch of nature from life at sunset

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Fiberboard

Jardin Marco Polo, Oil on cardboard, 40x48 cm

Jardin Marco Polo, Oil on cardboard, 40x48 cm

By Oto Plader

Located in Riga, LV

Oto Pladers (1897.8.III – 1970.2.V) Oto Pladers learned in Riga city school of art (1913 – 15). He was called into the army in 1916 and continued studies after the war in Latvia Art ...

Category

1930s Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Two Apples, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Two Apples, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Two Apples, 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

"Stardust" Oil Painting

"Stardust" Oil Painting

By Sara Scribner

Located in Denver, CO

Sara Scribner's (US based) "Stardust" is an oil painting that depicts a realistic portrait of a feminine form in profile wearing blue in a blue interior ...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Sea, 1980. Cardboard, oil, 56x68 cm
Sea, 1980. Cardboard, oil, 56x68 cm

Sea, 1980. Cardboard, oil, 56x68 cm

Located in Riga, LV

Painter, art teacher Valters Uzticis was born on 19 July 1914 in Daugavpils into a family of labourers. From 1932 to 1936 he studied at the Liepāja Art Secondary School. In 1943 he graduated from the master workshop of figurative painting of Professor Ludolfs Liberts...

Category

1980s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

By the lake. Oil on cardboard, 40x50 cm
By the lake. Oil on cardboard, 40x50 cm

By the lake. Oil on cardboard, 40x50 cm

By Arnolds Pankoks

Located in Riga, LV

Landscape by the lake. Oil on cardboard, 40x50 cm Arnolds Pankoks (born 1914.21.IX - 2008.) Graduated Art Academy of Latvia (1937 – 43, 1945 – 47) with diploma work "Restoration of ...

Category

1990s Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Cardboard

Ladybug Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Ladybug Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Ladybug Love, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Marlene Llanes

Located in Yardley, PA

Celebrate love by bringing this happy painting into your home! This oil on canvas measures 16x16x0.75 inches. The sides were painted so it may hang without a frame. You may also fr...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Purple poppies. 1982, watercolor on paper, 80x68 cm

Purple poppies. 1982, watercolor on paper, 80x68 cm

By Ilona Brekte

Located in Riga, LV

Purple poppies. 1982, watercolor on paper, 80x68 cm Still life with violet-white poppies Ilona Brekte (1952) - watercolor painter. Graduated Art Academy ...

Category

1980s Realist Art

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Birch Tree Laundry, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Birch Tree Laundry, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Birch Tree Laundry, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Located in Yardley, PA

Oil on canvas This clothesline is in Baie-Sainte-Paul, a famous artistic village along the St. Laurence River in the fabulously beautiful Charlevoix area of Quebec. Most Quebecers c...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Radishes, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper
Radishes, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper

Radishes, Painting, Watercolor on Watercolor Paper

By Lynne Atwood

Located in Yardley, PA

This group of brilliantly colored radishes has a full spectrum of warm and cool reds and greens. The spindly roots underground add interest to the piece. :: Painting :: Realism :: Th...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Watercolor

Blue-Eyed Young Woman Portrait Framed Oval by Swedish Master early 20th century
Blue-Eyed Young Woman Portrait Framed Oval by Swedish Master early 20th century

Blue-Eyed Young Woman Portrait Framed Oval by Swedish Master early 20th century

Located in Stockholm, SE

Signed lower left “С Wilhemson” possibly leading to Carl Wilhelm Wilhelmson (1866 - 1928), was a Swedish painter, draftsman, graphic artist, art educator and professor at the Royal A...

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Cotton Canvas, Oil

Lemons II, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Lemons II, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Lemons II, Painting, Oil on Canvas

By Paulo Jimenez

Located in Yardley, PA

Original Art by Paulo Jimenez © 2014. Please contact me for international shipping availability. Thank you :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Oil

Étienne-Prosper Berne-Bellecour, Boulogne 1838 – 1910 Paris, Battle Scene
Étienne-Prosper Berne-Bellecour, Boulogne 1838 – 1910 Paris, Battle Scene

Étienne-Prosper Berne-Bellecour, Boulogne 1838 – 1910 Paris, Battle Scene

Located in Knokke, BE

Berne-Bellecour Étienne-Prosper Boulogne 1838 – 1910 Paris French Painter Battle Scene Signature: Signed middel lower left Medium: Oil on panel Dimensions: Image size 22 x 27 cm Biography: Berne-Bellecour Étienne-Prosper was born in Boulogne, France on June 29, 1838. He was a French painter illustrator and printmaker. He also practiced as a sculptor and an etcher. He studied under master teachers and artists Picot François-Édouard and Barrias Félix- Joseph. He also studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and competed in 1859 for the Prix de Rome. He also worked in photography to support himself while he studied. In 1867 he won a prize for photography at the Universal Exposition. French painter Vibert Jehan Georges...

Category

Late 19th Century Realist Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

Slim Aarons 'Bahamas Signpost''
Slim Aarons 'Bahamas Signpost''

Slim Aarons 'Bahamas Signpost''

By Slim Aarons

Located in New York, NY

Slim Aarons Bahamas Signpost 1964 C print Estate stamped and hand numbered edition of 150 with certificate of authenticity from the estate. A signpost in Nassau points the way to...

Category

1960s Realist Art

Materials

Lambda

Tranquil Beach – Dog in Coastal Landscape Painting on Panel, Blue Sky & Clouds
Tranquil Beach – Dog in Coastal Landscape Painting on Panel, Blue Sky & Clouds

Tranquil Beach – Dog in Coastal Landscape Painting on Panel, Blue Sky & Clouds

By Kazaan Viveiros

Located in Dallas, TX

"Tranquil Beach" is a peaceful dog painting on panel by Kazaan Viveiros features a soulful brown dog sitting quietly amid coastal grasses under a blue sky with soft clouds. A tranqui...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Paint, Acrylic, Wood Panel

Picasso Muse, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Picasso Muse, Painting, Oil on Canvas

Picasso Muse, 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

The Dancer (Anais)

The Dancer (Anais)

By Gerald Leslie Brockhurst

Located in New York, NY

Gerald Leslie Brockhurst (1891-1978), The Dancer (Anais), 1925, etching, signed lower right and dedicated by the artist (to F.L. Berry, Esq.) lower left [also signed and dated in reverse in the plate lower left]. Reference: Fletcher 52, seventh state (of 7). From the edition of 107. In good condition, with slightest toning, with full margins and as issued and (not archivally) matted, 9 1/4 x 5 1/2, the sheet 15 3/8 x 9 3/8 inches. Provenance: F. L. Berry (not in Lugt, see note below) Roddy Willis has graciously provided an extensive background note on this provenance, which I quote from with permission: “Francis Berry...

Category

1920s Realist Art

Materials

Etching

In the Garden

In the Garden

By Lisa Golightly

Located in Fairfield, CT

Rooted in the concept of memory born from photographs, Lisa Golightly’s paintings are reconstructions of found film photography as seen through the artist’s eye. Photography remains...

Category

2010s Realist Art

Materials

Acrylic, Panel

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.