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.
Spring River Reflections, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Leslie White
Located in Yardley, PA
Patterns of tree and grass reflections on spring fed river water :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready...
Oil
The Green Window, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Leslie White
Located in Yardley, PA
A weathered stuccoed stone house with a green framed window. Pink roses grow along the wall and point to the window. A garden gate welcomes the viewer to a garden courtyard. This sce...
Oil
Bobelo2016–2, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Unique an original Lambarri´s Artwork :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: N...
Acrylic
Sausage, Egg and Crinkle, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By John Welsh
Located in Yardley, PA
Hello, I recently sold an egg still life, and that gave me the opportunity to paint another one! It is such a treat to use the broad brushes and thick paint in this colourful format...
Oil
Savuti Leopard at Dusk, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By John Welsh
Located in Yardley, PA
Greetings, The leopards of Botswana are incredibly beautiful. We were lucky enough to visit this year - and among other amazing experiences, we got to see leopards up close, cruisin...
Oil
Hank, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By John Welsh
Located in Yardley, PA
Hello! Living at Grenville, you become acquainted with a whole menagerie of farm animals.. One of the more elegant is a cockerel named Hank. His colouring is beautiful and, I've trie...
Oil
Philip and Monica 2, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By John Welsh
Located in Yardley, PA
Happy spring xx This portrait work is the second in my Philip Larkin series. I adore this composition which comes from Larkin's photo archive. I believe it is from a trip to Irelan...
Oil
Sun Worship, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By John Popkess
Located in Yardley, PA
A woman stands on a white sand beach, her head tilted upwards facing the sun. Painted on a fine textured, professionally stretched canvas, using Michael Harding artist quality oils a...
Oil
$345Sale Price|20% Off
Chroessi Schnell - "Cows VI" - realistic fine nature theme drawing
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Chroessi Schnell - "Cows VI". Realism, fine drawing, nature themes. The cows show the ambivalence between a life in peace and calmness on the meadows of the lower rhine landscape a...
Paper
Papillon, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Jo Beer
Located in Yardley, PA
Portrait of a beautiful Ukrainian young woman with wonderful tattoos and a mane of golden dreadlocks. I really enjoy unusual composition, it can be so much more interesting than ...
Oil
Understated...Patti Smith, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Jo Beer
Located in Yardley, PA
Patti Smith is the ultimate example of understated effortless cool. No need to be prettified or embellished, she is what she is and I love that. For that reason, I have kept this...
Oil
Whitby Goth, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Jo Beer
Located in Yardley, PA
Whitby, East Yorkshire. UK hosts World Goth Weekend to coincide with Halloween each year. It is an extremely well attended event due to the town's connection with Bram Stoker's Dracu...
Oil
The Beetles, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
About 5 years ago I started an abstract painting on a large canvas but later lost interest in continuing . After several attempts to complete the painting failed , I decided to leave...
Acrylic
Vigilance, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gary Westall
Located in Yardley, PA
The picture shows a Stag in an open landscape. It is positioned frontally in the picture space and clearly separated from the reduced background. The low horizon and the wide expanse...
Oil
Never GiveUp - Original Painting on Canvas, 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 ...
Oil
The Simpsons and the Muse, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gardani Art
Located in Yardley, PA
In creating this piece, I sought to blend the whimsical boldness of animation with the intense emotional depth of fine art. I used vibrant colors and dynamic expressions to convey a ...
Oil
Breakfast at Kitty's, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gardani Art
Located in Yardley, PA
"Breakfast at Kitty's" Allow me to unveil the story woven into this canvas, a tale told in hues and whispers of light. The genesis of this piece was a playful collision of worlds. I ...
Oil
Cherries Delight - Original Painting on Canvas, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gardani Art
Located in Yardley, PA
Indulge in the sweetness of Cherries Delight, an original oil painting on canvas by Gardani Art. This delectable dessert-themed artwork brings a delicious touch to any room, making i...
Oil
Events - Original Painting on Canvas, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gardani Art
Located in Yardley, PA
Experience the vibrant colors and exquisite details of Gardani's original still life painting on canvas. With a blend of realism and artistic expression, this painting showcases a be...
Oil
$21,000
Smile Pikachu - Original Painting on Canvas, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas Chasing
By Gardani Art
Located in Yardley, PA
"Chasing-Audrey Hepburn" is a testament to that passionate pursuit. It is more than just a painting; it is a playful dance between timeless elegance and the irrepressible spirit of P...
Oil
Discover Color - Original Painting on Canvas, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gardani Art
Located in Yardley, PA
Discover Color is an original painting on canvas by Gardani that showcases expert craftsmanship and vibrant artistry. This unique piece brings dynamic color interplay and textu...
Oil
The Guardian Cranes - Original Painting on Canvas, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gardani Art
Located in Yardley, PA
In this piece, I blend vivid pop art energy with realistic human vulnerability, using oil to create a luminous texture. The two cranes symbolize grace and protection surrounding the ...
Oil
Ocean Breeze, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gardani Art
Located in Yardley, PA
I poured my heart into this oil painting, blending realism with pop art to capture a surreal moment where time and nature intertwine. The figure's tranquility contrasts with the dyna...
Oil
Draming - Original Painting on Canvas, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Gardani Art
Located in Yardley, PA
Dreaming captures a moment of serene contemplation through masterful realism. This original oil painting on canvas depicts horses in a coastal setting, rendered with the technical pr...
Oil
Bryce Harper, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
By David Sipko
Located in Yardley, PA
This is a portrait of Phillies star Bryce Harper watching a bomb leave the park. He is one of the players that will surely end up in the HOF. This piece is done with charcoal, past...
Charcoal
Elon Musk, Drawing, Charcoal on Paper
By David Sipko
Located in Yardley, PA
This is a portrait drawing of Elon Musk. Elon is an innovator that has changed the world we live in. This piece is done with charcoal, white pastel and graphite on toned paper. It...
Charcoal
“JeSuS and The AngeLâ€
Located in Yardley, PA
This painting made it on a stretched canvas 100x70 cm with acrylics. It’s a wonderful idea to decorate at your home in every place or use it as a gift idea. It’s ready to hang ...
Acrylic
Every Leaf is a Flower, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Charles Choi
Located in Yardley, PA
Canadian fall landscapes :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes :: Signatur...
Oil
"Design project", Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Un professeur de design corrige les maquettes de la future voiture de ses élèves. :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by ...
Oil
Welsh Cottage Serenity, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Amanda Dagg
Located in Yardley, PA
"Welsh Cottage Serenity" is a timeless painting that captures the idyllic charm of the Welsh countryside. This piece features a quaint white cottage nestled amid a vibrant chorus of ...
Acrylic
Honeycomb's Architect, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Amanda Dagg
Located in Yardley, PA
Immerse yourself in nature's wonder with "Honeycomb's Architect," an exquisite oil painting that brings the beauty of bees into your home. This original artwork by Okanagan Artist Am...
Oil
Honeybee's Paradise, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Amanda Dagg
Located in Yardley, PA
Immerse yourself in the buzzing beauty of summer with "Honeybee's Paradise," an original oil painting by artist Amanda Dagg. This stunning piece is a vibrant celebration of nature's ...
Oil
Blooming Waltz, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Amanda Dagg
Located in Yardley, PA
Bring the vibrant energy of a summer garden into your home with this stunning 12x12 inch (30.5x30.5 cm) original oil painting. "Blooming Waltz" captures the delicate dance between a ...
Acrylic
Kingfish, Salmon, & Pompano
Located in Milford, NH
A fine set of three fish portraits - A Kingfish (top), Salmon (middle), and Pompano (bottom) by American sporting artist Samuel Kilbourne (1836-1881). Kilbourne was born in Bridgetow...
Canvas, Oil
Pickerel Weed Frieze, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
I canoe often on the lake in front of my property in the Maxwell Settlement near Bancroft, Ontario Canada and get lots of images with my camera of the plants in the water--including ...
Oil
Back 40-Mist in the Hills, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is a view from the back of my property in the Maxwell Settlement, Ontario of the large field and distant hills with lovely colours and mist drifting across over the trees. :: Pa...
Oil
The Abolins Place, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
This is a set of abandoned farm buildings on the lake where I live in rural Ontario. I have photographed it numerous times while canoeing and this is the second painting I have creat...
Oil
Pickerel Weed Conversations, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
While canoeing in the lake in the front of my property in the Maxwell Settlement, Ontario, Canada, I capture lots of pictures of various combinations of the plant, pickerel weed and ...
Oil
Lake Surface Abstraction, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An image from the many I find while canoeing on the lake in front of my property near Bancroft, Ontario, Canada. Usually the chosen reference is realism but in this case I was struck...
Oil
Pink Poppy II, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
I spread a bunch of mixed colour poppy seeds in my flower garden and this was one of the blooms that showed up. I knew right away it would be the subject of one of my paintings. :: P...
Oil
The Glory of Grey, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Most of my landscape themes have blue skies with white clouds or multi-coloured sunsets. But this one I painted to celebrate the magic/glory that can happen in a sky with a fully gre...
Oil
True North, Painting, Oil on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
An image of a maple leaf on location in the fall with distant landscape--created to honour the official symbol of Canada--the True North Strong and Free :: Painting :: Realism :: Thi...
Oil
Stable Door
Located in Milford, NH
A finely detailed trompe l’oeil oil painting of a horse bridle and photographs on a stable door by Canadian American artist Ernest Albert Land (1918-2006). Land was born in Hamilton,...
Oil, Board
Golden Afternoon, Mount Monadnock, NH
Located in Milford, NH
This finely detailed landscape of a stone wall and field beneath Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire on a warm summer afternoon was painted by contemporar...
Oil, Panel
Stegosaurus - Gouache poster design for Local History Society
By M R A Hollis
Located in London, GB
M R A Hollis The Local History Society Presents Prehistoric Animals Vintage poster Gouache 38 x 55 cm Professor Malcolm A Hollis was a chartered surveyor, arbitrator and professo...
Gouache
Samuel Buck (1696-1779) Ruins of Byland Abbey Yorkshire Engraving Print
Located in London, GB
To see our other views and maps of England - including London, Oxford and Cambridge, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send...
Engraving
$258
Gate of Honour Gonville and Caius College Cambridge Philip Pimlott etching 1912
Located in London, GB
To see our other views of Oxford and Cambridge , particularly suitable for wedding and graduation presents, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot find the view you want. Philip Pimlott Gate of Honour Gonville and Caius...
Etching
Morning Light
By Joe Altwer
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
A tree growing at the edge of a beach in early morning light. Artist Bio Joseph Altwer is a traditional realist oil painter born in California in 1984....
Linen, Oil
Price Upon Request
Perfect Symmetry and beauty in a Red handmade String portrait by Nemo Jantzen
By Nemo Jantzen
Located in Singapore, SG
* Exclusive Original Artwork : A one-of-a-kind artwork by Nemo Jantzen * Innovative Nail and Thread Technique: Handmade artwork with nails and thread on wood. Each nail is carefully ...
Thread, Wood Panel