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.
Onions and Glass Bowl, super realistic oil painting food still life
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A still life painting in oil on canvas of red and yellow onions and onion skins with a glass bowl. Inspired by Spanish still life painting. It is gallery wrapped with clean white sid...
Oil, Canvas
French Contemporary Art by Claudine Picard - Poires
Located in Paris, IDF
Claudine Picard is a French artist born in 1949 who lives & works in Sainte Marie, France. She is graduated from the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1973 (ENSAD).
Canvas, Oil
Quince. Realistic Figurative Still life Small Scale Oil Painting, Polish artist
Located in Warsaw, PL
Gabryela Wasowicz is a Polish painter born in 1947. She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts of Warsaw and then at the Gerrit Rietveld Akademie in Amsterdam. Once she graduated in 197...
Oil, Wood
$5,500
'Still Life Four Stacked White Gold Cups with Background of White Beige Flowers'
Located in Wellesley, MA
"Elegant Still Life of Stacked White and Gold Cups with Beige and White Flower Background," 2019, Oil on Canvas, 20 x 20 Inches (Unframed). Olga A...
Oil
French Contemporary Art by Claudine Picard - Jau
Located in Paris, IDF
Claudine Picard is a French artist born in 1949 who lives & works in Sainte Marie, France. She is graduated from the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1973 (ENSAD).
Canvas, Oil
Double Shot of Whiskey - Realist Still Life Oil Painting
By Abra Johnson
Located in Tulsa, OK
"Double Shot of Whiskey" by Abra Johnson is a captivating tableau that marries the rugged charm of the American West with the refinement of fine spirits. This expansive 36" x 36" oil...
Oil, Wood Panel
French Contemporary Art by Claudine Picard - Moules
Located in Paris, IDF
Claudine Picard is a French artist born in 1949 who lives & works in Sainte Marie, France. She is graduated from the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1973 (ENSAD).
Canvas, Oil
Studio Recycling
By Abra Johnson
Located in Tulsa, OK
Abra Johnson's "Studio Recycling" is a captivating study of iconic beverage containers. This 16" x 16" oil painting on a wood cradled panel showcases a Coca-Cola can alongside its cl...
Oil, Wood Panel
$670
Backlit Window, Figurative Italian Still Life, Black Bottles Silhouette on Paper
By Gio Bellagio
Located in Barcelona, ES
Backlit Window is a beautiful original painting by Gio Bellagio that signals a subtle shift in still life compositions. Rooted in the Italian lifestyle, the painting reduces bottles ...
Paper, Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor
"Summer Over Bridgehampton" - realist landscape painting, sun setting over beach
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Summer Over Bridgehampton" is an oil on brass landscape painting. The painting shows the sun setting over a mecox bay from Scott Cameron Beach in The Hamptons. Clouds swirl around t...
Brass
$3,600
"Petunias" oil painting of white flowers in pot on table, springtime, realism
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"Petunias" is a realist oil on canvas painting by Rachel Personett. A potting of white petunias overflows in verdant abundance. White blossoms glow against the dark background. Frame...
Canvas, Oil
"Elegant Still Life of Japanese and Persian Teapots on Patterned Fabric"
Located in Wellesley, MA
"Elegant Still Life of Japanese and Persian Teapots on Patterned Fabric" Olga Antonova’s subject is compositions of extraordinarily elegant and beautif...
Oil
Sean Farrell, "Wine and Cheese with Strawberries" 15x10 Still Life Oil Painting
By Sean Farrell
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
"Wine and Cheese with Strawberries", is a 15x10 oil painting on canvas by artist Sean Farrell featuring a grand spread of wine and fruit. A polished ch...
Oil, Board
Chair Series 5, Painting, Oil on Canvas
By Charles Choi
Located in Yardley, PA
one of my chair series painting :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Yes :: ...
Oil
"Elegant Still Life of Two Stacked Cups in White, Blue and Gold on Gray"
Located in Wellesley, MA
"Elegant Still Life of Two Stacked Cups in White, Blue and Gold on Gray" Olga Antonova’s subject is compositions of extraordinarily elegant and beautiful cups, plates, teapots, and ...
Oil
Trio, Painting, Oil on MDF Panel
Located in Yardley, PA
Cheese, bread and wine. What a trio. :: Painting :: Realism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: No :: Signed: Yes...
Oil
Banja Luka Tulip
By David Henry
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unframed Dimensions: 10 x 8 inches Framed Dimensions: 14 x 12 inches David Henry is a contemporary realist painter living in Philadelphia. He has devoted many years developing the a...
Birch, Oil, Panel
A Still Life with Sparrow and Grapes, Artist 19th century, European School
Located in Knokke, BE
A Still Life with Sparrow and Grapes Artist 19th century European School Signature: Verso signed and dated 1883 Medium: Oil on panel Dimensions: Image size 23 x 18 cm, frame size 3...
Oil, Wood Panel
'"Composition with Polka Dot Mug, Silver Russian Cup, and Lemons"
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. This composition of rich patterns and intricate formal detail is the perfect complement to the more minimal shapes and brilliant yellow of the lemons, and Antonova's compositions are a wonderful twist on the classic traditions of still life painting. This work is unframed. Antonova's paintings can be installed individually, they also work extremely well in groupings as part of a series. Commissions incorporating one’s own personal collection of family heirlooms is also an option. Olga Antonova "Composition with White/Polka Dot Mug, Silver Russian Cup...
Canvas, Oil
'Still Life with Books' by Fernand Adriaenssens ( 1859 – Antwerp – 1944 )
Located in Knokke, BE
Fernand Adriaenssens 1859 – Antwerp – 1944 Belgian Painter 'Still Life with Books' Signature: signed lower middle left 'F Adriaenssens', on revers signed and placed Antwerp 'F. Adriaenssens Anvers' Medium: oil on canvas Dimensions: Image size 50,5 x 75,5 cm, frame size 62,5 x 87,5 cm Biography: Adriaenssens Fernand...
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Claudine Picard - Coquilles
Located in Paris, IDF
Claudine Picard is a French artist born in 1949 who lives & works in Sainte Marie, France. She is graduated from the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1973 (ENSAD).
Canvas, Oil
"Elegant Still Life of Four Cups with White, Blue and Gold"
Located in Wellesley, MA
"Elegant Still Life of Four Cups with White, Blue and Gold" Olga Antonova’s subject is compositions of extraordinarily elegant and beautiful cups, plates, t...
Oil
Red Onion and Squash, realistic still life, oil on canvas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This painting was inspired by vegetables from our local farmer's market. Both the red onion and squash have beautiful forms, color and texture that are captured in oil paint. Painted...
Canvas, Oil
Textured Signed Oil Painting Still Life, Folk Art Pottery Corn Adobe Scene Art
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This vibrant textured oil on canvas painting presents a richly detailed still life inspired by Southwestern and folk art traditions. Featuring hand-painted pottery, ears of corn, flo...
Mixed Media, Oil
$845Sale Price|20% Off
Narcissus, paper, watercolor, 48x47 cm
By Dzidra Bauma
Located in Riga, LV
Dzidra Bauma (1930) Dzidra Bauma works in watercolor technique. She paint figural compositions, portraits, landscapes, flowers and still life. She is one of the most productive wate...
Paper, Pastel, Watercolor
Tulips. 1995, paper, watercolor, 55x74.5 cm
By Dzidra Bauma
Located in Riga, LV
Dzidra Bauma (1930) Dzidra Bauma works in watercolor technique. She paint figural compositions, portraits, landscapes, flowers and still life. She is one of the most productive wate...
Paper, Pastel, Watercolor
"4 Pears still Life with illusions" Soft focus Oil on canvas 42x66
Located in Southampton, NY
This oil painting from 1983 is priced at a fraction of the original price. It was originally priced at $3500 when at the gallery in the D&D building in NYC. It was in our storage a...
Canvas, Oil
Oval Impressionist Still Life of Flowers by 20th Century Modern Irish Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Oval Impressionist Still Life of Flowers by 20th Century Modern Irish Artist, Frank Fitzsimons Art measures 8 x 10.5 inches Frame measure 9.5 x 12 inch...
Canvas, Oil
$12,500
"Elegant Still Life of Many Cups, Some with Orange" Gold, Blue, White, Turquoise
Located in Wellesley, MA
"Elegant Still Life of Many Cups, Some with Orange" Oil on Canvas, 24 x 30 Inches. Exquisite, complex and joyful still life composition of multiple cups stacked, in shades of blue,...
Canvas, Oil
Still Life with Fish and Large Copper Pot, Late 18th Century Spanish Painting
Located in London, GB
Oil on canvas Image size: 24 x 28 1/2 inches (61 x 73 cm) Contemporary style hand made frame This is an incredibly carefully executed work. On what appears to be a wooden ledge we see a plate of freshwater fish, possibly a roach, a copper pot, a larger terracota pot...
Canvas, Oil
Still Life with Grapes, Realist Oil on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1880
By Morston Constantine Ream
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Morston Constantine Ream (American, 1840-1898) Grapes Oil on canvas, 10 x 12 inches Framed: 22 x 24 inches (approx.) Signed at lower right: “Morston Ream” The still-life painter Mor...
Canvas, Oil
"Jenni's Lily" (2021) By Fred Wessel, Egg Tempera on Gold Leaf Painting
By Fred Wessel
Located in Denver, CO
Fred Wessel's "Dahlia Icon" is a stunning egg tempera painting on gold leaf with coral cabochons. Created in 2021, this piece features a freshly bloomed stem of a white lily flower, ...
Gold Leaf
$6,000
Classic Still Life with Peaches, Realist Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed, 1980s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is an original painting from the studio of Werner de Caro who was born on 22 October 1945 near Augsburg, Germany. Together with his parents, he emigrated to San Francisco when ...
Canvas, Oil
Conch and the playing card
Located in CAMPO REAL, ES
With these objects I have worked for two years in a short series of still lifes. Treating the perspective inside the painting as a trompe l'oeil seemed to me an interesting idea. in...
Oil, Wood Panel
$657Sale Price|20% Off
Bright summer flowers. 2020. Watercolor, paper, 74 x 59 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Bright summer flowers. 2020. Watercolor, paper, 74 x 59 cm Zigmunds Šņore was born in 1942 in Latvia. His works has been exhibited since 1969 and are held in private collections in...
Paper, Watercolor
$1,503Sale Price|20% Off
Bowls with grapes II
Located in CAMPO REAL, ES
The artwork presents an elegant and balanced composition where two bowls with grapes are harmoniously distributed across the canvas. One bowl occupies the center, capturing the viewe...
Linen, Oil
Victory Corset shop, acrylic on canvas, 36x30 Vintage New York City image
By Charles Ford
Located in Southampton, NY
Charles Ford's work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of the City of New York. A wonderful rare early painting (1982) by Charles Ford of the classic "Victory Corset" shop in New York City...
Canvas, Acrylic
Glass Catcher
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original realist egg tempera painting by American female artist Catherine Koenig titled "Glass Catcher". This work created in 2001 is part of Draw Ne...
Board, Egg Tempera
Whiskey Glass 2
By Kenny Harris
Located in Fairfield, CT
Kenny Harris's latest body of work was informed by two recent residencies in Tuscany, at Borgo Finocchieto and Monteverdi. Inspired by the heavy Tuscan light, Harris paints the lands...
Oil, Panel
"Plastic Figure 1" Oil Painting
By Jason Walker
Located in Denver, CO
Jason Walker's (CAN based) "Plastic Figure 1" is an oil painting that depicts a lone pink plastic Cowboy figure toy standing with his gun on his shoulder...
Canvas, Oil
"6 Pack", Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
Dianne L. Massey Dunbar's (US based) "6 Pack" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts Coors light beer bottles with a white background. "6 Pa...
Oil, Board
$901Sale Price|20% Off
French Mid Century Still Life, Tablescape, Nature Morte. Oil on Board.
Located in Cotignac, FR
Large scale mid 20th Century French, oil on board, still life, tablescape, interior view, by Claude Barthélémy. Signed bottom left, presented in fine carved wood and gilt frame, with...
Oil, Board
"Cherry Creek in January" - Realist Western Winter Landscape, Oil Painting
By Quang Ho
Located in Denver, CO
About the artist: Quang Ho was born on April 30, 1963, in Hue, Vietnam. He Immigrated to the United States in 1975 and is now a U.S. Citizen. His artistic interest began at the earl...
Oil
$350
Original Floral Oil Painting “Golden Bloom” by Alena Kalen Framed Textured, COA
By Alena Kalen
Located in Palm Coast, FL
“Golden Bloom” is an original floral composition by contemporary American artist Alena Kalen, executed in oil and mixed media on canvas. The painting features a stylized arrangement ...
Mixed Media, Oil
Linear Composition
Located in CAMPO REAL, ES
Objects of different uses are used in this Linear Composition. A soft, serene composition, but giving each object its individual importance. Even though it is a composition with ele...
Linen, Oil, Wood Panel
Hydrangea Bouquet Oil Painting Palette Knife Art Impasto
Located in Zofingen, AG
Hydrangea Flowers - Floral Harmony – Original Oil Painting on Canvas by Olga Nikitina Hydrangea Painting is an original oil painting by Olga Nikitina, created with a palette knife i...
Canvas, Oil
Peach XI Original Hyperrealism Still Life Painting, Signed, 30x30 cm, Art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Oil, Panel
July 5th on Narragansett
Located in Boston, MA
This realist genre painting by artist Robert Crooker features a sale boat tilting to the left as it sales over the deep blue waters off the coast of Rho...
Canvas, Acrylic
Reflected conch
Located in CAMPO REAL, ES
With these objects I have worked for two years in a short series of still lifes. Treating the perspective inside the painting as a trompe l'oeil seemed to me an interesting idea. in...
Oil, Wood Panel
Pocket Crimson Strawberry (c) 2024, Original painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Pocket Crimson Strawberry (c) 2024 is an original oil painting by Dani Humberstone as part of her Pocket Painting series featuring small scale realistic oil paintings, with a nod to ...
Canvas, Oil
Night Stand II
By Cindy Rizza
Located in Fairfield, CT
ARTIST STATEMENT: My work delicately renders familiar domestic comforts that we use to feel secure. Examining the identities of heirloom textiles and childhood nostalgia summons conf...
Oil
Still life painting by Lucy Reitzfeld, Arrangement with a black vase
Located in White Plains, NY
'Arrangement with a black vase' 2001 by American artist Lucy Reitzfeld. Oil on linen, 36 x 48 in. / Frame: 43 x 55 in. This beautiful still life painting features a vase with a lush,...
Linen, Oil
$1,503Sale Price|20% Off
Bowls with grapes I
Located in CAMPO REAL, ES
The artwork presents an intimate scene that invites a slow, thoughtful contemplation. Two bowls filled with water and red grapes are arranged in an unusual manner from a top-down vie...
Linen, Oil
$3,438
Camellia - original realism still life oil painting modern floral study artwork
By Martha Nairn
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Pomegranates
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work is a meditative exploration of texture and color, where the pomegranate emerges as a symbol of life, abundance, and inner strength. Its glistening seeds, rendered in contra...
Canvas, Oil
Physalis - original oil painting realist flower still life realism art
By Martha Nairn
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Claudine Picard - Nature Morte 5
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas Claudine Picard is a French artist born in 1949 who lives & works in Sainte Marie, France. She is graduated from the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1973 (E...
Oil, Canvas
French Contemporary Art by Claudine Picard - Nature Morte 4
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas Claudine Picard is a French artist born in 1949 who lives & works in Sainte Marie, France. She is graduated from the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1973 (E...
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Claudine Picard - Nature Morte 3
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas Claudine Picard is a French artist born in 1949 who lives & works in Sainte Marie, France. She is graduated from the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1973 (E...
Canvas, Oil
French Contemporary Art by Claudine Picard - Nature Morte 2
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas Claudine Picard is a French artist born in 1949 who lives & works in Sainte Marie, France. She is graduated from the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1973 (E...
Canvas, Oil