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.
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow Posed Lying On The Grass
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow With Horns Facing Away
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$2,193
Cowboy: The Freedom Rider- Western painting, American Artist, Horse painting
Located in Oslo, NO
cowboy, horse, prairie, Western art, Western painting, American art, American artist, freedom, Wild West "This painting was inspired by American Westerns and the films of the Wild W...
Canvas, Oil, Linen
A Jockey on a Racehorse. Antique framed oil on canvas. Sir Herbert James Gunn
Located in St. Albans, GB
Sir Herbert James Gunn (1893 - 1964) A Jockey Before the Race Signed Oil on Canvas Provenance: Christies sporting art This is a striking, dynamic equestrian oil painting by the ren...
Canvas, Oil
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of Small White Sheep Lying Down
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of A Bull Lying Down
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$2,510Sale Price|25% Off
Oil Painting of Horses & Farmer in the English Countryside by British Artist
By James Wright
Located in Preston, GB
Oil Painting of Horses & Farmer in the English Countryside by 20th Century Modern British Artist, James Wright Art measures 24 x 18 inches Frame measures 29 x 23 inches Pres...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow Posed Lying On The Ground
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
Daria. Snail. Ocher. Light. Minimalism. Original. Animals. Small.
Located in Oslo, NO
This is a small yet impressive oil painting that imitates a wall with a snail on it. It's a part of the Series, yet each painting is unique. The snail left a glistening trail of slim...
Canvas, Oil
Castlewellan Lake in Northern Ireland by 20th Century British Landscape Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Castlewellan Lake in Northern Ireland by 20th Century British Landscape Artist, Spencer Coleman. Unique Vintage Original, Oil on Canvas...
Gesso, Canvas, Cotton, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow with Horns Stood in Lake Profile
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
Antique Dog Painting of a Terrier- "The Shah" George Earl (England, 1824-1908)
By George Earl
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Antique Dog Painting of a Terrier: “The Shah” George Earl (England, 1824-1908) Circa 1870 Oil on canvas. 12 ¾ x 12 ¾ (21 x 21 frame) inches. Orig...
Canvas, Oil
$1,505Sale Price|55% Off
Peaceful Misty Riverside in the English Countryside with Cows & Tree Reflections
Located in Preston, GB
Peaceful Misty Riverside in the English Countryside with Cows & Tree Reflections by 20th Century British Artist. Unique Vintage Original, Oil on Canvas, Signed. Art measures 30...
Gesso, Canvas, Cotton, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
Dog Portrait of a Hunting Dog by Jules Chardigny (1849-1892)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Antique Dog Painting of a Hunting Dog Jules Chardigny (1849-1892) Circa 1870 Oil on paper. 8 x 6 (18 1/2 x 15 1/4 frame) inches In Jules Chardigny's signature style, a beloved compa...
Oil, Laid Paper
$700
19th Century British Pastoral Horse Cart Watering Scene Oil Canvas Framed Signed
Located in Stockholm, SE
This idyllic oil on canvas is a striking example of British classical landscape painting from the mid 19th century. The character and manner of this work are close to the works of ar...
Canvas, Wood, Oil
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Bull Resting On The Ground
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
"Hindsight" - Original Still-Life and Landscape, Oil Painting on Panel
By Emma Kalff
Located in Denver, CO
"This painting was made based off of a photo I took from a bus window in Mexico, near Puerto Vallarta. The image stuck with me as the idea of an idyllic hillside. It felt to me like ...
Oil, Panel
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow With Horns Resting on The Grass
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Cow Stood Face On Portrait
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$1,980Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Fluffy Pomeranian Dog Portrait Wide Gold Frame Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Incredible signed early American dog portrait painting. Oil on board. Signed. Housed in a period gold giltwood frame.
Canvas, Oil
$1,980Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Fluffy Pomeranian Dog Portrait Wide Gold Frame Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Incredible signed early American dog portrait painting. Oil on board. Signed. Housed in a period gold giltwood frame.
Canvas, Oil
$940Sale Price|20% Off
Tranquil countryside scene with farmhouse, open fields, soft light & nostalgia
Located in Preston, GB
Tranquil countryside scene with farmhouse, open fields, soft light & nostalgia of the English Countryside by 20th Century British Artist, Michael Morris (1938-2010) Art measures 10 ...
Canvas, Oil
Majestic Creatures oil/panel Horse Painting Southwest Movement Dog Animals
By Anne Embree
Located in Houston, TX
Majestic Creatures is by Anne Embree who is known for her whimsical animal paintings . Majestic Creatures focuses on the beautiful horses and the dog and the sun in the background. ...
Canvas, Oil
$8,450Sale Price|32% Off
"Big Ben in Garden" Portrait of a Bulldog by Arthur Wardle (England, 1864-1949)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"Big Ben in Garden" Antique Dog Portrait of a Bulldog Arthur Wardle (England, 1864-1949) Pastel on paper Circa 1900 13 x 9 (17 x 12) inches Though he made his reputation with large...
Pastel
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of Sheep Lying Down With Pricked Ears
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$135
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of a Horse Patiently Waiting at The Wooden Fence
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
"London prophecies"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
One of my best works in this series is "Art from Money." It's a painting with a philosophical meaning: it reflects the philosophy of human impact on the planet. This prophetic painti...
Paper, Oil
“Manchester Terrier, 1854” George Armfield Dog Portrait in Landscape Oil 19th C.
Located in Yardley, PA
A fantastic example of George Armfield’s renowned portraits of dogs. This work depicts a Manchester Terrier excitedly standing outside a rabbit hole on the edge of a forest. The ter...
Canvas, Oil
$2,719
455. Portrait, Original Oil on Board Wildlife Painting, Contemporary Realism Art
By Paul Jansen
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
British Chalk Pencil Sketch Sheep Roaming in and Munching In The Field
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Dou...
Chalk, Graphite
British Chalk Pencil Sketch of Small Sheep Laying in the Grass
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
King Charles Spaniel puppy bath painting (Oklahoma Artist)
By Jay Weaver
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Jay Weaver (?-1960). Is This Necessary?, 1952. Oil on canvas measuring 12 x 16 inches. Framed measurement: 18 x 22 inches. Signed by artist lower right. 1952 Salmagundi label af...
Canvas, Oil
$3,141
The masquerade
Located in Paris, FR
BALS Wim (1973- ) 'The masquerade' Oil on wood. Signed. Certificate on the back signed by the artist. Willem Bals, known professionally as Wim Bals, is a contemporary Belgian paint...
Oil
British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Different Posed Cows
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$776Sale Price|43% Off
Butterfly Watercolor on Silk, Signed, Handmade Paper, 31x40.5cm
Located in Cotignac, FR
One from a set of four watercolours of butterflies on silk, applied to handmade paper, with hand cut edges, by French artist La Roche Laffitte. Signed bottom left. (The other 3 items are available separately) A beautifully observed and detailed study of a butterfly painted...
Silk, Watercolor, Gouache, Handmade Paper, Carbon Pencil
British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Four Sheep In Different Positions
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$3,240Sale Price|40% Off
Kittens at Play, Antique Animals Painting, Cats, Teddy Bear
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
Josef Heimerl (Austrian, 1867-1918) Signed: Jos. Heimerl (Lower, Right) " Kittens at Play ", circa 1900 Oil on Canvas 14 3/4" x 22 7/8" Housed in a 5 1/2" Ornamented Frame in Go...
Canvas, Oil
Koko, with her favourite ball
Located in London, GB
Vivian Evans, circa 1907 Koko, with her favourite ball signed and dated ‘VIVIAN EVANS. 1907.' (lower right) oil on canvas 10 ¾ x 15 ¾ in. (27.3 x 40 cm.) frame 17 x 22 in. (43.2 x 55...
Canvas, Oil
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Cavalier King Charles at Rest- Otto Eerelman (Dutch, 1839-1926)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Cavalier King Charles at Rest Otto Eerelman (Dutch, 1839-1926) Watercolor on paper 10 1/2 x 8 (18 x 15 1/2 frame) inches Signed lower right. Gallery label on the reverse "Frans Heerk...
Watercolor, Paper
Monday, 8 AM, Pop Art Animal Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2026
Located in Edinburgh, GB
«Monday, 8 AM» captures a delightfully relatable moment of morning reluctance through the expressive, synchronous actions of two Oriental Shorthair kittens. Seated side by side again...
Oil
British Chalk Pencil Unfinished Sketch of a Cow's Body and Calf
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
Dachshund. Dog. Black. Small. Animals. Dogs. Realism
Located in Oslo, NO
This small yet delicate and elegant work depicts a portrait of a dog lying on a gray blanket. Its confident and minimalist expression immediately draws attention. The unusual, minima...
Canvas, Oil
$135
British Chalk Pencil Sketches of Two Sheep Standing and Lying on the Grass
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
French BELLE EPOQUE Fancy Gold Frame PLAYFUL KITTENS Oil painting
By Jules Leroy
Located in New York, NY
Jules Gustave Leroy Jr Playful Kittens 1856-1921 Circa 1890 15x30 inches Image size 25x40 inches with frame Housed in the Original Fancy Gilded Fra...
Oil
Wonderful Lamb (Magic & Abundance)
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Title: Wonderful Lamb (Magic & Abundance) Description: Discover the whimsical charm of "Wonderful Lamb," a captivating original artwork created by the artist Berta (Tetiana Zaichenk...
Pastel, Acrylic
$1,668Sale Price|40% Off
Roosters and Hens in a Barn 19th century E. Binam
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Roosters and Hens in a Barn 19th century E. Binam (Belgian? 19th century) Signed lower left Oil on wood panel 8 1/4 x 5 /12 (10 1/4 x 13 1/4 frame) Though little is known about E. ...
Oil, Wood Panel
"A Haunting Melody" - Whimsical Animal Painting, Oil on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
About the Artist: Claudia Griesbach- Martucci was born in Monmouth New Jersey, 1990. She attended the School of Visual Arts undergrad in 2008 and went on to obtain her Master's Degr...
Oil, Board
British Chalk Pencil Two Sketches of Still Cows In Field
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
John Rabone Harvey ( 1966 - 1922) graphic and chalk deep green artist paper , unframed artist paper : 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition Ha...
Chalk, Graphite
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Dog Portraits: "The Musicians" Charles Van den Eycken ((1859 - 1923)
By Charles H. Van den Eycken
Located in SANTA FE, NM
"The Musicians" Charles H. Van den Eycken (Belgium, 1859 - 1923) Oil on wood panel with highly ornate original wood, stucco and gilt frame. Signed upper right and dated "1893.' 10 1...
Mahogany, Oil, Wood Panel
$5,450
Portrait of a Griffon Vendéen Hunting Dog by Jules Chardigny (1842-1892)
Located in SANTA FE, NM
Dog Portrait of a Grand Vendéen Hunting Dog Jules Chardigny (1842-1892) Circa 1870 Oil on panel Signed upper left 8 x 5 1/2 (13 3/4 x 11 1/2 frame) inches Jules Chardigny was born...
Oil, Panel
A Pause Among the Hollyhocks, Realist Oil Painting, Signed 48 X 36
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
"A Pause Among the Hollyhocks" by Mary Leslie is an original 48" x 36" oil painting on canvas. Rendered in her vivid, luminous style, the grand-scale composition captures a Greater R...
Oil, Canvas
$600
"Peanut Meets the Mouse in the Moon" - Whimsical Animal Portrait, Oil on Panel
Located in Denver, CO
"Peanut has wanted to catch a wishing star since she was very small, but she is finally old enough to join in on a star hunt this season! If you catch three stars, you can meet with ...
Paper, Oil
Shepherd with Flock of Sheep, Realist Oil on Canvas, Signed, 1910-1919
Located in Naples, Florida
A signed and dated oil on canvas by British artist Robert Watson (1865–1916), depicting a shepherd tending his flock along a mountain path in the Scottish Highlands. The composition ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,800Sale Price|67% Off
"Elephant In The Pool" Lrg Orig. Oil Painting by Robert White, Frameless Display
Located in Encino, CA
“Elephant In The Pool,” an original oil on canvas by Robert K. White, is a piece for the true collector. White’s careful attention to detail and vivid use of greens, browns, and blue...
Oil, Canvas
Gateway, Jumping Horse Drawing, Charcoal on Panel, white frame
Located in Dallas, TX
"Gateway" is a beautiful and unique charcoal drawing on panel of a dynamic horse jumping in mid-air. The composition is contemporary, playing with the positive and negative space. ...
Charcoal, Graphite, Panel, Wood Panel
Federico Castelluccio, "American Mustang" Equine Portrait Oil Painting on Canvas
By Federico Castelluccio
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY
This equine portrait, "American Mustang" is a 36x48" oil painting on canvas by Italian actor and artist Federico Castelluccio. A beautiful dark horse ...
Canvas, Oil
"Baa-Relief" Aaron Bohrod, Pun Humor, Magic Realism, Sheep, Lamb
By Aaron Bohrod
Located in New York, NY
Aaron Bohrod Baa-Relief, 1986 Signed lower left Oil on gesso panel 8 x 10 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...
Oil, Board
$2,459
Sparrows and Mandarine - original contemporary realism oil painting on wood
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...
Wood, Oil
$3,900
19thC Belgian Realist Pastoral Oil Canvas Landscape Painting Ram Sheep & Goat
Located in Portland, OR
A fine 19th century antique realist oil on Canvas painting circa 1870, a pastoral landscape of a ram with sheep, by Belgian artist Laurent De Beul (1841-1872). This very attractive ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,639
Heather Budgett English Yorkshire Terrier Dog Portrait Oil Painting Framed
By Heather Budgett
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title Heather Budgett English Yorkshire Terrier Dog Portrait Oil Painting Framed Key Details Artist: Heather Budgett, English, born 1950 Subject: Two...
Oil