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Photorealist Art

PHOTOREALISM

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.

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Style: Photorealist
John Lennon Portrait by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, US
John Lennon and Paul McCartney of the Beatles at the Westwood Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska, 27th-28th June 1966. En route for the Japanese leg of their final world tour, the group made...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor by Terry O'Neill - rare signed artist proof
Located in Austin, US
Rare, signed artist proof print of David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor by Terry O'Neill David Bowie and actress Elizabeth Taylor meet for the first time at George Cukor’s house in Beve...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Silver Gelatin

"A City Upon a Hill" trompe l'oeil oil painting of comic clip taped on grey wall
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
"A City Upon a Hill" is a trompe l'oeil oil painting of comic clipping taped on a grey wall. Framed Dimensions: 19 x 25 inches The arts have been an integral part of Anthony Mas...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

The Beatles In White "Yesterday and Today" album cover shot by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, US
The Beatles In White by Robert Whitaker. On March 25, 1966, The Beatles visited 1 The Vale, Chelsea, London, a top-floor studio leased by Oluf Nilssen and frequently used by renow...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

The Beatles "Yesterday and Today" contact sheet print by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, US
The Beatles contact sheet by Robert Whitaker from the photo session that ended up being the controversial cover for the 1966 release "Yesterday and Today". On March 25, 1966, The ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

The Beatles Dolls 1966 contact sheet print by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, US
The Beatles "Dolls" contact sheet by Robert Whitaker from the photo session that ended up giving the band the controversial cover for the 1966 release "Yesterday and Today". On Mar...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

The Beatles Guitars backstage Tokyo 1966 by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, US
The Beatles Guitars, backstage in Tokyo Japan in 1966 by Robert Whitaker. All limited edition prints in this collection are hand numbered and authenticated with the official Rober...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

John Lennon and Paul McCartney The Beatles by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, US
Paul McCartney and John Lennon of The Beatles pictured during the recording of their annual Christmas message to the groups’ fan club at the Marquee St...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

David Bowie Smoking Clown contact sheet by Duffy, with silver frame
Located in Austin, US
Museum quality contact sheet print of David Bowie smoking a cigarette in the Scary Monsters Clown costume from the official Duffy Archive. Taken from the original negatives, these o...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor, framed signed print by Terry O'Neill
Located in Austin, US
David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor at director George Cukor’s home in Los Angeles, 1975, signed Terry O'Neill, 8x10" print, custom framed with non-glare museum glass, 8ply matting and ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Giclée

David Bowie and William Burroughs by Terry O'Neill signed print
Located in Austin, US
Signed open edition, 8” x 10” archival print of David Bowie and William Burroughs by Terry O'Neill, featuring Terry O’Neill’s embossed studio stamp On 28 February 1974, Rolling Ston...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor by Terry O'Neill - signed print
Located in Austin, US
Signed open edition, 8” x 10” archival print of David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor by Terry O'Neill, featuring Terry O’Neill’s official embossed studio stamp. David Bowie and actress ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

David Bowie and William Burroughs, framed signed print by Terry O'Neill
Located in Austin, US
Ready to ship immediately. Free domestic US shipping. David Bowie and William Burroughs in Los Angeles, February 1974, signed Terry O'Neill, 8x10" print, custom framed with non-glar...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Giclée

Patti Smith portrait by Lynn Goldsmith signed limited edition 16x20" print
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition 16x20"" print of Patti Smith taken in 1978 by Lynn Goldsmith. Limited edition number 3/20 Modern C-type print. Available for immediate shipping. Lynn Goldsm...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

C Print

David Bowie The Archer - New special edition
Located in Austin, US
NEW - Special limited edition series produced for the 2023 David Bowie Worldwide Fan Convention in June 2023. This iconic image of David Bowie as The Thin White Duke was taken by re...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Self Portrait by Chuck Close
Located in New York, NY
Self Portrait, 2007 9 color screen print on Somerset Satin paper 38 x 30 inches Edition of 118 Printed at Watanabe Press Publisher: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Chuck Close was best known for the monumental heads...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Art

Materials

Lithograph, Screen

REFLECTIONS - Photography in Black and White , Bjorn Wennerwald
Located in Napoli, IT
Bjorn Wennerwald was born in 1964 and lives in Scandinavia. He graduated as a photographer from Copenhagen Photo College in 1987. During his long career his talents have benefited a ...
Category

1990s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Bob Dylan portrait by Guido Harari
Located in Austin, US
Signed limited edition print of Bob Dylan by Guido Harari, taken in Sirmione, Italy, 1984. Available in the following sizes: A. 11” x 16” - Edition 50 B. 16” x 20” - Edition 50 C. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Night Flight - underwater black & white nude photograph - print on paper 23x32"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater black and white nude photograph of a young woman in the pool. The photograph was taken with black backdrop. Original gallery quality print signed by the artist. Digit...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Eric Clapton "Shangri La"
Located in Austin, US
Guitar legend, Eric Clapton, taking a break from recording his album ‘No Reason To Cry’ at Shangri La recording studio in Malibu, CA, US, November 21, 1975. Limited edition number 2/...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Empire, by Robert Cottingham (photorealistic image of neon sign )
Located in New York, NY
Robert Cottingham is known for imagery that celebrates the history of communications in America, specifically neon signage on urban storefronts and signs on railroad cars. In 2008, ...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Art

Materials

Screen

Jimi Hendrix by Baron Wolman rare signed platinum print
Located in Austin, US
JIMI HENDRIX ON STAGE AT THE WINTERLAND BALLROOM IN SAN FRANCISCO, FEBRUARY 1968. One copy available Signed limited edition #7/150 Rare signed platinum print with deckled bottom edge
Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Platinum

Nude Figure Breast & Hand Platinum Palladium Print on Wove by British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Nude Figure with Breast & Hand, Platinum Palladium Print on Wove by Contemporary British Artist, Malcolm Pasley (Born 1956) Art measures 14 x 11 inches...
Category

Late 20th Century Photorealist Art

Materials

Platinum

San Giorgio
Located in Milano, MI
Photo taken inside the San Giorgio church - Milan (Italy). Marcelo Soulé (Buenos Aires, 1958) trained at the Artistic Lyceum and the Brera Academy in Milan. He lives and works betwe...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Black and White, Inkjet, Pigment

Cities Services Building (Blue), Etching 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 ...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Art

Materials

Etching

General Electric Building (Blue), Etching 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...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Art

Materials

Etching

American Radiator Building (Blue), Etching 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 ...
Category

Early 2000s Photorealist Art

Materials

Etching

Blood and Milk VII - underwater nude photograph, archival print on paper 16x23"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater nude photograph of a young woman with white tulle scarf taking off her red skirt on bright red background. Original gallery quality archival pigment print on archiva...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Digital, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment

Coney Island, New York
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Jesús Navarro was born in Jerez, (Cadiz), located in southern Spain, in 1952. By the age of tw...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Tradizioni scomparse, Hong Kong 1958 - Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition Tradizioni scomparse, Hong Kong This photo was made in 1958, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime an...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Purezza, Miyajima - Japan 1960 - Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition Purezza, Miyajima - Japan 1960 This photo was made in 1960, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Piazza Navona, Roma - Italy 2019 - Full Framed Panoramic Color Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Pigment photographic paper - photography & fine art print © Jean Pierre De Neef Artwork sold in perfect condition from a limited edition of 12 ex- Composition from an assembly of 12...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

The Grand Place of Brussel - 2013 - Full Framed color panoramic photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Panoramic cityscape made from 15 pictures Pigment photographic paper - photography & fine art print © Jean Pierre De Neef - This is a Minimalist framing & presentation of the artwor...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Il cuoco felice - Thailand 1959 - Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition Il cuoco felice This photo was made in 1959, printed later, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

La Rolls del Re - Bangkok - Thaïland - Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition This photo was made in 1961, printed later, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and the technical p...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Trafic jam in Bangkok -Thailand 1957 - Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition Trafic Jam in Bangkok This is a Minimalist framing & presentation of the artwork : The Fine Art print on Baryta paper i...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

La sorella maggiore, Thailand (1959) - Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition « La sorella maggiore », In a Méo village, Thaïland This is a Minimalist framing & presentation of the artwork : The F...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Eiffel Tower, Tokyo ( 1957 ) - Japan - Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition Eiffel Tower, Tokyo - Japan This photo was made in 1957, the negative was digitized during the artist's lifetime and th...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Danae and Zeus - underwater nude photograph - print on paper 27x35"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An underwater photograph of a naked young woman wrapped in golden tulle. Her body position, her beautiful face, and golden reflection remind Ancient Greek myth of Zeus and Danae. O...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

A wet November
Located in Zofingen, AG
In this oil painting, I sought to capture the reflective mood of an urban evening, emboldening the canvas with the vibrant contrast of city lights against the brooding blues of a rai...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil

"Tempered by Fire" Oil painting 48" x 36" inch by Casey Baugh
Located in Culver City, CA
"Tempered by Fire" Oil painting 48" x 36" inch by Casey Baugh Medium: oil on linen ABOUT THE ARTIST: Baugh's work can be described as narrative impressionistic realism. Specializi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

San Babila
Located in Milano, MI
Photo taken inside the San Babila church - Milan (Italy). Marcelo Soulé (Buenos Aires, 1958) trained at the Artistic Lyceum and the Brera Academy in Milan. He lives and works betwee...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Black and White, Inkjet, Pigment

Reflections on Forest Pond in the English Countryside with Warm Yellows & Browns
Located in Preston, GB
Reflections on Forest Pond in the English Countryside with Warm Yellows & Browns, by 20th Century British Artist, Christopher Osborne. Art measures 12 x 10 inches Frame measures 18 ...
Category

1970s Photorealist Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Hot Pretzel - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 16"x23"
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Underwater nude photograph of a girl diving in a swimming pool. Original gallery quality print signed by the artist. Digital archival pigment print on archival paper with metallic ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Mourning Quinces - Photorealist Pastel Still Life Painting
Located in Boston, MA
Mourning Quinces 15.75 x 11.8 x 0.4, 0.6 lbs Pastel on Pastelmat Hand signed by artist Artist's Commentary: "When this pastel painting was finished, I suddenly realised that it ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Pastel

Ribes Rubrum - Photorealist Pastel Still Life Painting
Located in Boston, MA
Ribes Rubrum 19.70 x 15.75 x 0.4, 0.6 lbs Pastel on Pastelmat Hand signed by artist Artist's Commentary: "The red currant is widespread in almost all of Europe. It occurs wild o...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Pastel

Three Canberries - Photorealist Pastel Still Life Painting
Located in Boston, MA
Three Cranberries 11.8 x 11.8 x 0.4, 0.4 lbs Pastel on Pastelmat Hand signed by artist Artist's Commentary: "The cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon, in German named Moosbeere, but...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Pastel

"Icelandic Waterfall" photography on canvas by Deborah Benedic
Located in Clinton Township, MI
"Icelandic Waterfall" is a photograph printed on canvas that is often mistaken as a painting. It was signed on the back by photographer Deborah Benedic. Taken from a helicopter ride ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas

The Window
Located in Burlingame, CA
Mimi Jensen uses bold colors to depict theatrically lit objects. Her paintings invite speculation into possible metaphors – California Home+Design magazine Ms. Jensen is a Still Li...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Pequena Italia (Little Italy) NYC
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Jesús Navarro was born in Jerez, (Cadiz), located in southern Spain, in 1952. By the age of tw...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Notre Dame, Paris
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. The last image features a painting of Cafe de Flore and a NYC Subway painting- these are two of ...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Ventian Gondolier
Located in Atlanta, GA
This painting is in excellent condition and has only been shown in a gallery setting. Jesús Navarro was born in Jerez, (Cadiz), located in southern Spain, in 1952. By the age of tw...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Shelter" photograph by Michigan artist Patricia Izzo
Located in Clinton Township, MI
Red Barn in a northern Michigan setting--named "Shelter" by photographer Patricia Izzo. This photograph is an artist proof and is signed by the artist.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Contemporary Photography Batman Wild Spirits by Sebastian Magnani
Located in BARCELONA, ES
FRAME INCLUDED WITH THE PICTURE. Edition of 7 Hand-signed by artist Includes certificate of authenticity All Artworks are Signed & Numbered in Front with COA included Sebastian Magnani...
Category

2010s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper

Il passo sospeso del pedone, Roma 1962 - Full Framed Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in perfect condition Limited Edition of 5 + 2 AP This is a Minimalist framing & presentation of the artwork : The Fine Art print on Baryta paper is mounted o...
Category

1960s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Er Fusto, Roma Ciampino Airport (1953) Full Framed Black & White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition This is a Minimalist framing & presentation of the artwork : The Fine Art print on Baryta paper is mounted on a 2mm dibo...
Category

1950s Photorealist Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Light Lavender Iris, Lowell Nesbitt
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Lowell Nesbitt (1933-1993) Title: Light Lavender Iris Year: 1984 Medium: Oil on linen Size: 40 x 30 inches Condition: Excellent Inscription: Signed, dated, titled by the arti...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Oil

Pop Art Color Photograph Dye Transfer Print Audrey Flack Tarot Card, Skull Photo
Located in Surfside, FL
Hand signed and titled in ink by the artist from edition of 50 (plus proofs). Color Photo printed at CVI Lab by master printer Guy Stricherz. Published by Prestige Art Ltd. From the ...
Category

1980s Photorealist Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, C Print, Dye Transfer

Photorealist art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Photorealist 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, red, purple, orange and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Alex Sher, Gregory Block, Lowell Nesbitt, and Ian Hornak. 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 Photorealist art, so small editions measuring 0.79 inches across are also available. Prices for art made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $11 and tops out at $585,000, while the average work sells for $2,404.

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