Photorealist Black and White Photography
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
Patti Smith 1975 Iran War Protest, framed first print of the edition #1/20
Located in Austin, TX
Patti Smith taken in NYC during a 1975 Iran War protest by Lynn Goldsmith.
Recently framed with non-glare museum glass, signed limited edition 16x20" print, edition #1/20
Lynn Go...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Johnny Cash 1968 portrait
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition silver gelatin print of Johnny Cash, taken by Barrie Wentzell in London in 1968.
This Johnny Cash print is available in the following sizes.
16" x 20" - Edi...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
The Beastie Boys 1994
By Jake Chessum
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of the Beastie Boys by Jake Chessum.
Jake recalls ” This was from April 1994. I flew from London to shoot at Mike D’s ba...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Jimi Hendrix playing pool by Ed Caraeff
By Ed Caraeff
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Jimi Hendrix, shooting pool at the Bel Air home of John and Michelle Phillips, in Laurel Canyon, LA on July 1st 1967
...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Oasis at Knebworth by Jill Furmanovsky
Located in Austin, TX
Signed, limited edition print of Oasis, size A3 (11.7" x 16.5" inches) Liam and Noel Gallagher by Jill Furmanovsky. Taken on stage at Knebworth Park during their iconic gigs in Augus...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
The Rolling Stones "Out Of Our Heads" by Gered Mankowitz
Located in Austin, TX
The Rolling Stones, taken in London back in 1965 by Gered Mankowitz. This image was used for the cover of Out Of Our Heads. Featuring Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
$2,240 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare David Bowie "Diamond Dogs" contact sheet by Terry O
Neill signed and framed
Located in Austin, TX
David Bowie "Diamond Dogs" contact sheet print by Terry O'Neill, hand signed and hand numbered by Terry O'Neill from his Lifetime Edition, obtained direct from the Terry O'Neill arch...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Rotondità 1963 (Rondeurs) - Roma - Large size Black
White Fine Art Print
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork # 1 on 5 sold in limited edition in perfect condition
On Via del Tritone, an elegant exit from the small underground passage which made it possible to avoid automobile traff...
Category
1950s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Hollywood Photography from 1970 by Lawrence Schiller
Clint Eastwood
Located in White Plains, NY
Available at Madelyn Jordon Fine Art. 'Clint Eastwood, 1970' by American photographer, Lawrence Schiller. Archival digital print, EP 2/5. Image: 12.5 x 19 in. / Paper: 16 x 20 in. Fr...
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Miss Sparky 1968 Groupies, signed limited edition silver gelatin print
By Baron Wolman
Located in Austin, TX
Miss Sparky by Baron Wolman, taken in Los Angeles in 1968 as part of Baron's Groupies series, taken for Rolling Stone magazine.
Limited edition number 2/150, signed and noted by Bar...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Courtney Love
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition silver gelatin print of Courtney Love by Kevin Cummins, taken in Zurich Switzerland, 1996. Edition 50
This print by Kevin Cummins...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Steve Martin, Los Angeles 1974 “Let’s Get Small”
By Norman Seeff
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition fine art print of Steve Martin, taken in Los Angeles by Norman Seeff in 1974.
Norman recalls - “When I relocated to LA as Creative Director of United Artist ...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 2 - Roma - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 2 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm
This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Category
1950s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Pigment, Archival Pigment
Rock and Roll Circus Group Portrait
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition, archival pigment print from photographer Alec Byrne, taken during the Rock and Roll Circus taping on December 11th, 1968 featuring, ...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment, Silver Gelatin
The Beatles live in Tokyo
Located in Austin, TX
Museum quality print of The Beatles, taken on stage in Tokyo, Japan, by photographer Robert Whitaker.
The Beatles ascend the steps to the stage at Tokyo's Nippon Budokan for a matin...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
George Harrison by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, TX
George Harrison of The Beatles taken by Robert Whitaker in Chiswick Park, London, 1965.
All limited edition prints in this collection are hand numbere...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Eiffel Tower, Tokyo ( 1957 ) - Japan - Large size 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 Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
United States - New York, 1955 - Contemporary Black
White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork sold in perfect condition, print on baryta paper 310 grs pigment inks of museum quality, limited edition of 5 copies
New-York, January 1956. "United States" Docked at the wharf reserved for its company, the liner United States loads and unloads its passengers who use this means of transport to cross the Atlantic or reach South America. Born not yet knowing the competition of the plane, the liners, (United States, Queen Elizabeth, France), showcases prestigious in their country, fight to seduce a wealthy clientele.
During the 15 year period in which Fabrizio La Torre...
Category
1950s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
$1,562 Sale Price
20% Off
Fratello
Sorella, 1961 Limited Edition Photorealist Black
White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Print called "Art 2014", format 42 x 60 cm. SERIES OF 5 PRINTS + 2 AP
Artwork sold in perfect condition
During the 15 year period in which Fabrizio La Torre dedicated himself to phot...
Category
1950s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Flame - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 25"x35"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This intimate monochromatic underwater photograph captures a naked woman in a moment of quiet contemplation, her elegant form rising from the grainy bottom like a slender tongue of f...
Category
2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$720 Sale Price
20% Off
David Bowie "Heroes To Come" Heroes Contact Sheet 1977 by Sukita
Located in Austin, TX
Stunning 16" x 20", signed limited edition contact sheet print of David Bowie, titled "Heroes To Come" by Masayoshi Sukita, taken from the 1977 photo session for David Bowie's Heroe...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Escape - underwater nude photograph - archival pigment print 35"x47"
By Alex Sher
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This contemplative monochromatic nude photograph captures a naked woman suspended in minimalist gray waters, surrounded by a constellation of air bubbles ascending toward an unseen s...
Category
2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
The Beatles 1963 by Norman Parkinson
Located in Austin, TX
The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr at the President Hotel, Russell Square, London, 12 September 1963 by Norman Parkinson
NORMAN PARKINSON POST...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
George Barris, "In Her Car Montage, " photolithograph, hand signed
Located in Chatsworth, CA
Photographed in her car at the Hollywood Hills home of Tim Leimert, this black and white photolithograph was created from the original negatives in 1962 and printed in 1987. Publishe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
European Canal Fisherman Early Black and White Photograph
Located in Houston, TX
Early black and white photograph of a fisherman fishing in what appears to be a European town setting. The photograph is matted to a board to prevent bendi...
Category
20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
White Lady
Located in Kraków, Województwo małopolskie
"White Lady" is a limited-edition black
white photograph by contemporary artist Tadeusz Zych from the series entitled Gifts of the seas and oceans. Edition number 1/5.
Prints ...
Category
2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Digital Pigment
Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence, Italy Black and White Photograph
Located in Houston, TX
The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy. It is noted for the shops built alo...
Category
20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Black and White Perspective Photograph of Sidewalk with Trees
Located in Houston, TX
Landscape black and white perspective photograph of a sidewalk and trees. The photograph is matted onto a thick board to protect against bends. The photograph is not framed.
Category
20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
1960
s Hollywood Photography by Lawrence Schiller
Marilyn Monroe
Located in White Plains, NY
'Marilyn Monroe, 1962' by American photographer, Lawrence Schiller. Archival digital pigment, AP 3/5. Image: 12.5 x 19 in. / Paper: 16 x 20 in. From the set of the film 'Something's ...
Category
1960s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Sculpture Street Scene Black and White Photograph
Located in Houston, TX
Black and white sculptural street scene photograph. The photograph is attached to the board to protect against bending.
Category
20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
d
Este Eagles Among the Spouts in the Hundred Fountains in the Vill d
Este Photo
Located in Houston, TX
Black and white photograph of d'Este Eagles among the spouts in the Hundred Fountains in the Vill d'Este. The photograph is attached to a board to protect against bending.
Category
20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Black_and_White_Ver4
By Bob Tabor
Located in New York, NY
Bob Tabor is a well-established, New York based, photographer best known for his exquisite large scaled portraits of subjects ranging from horses to seascapes. It is his unique appro...
Category
2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Film, Photographic Paper, Digital, Photogram, Archival Pigm...
RON GALELLA - Michael Jackson and Muhammad Ali and wife, Veronica Parker.
By Ron Galella
Located in PARIS, FR
Muhammad Ali, his wife Veronica and Michael Jackson at the 6th annual Robert F. Kennedy Tennis Tournament Party at the Rainbow Room in New York City, August 26, 1977.
Through these p...
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
San Carlo
Located in Milano, MI
Photo taken inside the San Carlo Church of Milan.
Marcelo Soulé (Buenos Aires, 1958) trained at the Artistic Lyceum and the Brera Academy in Milan. He l...
Category
2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Black and White, Inkjet, Pigment
Pavarotti, 1977
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Francesco Scavullo (after)
Title: Pavarotti, 1977
Portfolio: A Photographic Retrospective, Volume I: Song
Medium: Gelatin Silver Print
Year: 2004
Edition: 106/150
Signed: Sig...
Category
Early 2000s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Studio 54 Logo/Crowds
Located in White Plains, NY
Studio 54 Logo/Crowds, 1978 by famed American photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print. 10 x 15 inch photo on 17 x 22 inch on the finest satin photo paper, Ed. of 50. T...
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Film, Archival Pigment
The Beatles Guitars backstage Tokyo 1966 by Robert Whitaker
Located in Austin, TX
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 Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
The Rolling Stones visit Danceteria in New York City, 1980
Located in White Plains, NY
'The Rolling Stones visit Danceteria in New York City,' July 1980 by famed photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 10 x 15 inch photo on 17 x 22 inch paper, Ed. of 50...
Category
1980s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Marianne Faithfull by Gered Mankowitz
Located in Austin, TX
English singer, songwriter and actress Marianne Faithfull, photographed at The Salisbury pub in London, 1964.
Available in the following sizes. All prints signed and numbered by Ger...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Early Black and White Photograph of a Large Cat Lounging in a Zoo Enclosure
Located in Houston, TX
Early black and white photograph of a large cat lounging in a zoo enclosure. The photograph is matted to a board to prevent bending. The photograph is not framed, but options are ava...
Category
20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Led Zeppelin 1973 by Barrie Wentzell
Located in Austin, TX
Signed limited edition print of Led Zeppelin live by Barrie Wentzell, taken in 1973.
This print is available in the following sizes.
16" x 20" - Edition 50
20" x 24" - Edition 50
3...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Patti Smith, Fuck the Clock, 1978
Located in White Plains, NY
'Patti Smith, Fuck the Clock,' 1978 by famed American photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 10 x 15 in. (image) on 17 x 22 in. (paper), Ed. of 50.
This black and ...
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
European Architectural Bridal Shop Black and White Photograph
Located in Houston, TX
Black and white photograph with a European setting. The building appears to be a bridal or dress shop. The photograph is attached to a board to protect a...
Category
20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Harlem 1958 by Art Kane
By Art Kane
Located in Austin, TX
The most famous photograph in Jazz?
Entirely possible, and considered as such by jazz and photography fans and scholars alike. Shot for Esquire Magazine in August 1958 , it was Art Kane’s first major assignment as a photographer. Kane pitched the idea of a huge group portrait to be shot on location in Harlem. No one knew, with the early call hour of 10:00 am whether anyone would show up, but they did. 58 legendary giants of jazz including Lester Young...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Raquel Welch
By Eva Sereny
Located in Austin, TX
Modern edition, C-Type print estate stamped and authenticated on reverse by a representative of the Eva Sereny archive.
American film star and sex symbol Raquel Welch...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
C Print
Icelandic Landscapes 1 (Iceland)
Located in MADRID, ES
World - Manipulated photography
The artist Wei Xiang is an artist who usually travels to obtain sources of inspiration for his art pieces. In this series of photographs manipulated w...
Category
2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$3,408 Sale Price
20% Off
James Brown Jumps on Broadway, New York City, 1979
Located in White Plains, NY
'James Brown Jumps on Broadway, New York City,' 1979 by famed American photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 15 x 10 inch photo on 20 x 16 inch on the finest satin ...
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Film, Archival Pigment
Sting, 1984
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Francesco Scavullo (after)
Title: Sting, 1984
Portfolio: A Photographic Retrospective, Volume I: Song
Medium: Gelatin Silver Print
Year: 2004
Edition: AP 7/50 (aside from the...
Category
Early 2000s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
The lake in winter (Hungary)
Located in MADRID, ES
Hungary - Manipulated photography.
As the country where Wei Xiang has lived for more than 30 years, Hungary has become a continuous source of inspiration for the artist. Evocative la...
Category
2010s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$3,408 Sale Price
20% Off
David Bowie The Archer - New special edition
Located in Austin, TX
Special limited edition series produced for the David Bowie Worldwide Fan Convention.
This iconic image of David Bowie as The Thin White Duke was taken by renowned Rock photographer...
Category
Late 20th Century Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Steve Martin, On Fifth Avenue, 1977
Located in White Plains, NY
'Steve Martin, On Fifth Avenue,' 1977 by famed American photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 10 x 15 inch photo on 16 x 20 inch on the ...
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Mike Tyson - Stampa su carta in bianco e nero
Located in Napoli, IT
Stampa su carta in bianco e nero del pugile Mike Tyson, con cornice
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Monoprint, Paper
The Cure gets caught on Columbus Ave., NYC
Located in White Plains, NY
The Cure gets caught on Columbus Ave., NYC, 4/11/80 by famed American photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 10 x 15 inch photo on 17 x 22 inch paper on the finest s...
Category
1980s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Film, Archival Pigment
The Bee Gees 20th Anniversary Party, 1975
Located in White Plains, NY
'The Bee Gees 20th Anniversary Party,' 1975 by famed American photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 10 x 15 inch photo on 17 x 22 inch on th...
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
The Ramones perform at CBGB, 1977
Located in White Plains, NY
'The Ramones perform at CBGB,' 1977 by famed American photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 10 x 15 inch photo on 17 x 22 inch on the finest satin photo paper, Ed. ...
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Iconics by Fabrizio La Torre - Set # 2 - Roma - 1956 - Vintage Photographs
Located in Brussels, BE
Artworks sold in perfect condition : Set # 2 composed of 5 Gallery Print 30x40 cm
This is an exceptional offer that we are presenting today. For almost four years, here on 1stdibs, a...
Category
1950s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment, Pigment
1920s Photo of the Seawell Cushion Wheel Co. Baseball Team of Detroit
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 1920s Detroit-based company baseball team gathered for this photo. The Sewell Cushion Wheel Company’s players wear uniform shirts bearing the timeless term “All Cush,” (frankly, wo...
Category
1920s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Cher, 1974
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Francesco Scavullo (after)
Title: Cher, 1974
Portfolio: A Photographic Retrospective, Volume I: Song
Medium: Gelatin Silver Print
Year: 2004
Edition: 150
Signed: Signed in pe...
Category
Early 2000s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Dolly Parton and Mick Jagger, 1977
Located in White Plains, NY
'Dolly Parton and Mick Jagger,' 1977 by famed photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 15 x 10 inch photo on 20 x 16 inch paper, Ed. 8/50. This photograph captures a ...
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Patti Smith and John Belushi backstage at Saturday Night Live, 1976
Located in White Plains, NY
'Patti Smith and John Belushi backstage at Saturday Night Live,' 1976 by famed American photographer, Allan Tannenbaum. Archival pigment print, 10 x 15 in...
Category
1970s Photorealist Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Film, Archival Pigment
Photorealist black and white photography for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Photorealist black and white photography 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. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Alex Sher, Allan Tannenbaum, Jake Chessum, and Kevin Cummins. Frequently made by artists working with Pigment Print, and Archival Pigment Print 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 black and white photography, so small editions measuring 5.5 inches across are also available. Prices for black and white photography 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 $200,247, while the average work sells for $1,815.