We are often asked the difference between Realist and Representational Art. The image to the left is, of course, a photograph. Photographs are what realist art is compared to.
This illustration of an apple is an example of what one might find in a vintage seed catalog. It actually describes the apple in terms of color features and brand in a photography manner. This is the kind of mimesis one finds in Realist Art.
Full title: Still Life with Apples and a Pomegranate Artist: Gustave Courbet Date made: 1871-2 Source: http://www.nationalgalleryimages.co.uk/ Contact: picture.library@nationalgallery.co.uk Copyright © The National Gallery, London
This painting of apples by Gustave Courbet is a prime example of representational art