I just went with my kids to see the the exhibit, "Illusions of Reality" at the Van Gogh Museum here in Amsterdam, and I was seriously impressed.  It's all Naturalist paintings from the end of the 19th Century and beginning of the 20th Century:  massive canvasses with life-sized subjects who stare out at you with a jarring sense of authenticity.  The painting above, "Sans Asile" (Homeless) by Fernand Pelez, is just one example.  But it should give you an idea.  It's some pretty powerful stuff.

Unfortunately, the exhibit is only going to be around for another five days.  If you're in Amsterdam, though, I'd highly recommend a visit.