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Modern Paintings

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Contemporary Portrait Painting of a Man in Multicolored Acryl Paint on Wood
Located in Berlin, DE
In this work I merge expressive emotions with a figurative representation influenced by naivety and pop art. Using acrylic, pencil and charcoal, I have captured a vibrancy and raw ex...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Beech, Plywood, Paint

Scarabeo Watercolor Painting
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Paintings

Materials

Cotton, Paper, Acrylic

Yacht Racing off Cape Cod, Vernon Broe (American 1930-2011)
Located in Downingtown, PA
Yacht Racing off Cape Cod, Vernon Broe (American 1930-2011), oil on board A fine example of Vernon Broe work depicting a yacht race off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Broe's marine opain...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vintage Abstract Floral Still Life Painting, "Love" by Garmed
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Abstract Floral Still Life Painting, "Love" by Garmed Offered for sale is an original acrylic on canvas titled “Love” by Venezuelan born Miami resident artist Garmed, Alfr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Canvas

Purvis Young 'Herd of Freedom Horses'
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'Herd of Freedom Horses' by Purvis Young (1989–1999) USA, circa 1980s A progressive work, painted on a found metal tray, of five horses in landscape. signed 'Young' upper right corner. In untouched, well-cared-for vintage condition, ready to place.  The overall dimensions of the work are 13- inches wide, 17.5- inches high, and 1.5- inches deep.  About : Purvis Young (1943–2010) was an American artist from the Overtown neighborhood of Miami, Florida. Self-taught, Young's work was often a blend of painting and drawing with collaged elements, utilizing everyday discarded found objects. Inspired by documentaries, art books...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Large Aboriginal Painting "Wati Kutjara" by Yannima Tommy Watson
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large and striking aboriginal painting by celebrated Australian artist Yannima Tommy Watson (1935s-2017; Pitjantjatjara people from Australia's central western desert). Medium: Acr...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Striking Black and White Original Watercolor of Nude
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Sophisticated beautifully rendered original watercolor in the style of Picasso by artist Jean Paul Parent. He was born in France in 1934 and exhibited his work primarily in Spain, Ge...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

James L. Bruch Abstract Acrylic on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
An acrylic on paper painting by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). This abstract work has a bright red background punctuated by elongated shapes in blue, white, yellow, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Purvis Young (1989–1999) 'Dancing Figures' on Panel, Smaller
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Purvis Young (1989–1999) 'Dancing Figures' on Panel, Smaller USA, Circa 1980s "Dancing Figures" Larger (At the time of posting we have similar larger work LU2592339807392) by Purvi...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Scrap Wood

Purvis Young (1989–1999) 'Dancing Figures' on Panel, Larger
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Purvis Young (1989–1999) 'Dancing Figures' on Panel, Larger USA, Circa 1980s "Dancing Figures" Larger (At the time of posting we have similar smaller work LU2592339807422) by Purvi...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Scrap Wood

James L. Bruch Abstract Acrylic and Watercolor on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
An acrylic and watercolor on paper painting by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). This vibrant abstract work has a collection of shapes in red, orange, and blue against ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Spain Blue Painting The city of columns Cuba Julio Sendino, 2012
Located in Valladolid, ES
Ó/L “The city of the columns” Cuba, Julio Sendino, 2012 - Contemporary Art Spectacular oil on canvas titled The City of Columns, the work of Julio Sendino, an artist from Valladolid ...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Josef Albers Inspired Painting "Happy" by Todd Hase, Orange
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Josef Albers inspired painting "Happy" by Todd Hase, orange version. Some touch-up to the original painting. A few nicks, rubs, and marks, but add to the character of the painting. T...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Josef Albers Inspired Painting "Happy" by Todd Hase, Yellow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Josef Albers inspired painting "Happy" by Todd Hase, yellow version. This was created for various window displays, so there are some marks, rubs, and imperfections that add the chara...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Painting of a Young Woman's Face, Acrylic Paint, XXIst Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Painting of a young woman's face, acrylic paint, XXIst Century. Painting of a young woman's face using acrylic paint, modern art, 21st century. h : 100cm, w : 75cm, d : 3,5cm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Painting of a Lion, Acrylic Paint, XXIst Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Painting of a lion, acrylic paint, XXIst Century. Painting of a lion using acrylic paint in the Pop Art style, modern art, 21st century. h : 80cm, w : 80cm, d : 3,5cm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Contemporary Painting Playing on Blue and Grey, XXIst Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Contemporary painting playing on blue and grey, XXIst century. Contemporary painting playing with blue and grey, 21st century. H: 150cm, W: 100cm, D: 12cm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Monochrome Painting, Klein Blue, Contemporary Work, XXIst Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Monochrome painting, Klein blue, contemporary work, XXIst century. Monochrome painting, Klein blue, contemporary work, 21st century. H: 151cm, W: 112cm, D: 8cm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

"Infinity Ramp" Large Blue, Yellow and Pink Geometric Abstract Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Pasadena, CA
Symbolism and allegory are essential elements in artistic expression. In this artwork, echoes of the ambiance from the legendary film 2001: A Space Odyssey" resonate. A path emerges ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Contemporary Landscape Art Menorca by Egor Plotnikov
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Egor Plotnikov works in the field of figurative painting and sculpture, often combining two media in one installation. He is one of the few contemporary Russian artists, whose works ...
Category

2010s Russian Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paper

Karl Gustaf Dahlgren. Watercolor on paper. Abstract composition with bird.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Karl Gustaf Dahlgren (born 1932), Swedish artist. Watercolor on paper. Abstract composition with a fantasy bird. In the style of Cobra. Colorful palette. Signed and dated '69. In p...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Pär Lindblad. Gouache on paper. Abstract composition with figure.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pär Lindblad (1907-1981), well listed Swedish artist. Gouache on paper. Abstract figurative composition. Approximately from the 1960s. Signed. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Widt...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Contemporary Portrait Painting of a Woman in Multicolored Acryl Paint on Wood
Located in Berlin, DE
In this work I merge expressive emotions with a figurative representation influenced by naivety and pop art. Using acrylic, pencil and charcoal, I have captured a vibrancy and raw ex...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Beech, Plywood, Paint

Vintage Abstract Op Art Painting by Grace Alhades and Marty Sherma
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Abstract Op Art Painting by Grace Alhades and Marty Sherma Offered for sale is a 1980s abstract Op Art painting by Grace Alhades and Marty Sherma. This painting is one of...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Swedish artist. Oil on board. Modernist still life with a pitcher and lemon.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Swedish artist, oil on board. Modernist still life with a pitcher and lemon. Colorful palette. In perfect condition. Signed EP '55. Board dimensions: 44.5 cm x 36.0 cm. Total dimensi...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

James L. Bruch Signed 2010 “Family Affair” Abstract Mixed Media Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 2010 mixed media on paper painting by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). Titled Family Affair, this abstract work has a deep red background punctuated by colorful shap...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

James L. Bruch Signed 2009 “3 or 5” Abstract Mixed Media on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 2009 mixed media on paper painting by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). Titled 3 or 5, this abstract work depicts a burst of vibrant shapes and designs against a blue...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Spanish School, mid 20th century. "Saint Andrew" Copy Jose de Ribera
Located in Madrid, ES
Spanish School,mid 20th century. "Saint Andrew" Copy Ribera Oil on canvas. Signed Antonio M. Alvárez. Based on the work by Ribera made c.1631 and preserved in the Museo Nacional de...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Standing Man Painting by Cyrstofer Christopher Shoemaker
Located in Houston, TX
Cyrstofer/Christopher Shoemaker (Italian/German) Standing Man, 20th Century Acrylic on canvas
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

2013 Colorful Geometric Op Art Triptych Paintings -Set of 3
Located in Miami, FL
2013 Colorful Geometric Op Art Triptych Paintings -Set of 3 Offered for sale is a triptych grouping of geometric Op Art paintings evocative of Josef Albers’ Homage to the Square. Th...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Canvas

Large Vintage 1970s Robert Gable Male Nude Study Oil Painting
Located in Miami, FL
Large Vintage 1970s Robert Gable Male Nude Study Oil Painting Offered for sale is a large vintage 1970s Robert Gable male nude oil painting on canvas. The artist worked in New York ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Giltwood, Wood

Siegmund Lympasik, Abstract Composition Pastel on Paper, Framed, around 1980s
Located in Berlin, DE
Step into the enigmatic world of Siegmund Lympasik's abstract expressionism with this mesmerizing pastel composition on paper, framed and crafted around the 1980s. Lympasik's mastery...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Pine, Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s Abstract Acrylic on Paper Landscape Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Painted in bold brushwork, this abstract landscape painting features a rolling landscape replete wi...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Grace Bishko Signed 1981 “Mother Ego and Her Pressure Cooker” Oil Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1981 oil on canvas painting by the American artist Grace Bishko. Titled Mother Ego and Her Pressure Cooker, this vibrant painting depicts three pink female figures at the center em...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Shirley Kaneda Original Acrylic Framed Abstract Painting
Located in Sarasota, FL
Shirley Kaneda original abstract acrylic painting. Dated 1994 Shirley Kaneda started exhibiting her work in the late 1980s in New York at such venues as White Columns as well as in...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Aage Gitz-Johansen Watercolor portrait Of Greenlandic Woman
Located in Kastrup, DK
Aage Gitz-Johansen (Danish, 1897-1977) Watercolor and marker drawing depicting a young Greenlandic woman. Sheet measures: 27.5 cm x 36.5 cm. Signed with monogram
Category

Mid-20th Century Greenlandic Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s “Verdant Hills” Acrylic on Paper Landscape Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Titled Verdant Hills, this abstract painting captures a vibrant landscape filled with rolling wildf...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Skull and Crossbones Framed Painting
Located in Atlanta, GA
20th Century heavily textured signed skull painting raised on a linen background and framed in a 19th Century black and gilt frame with crossbones at each corner.
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Linen, Wood, Lacquer

James L. Bruch Abstract Acrylic on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
An acrylic on paper painting by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). This abstract work has a rich orange background punctuated by abstract elongated shapes in red, blue, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Contemporary Portrait Painting of a Cowboy in Multicolored Acryl Paint on Wood
Located in Berlin, DE
In this work I merge expressive emotions with a figurative representation influenced by naivety and pop art. Using acrylic, pencil and charcoal, I have captured a vibrancy and raw ex...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Beech, Plywood, Paint

Harry Hilson Signed 1986 “Distant Wind” Acrylic on Paper Landscape Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1986 acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Titled "Distant Wind," this abstract work depicts a bold and vibrant landscape filled with orange an...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

James L. Bruch Signed 2013 Abstract Acrylic on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 2013 acrylic on paper painting by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). A bright yellow background is punctuated with vibrant biomorphic blue, green, red, and gray shapes...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s Abstract Acrylic on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). This abstract work depicts a vibrant landscape composed of frenetic brushwork that forms a rolling ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

James L. Bruch Abstract Mixed Media Painting on Paper
Located in Indianapolis, IN
An acrylic and watercolor on paper painting by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). This colorful work depicts an abstract figure with orange head and red and green body f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

James L. Bruch Signed 2010 “Life’s Rich Pageantry” Abstract Acrylic Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 2010 acrylic on paper painting by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). Titled "Life's Rich Pageantry," this abstract work features an array of colorful shapes in red, bl...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

James L. Bruch Signed 2011 “It’s a Jungle Out There” Mixed Media Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 2011 acrylic and watercolor painting on paper by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). Titled It's a Jungle Out There, this abstract work depicts a vibrant landscape fill...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s Abstract Acrylic on Paper Landscape Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). This abstract work depicts a predominantly pink landscape dotted with dark green shrubs and trees a...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s Abstract Mixed Media on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic and gouache on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). This abstract work depicts a landscape painted in pastel colors with green, pink, and b...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s “Landscape” Abstract Acrylic on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Titled "Landscape," this abstract work depicts a broody landscape painted in dark colors that are p...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1985 “Abstract Landscape” Mixed Media Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1985 acrylic and gouache on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Titled Abstract Landscape, this work depicts an abstracted landscape painted in pastel c...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s Abstract Acrylic on Paper Landscape Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). This abstract work depicts a predominantly pink landscape accented with green brushwork and a blue ...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s “Spring Landscape” Abstract Acrylic on Paper Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s acrylic on paper painting by the American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Titled Spring Landscape, this colorful work depicts an abstract landscape replete with distant verd...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Original Modern Painting by Shannon Weir
Located in Houston, TX
An original black and white modern abstract painting in an elegant vintage gold frame created by Houston artist, Shannon Weir
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paint

Vlaminck Framed 'Siene a Chatou' Color Lithography, circa 1972
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Original 'Siene a Chatou' color lithograph by Maurice de Vlamnick. Lithograph printed from an original painting made by the author in France, circa 1906. Published by Fernand Mourl...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Original Modern Abstract Painting by Shannon Weir
Located in Houston, TX
Original Modern Contemporary Tan and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame by Shannon Weir, a distinguished artist based in Houston, Texas. Weir's mastery unfolds in this lighthearted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paint

Isla del Coral, Riviera Nayarit by Mary Robertson
Located in Long Island City, NY
Isla del Coral, Riviera Nayarit. Initialed 'M' on the lower right. Signed and dated 'Mary Robertson / 1986' (on the reverse)
Category

20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Masonite

Abstract Painted Artwork with Boats , Yann, 1988, Antwerp
Located in Antwerp, BE
Abstract painted artwork with boats by the Antwerp artist Yann. This very expressive and colorful - polychrome work on wood dates from 1988 and was signed by him. You can see boats ...
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Surrealist Oil Painting, Jorge Ignacio Nazábal Cowan Cuban Artist
Located in Miami, FL
Surrealist Oil Painting, Jorge Ignacio Nazábal Cowan Cuban Artist Offered for sale is an oil on canvas figurative and surrealist painting by the Cuban artist Jorge Ignacio Nazábal ...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage paintings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, canvas and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern paintings made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paintings, popular names associated with this style include Richard A. Hirsch, Harry Hilson, Cecilia Setterdahl, and Peter Keil. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for paintings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $25 and tops out at $166,872 while the average work can sell for $2,187.

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