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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
90
45
23
to
15
83
65
158
154
157
199
199
158
66
22
20
6
5
5
5
4
3
3
1
1
1
90
68
2
52
25
1
2
2
8
4
6
5
52
46
37
36
31
59
34
27
25
9
31
18
8
5
5
Style: Modern
1950's Modernist Painting, Grey Skies Over French Peaceful Town
Located in Cirencester, GB
Grey sky landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original oil painting on paper
overall size: 18 x 15 inches
condition: very good and ready to be enj...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting signed, French Chateau
Located in Cirencester, GB
French Chateau
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolor/ gouache painting on artist paper, unframed
size: 13 x 15 inches
condition: very good and rea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Copper Metallic Hand Guilded Botanical Wallpaper, Made by Hand in Uk
By Custhom
Located in London, GB
Rye features bold oversized leaves, complementing the bestselling metallic Columbia Road design of large eucalyptus stems. Inspired by the Barbican Conservatory in London Rye offers ...
Category
2010s English Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
1950's Signed Modernist Painting, Large Landscape of Historic Landmark
Located in Cirencester, GB
French landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original gouache/watercolor painting on artist paper
overall size: 19.75 x 25.5 inches
condition: very ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Danese Milano Diciotto, Il Porcello Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Il Porcello is a three-colour silkscreen print and is part of the Nature Series (Serie della Natura). The print is part of a study to transform an image into a symbol through the sys...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Danese Milano Tre, La Mela E La Pera Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
La Mela e la Pera is a three-colour silkscreen print and is part of the Nature Series (Serie della Natura). The choice of these archetypal subjects and the for...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting, Wacky Interior Scene
Located in Cirencester, GB
Wacky Interior Scene
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
size: 10 x 8.75 inches
condition: very good and re...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Green and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
By Custhom
Located in London, GB
Igneous is a design made from carbon powder and using Custhom’s innovative process of hand-foiling wallpapers, creates a unique distressed or highly polished finish in a wide range o...
Category
2010s English Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
1950's French Painting Signed The Busker
Located in Cirencester, GB
Busker
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on board, unframed
size: 13.75 x 10 inche...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Signed Modernist Painting, Two Caricature Figures
Located in Cirencester, GB
Two figures
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original oil painting on artist paper
overall size: 21 x 25.5 inches
condition: very good and ready to be en...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Signed Painting, Figures in French Town
Located in Cirencester, GB
French buildings
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed, stamped verso
original watercolor/ gouache painting on paper ,
overall size: 19.75 x 16.5 inches
condition: ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, French Landscape
Located in Cirencester, GB
French landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original watercolor/gouache painting on paper
overall size: 13 x 19.75 inches
condition: very good and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting, Man Playing Tuba
Located in Cirencester, GB
Tuba Player
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
size: 10.5 x 7.25 inches
condition: very good and ready to ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting, Busy French Town Square
Located in Cirencester, GB
French town square.
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century).
Original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed
Size: 12 x 17.5 inches.
Condition: very good and ready t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Signed Painting, Peaceful French Church Landscape
Located in Cirencester, GB
Church landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed and dated 1985 , stamped verso
Original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, Woodland over Lake
Located in Cirencester, GB
Woodland over lake
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century).
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on board, unframed.
Size: 9.5 x 13.75 inches.
Condition: very good an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, French Building over Lake
Located in Cirencester, GB
Lake scene.
by Bernard Labbe (French, mid-20th century), stamped verso.
Original watercolour/gouache painting on paper.
Overall size: 10 x 15 inches.
Condition: very good and rea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Signed Painting, Large French Building Over River
Located in Cirencester, GB
French Buildings
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed, stamped verso
original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper,
overall size: 19.5 x 25.5 inches
condition: v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Signed Painting, The Two Trees In Field
Located in Cirencester, GB
The Two Trees
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed, stamped verso
original watercolour/gouache painting on paper
overall size: 14.5 x 11.5 inches
condition: very g...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, Lady Reflection in Mirror
Located in Cirencester, GB
Mirror reflection
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original gouache/watercolour painting on board
overall size: 11 x 8 inches
condition: very good and re...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, Black & White French Archway
Located in Cirencester, GB
Black & White Archway
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache mounted painting on paper board, unframed
size: 15.75 x 11 inches
condition:...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting Signed, Milan Cathedral Cityscape
Located in Cirencester, GB
Milan Cathedral
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed
size: 16.5 x 11.75 inches
condition: very good and rea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, The WindMill
Located in Cirencester, GB
The Windmill
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper , unframed
size: 10 x 14 i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, GB
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century).
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed.
Size: 11.5 x 9.5 inches.
Co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Signed Painting, Tranquil View Of French Buildings
Located in Cirencester, GB
French Buildings
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed, stamped verso
original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper,
overall size: 19.5 x 25.5 inches
condition: v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, Bright Blue Town Landscape with Horse and Figures
Located in Cirencester, GB
Blue Landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original oil painting on paper
overall size: 22 x 14.5 inches
condition: very good and ready to be enjoy...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, Tall French Buildings
Located in Cirencester, GB
Tall French Landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed
size: 18.5 x 12.5 inches
condition: very good an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, Landscape of a French Town
Located in Cirencester, GB
French town.
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso.
Original watercolour/gouache painting on paper.
Overall size: 9.5 x 12.5 inches.
Condition: very good and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Signed Modernist Painting, Pianist and Violin Player Interior Scene
Located in Cirencester, GB
French Landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original oil painting mounted on artist paper
overall size: 19.75 x 25.5 inches
condition: very good an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, French Steps Up to The Church
Located in Cirencester, GB
Church Steps
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original watercolour/gouache painting on paper
overall size: 14 x 10 inches
condition: very good and ready...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, Red French Tall Building
Located in Cirencester, GB
Red building
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original watercolor/gouache painting on paper
overall size: 16 x 10.5 inches
condition: very good and read...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, Portrait of Figure on Gold
Located in Cirencester, GB
Gold man
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original watercolor/gouache painting on paper
overall size: 111.75 x 8.5 inches
condition: very good and ready...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist Painting Signed, Nude Figure in Landscape
Located in Cirencester, GB
Nude figure
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
size: 9.75 x 12.75 inches
condition: very good and r...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist Painting Signed, Figures on Horseback in Village
Located in Cirencester, GB
The Roadside Tavern
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
size: 11 x 13.75 inches
condition: very good...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, GB
By Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
size: 14 x 10 inches
co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, Pianist & Violin Duet
Located in Cirencester, GB
The Pianist & Violin Duet
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed
size: 11.75 x 8.75 inches
condition: very go...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Classical French Figures in City -1950's French Modernist Cubist Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, GB
Classical figures.
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century).
Signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
Size: 13 x 9.25 inches.
Condition: very good...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist / Cubist Painting Signed, Bright Colour Shapes
Located in Cirencester, GB
Colourful shapes.
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century).
Signed original watercolour/ gouache mounted painting on paper board, unframed
Size: 8.5 x 5.75 inches.
Condition: v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, Beautiful & Bright Colour French Oil Landscape
Located in Cirencester, GB
Blue landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original oil painting on paper
overall size: 14 75 x 22 inches
condition: very good and ready to be enjo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, French Clock Tower
Located in Cirencester, GB
Artist/ School: Benard Labbe
Title: The Old Church
Medium: oil painting on board, unframed
Size:
board: 8.75 x 7.25 inches
Provenance: priv...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Danese Milano Sei, L’orso Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
L’Orso è is a three-colour silkscreen print and is part of the Nature Series (Serie della Natura). The print is part of a study to transform an image into a symbol through the system...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Danese Milano Quindici, Il Gorilla Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Il Gorilla is a silkscreen print tones of brown and is part of the Nature Series (Serie della Natura). The print is part of a study to transform an image into a symbol through the sy...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Very Large Huge Oil on Canvas Figurative Style Cubist Years 1950 1960
Located in Lyon, FR
Huge oil on canvas figurative in a style reminiscent of Matisse or Picasso dating from the 50s/60s. Multicoloured canvas representing a scene with characters in the nature in cubist ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Large Scale Tile Work by Harris G. Strong
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a master work by the artist Harris G. Strong, circa 1960. The pieces measures 43" x 73". In the original wooden frame.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Ceramic
Danese Milano Sette, Il Leone Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Il Leone is a four-colour silkscreen print and is part of the Nature Series (Serie della Natura) The print is part of a study to transform an image into a symbol through the systemat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Danese Milano Quattordici, La Rana Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
La Rana is a three-colour silkscreen print and is part of the Nature Series (Serie della Natura). The print is part of a study to transform an image into a sym...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Danese Milano Le Stanze Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Le Stanze is an eight-colour silkscreen print. The relationship between colour and volume shows a transition from real space to abstraction. The sequence of coloured shapes give volu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Danese Milano Undici, Onde Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Simboli sinsemantici are monochromatic silkscreen prints of six symbols. The aim of the series was to bring art into the home by rendering it more accessible to a wider public. The f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Inside Painted Crystal, "Rainy Day" Snuff Bottle by Zhang Zenlou, 2012
By Zhang Zenlou
Located in Tainan, TW
Zhang Zenglou was born in Hebei Province in 1956. He is a master of contemporary Chinese inside painted snuff bottle in Ji school. He is cu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Paintings
Materials
Rock Crystal
Inside Painted Crystal, "Scholars in Jiangnan" Snuff Bottle by Li Yingtao 2016
By Li Yingtao
Located in Tainan, TW
Li Yingtao, an owner of Yizhenzhai, was born in Hengshui City in 1963. He was praised as a Chinese master of splashing color in inside painting, a Master of Arts and crafts in Hebei Province, and the founder of splashing color techniques in inside painting. By now, he has been teaching and passing down this technique to his students.
Mr, Li Yingtao is one of the most outstanding disciples of the master of Chinese arts and crafts...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Paintings
Materials
Rock Crystal
Inside Painted Crystal, "Harvest Year" Snuff Bottle by Zhang Zenlou, 2018
By Zhang Zenlou
Located in Tainan, TW
Zhang Zenglou was born in Hebei Province in 1956. He is a master of contemporary Chinese inside painted snuff bottle in Ji school. He is cu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Paintings
Materials
Crystal
Danese Milano Undici, Luna Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Simboli sinsemantici are monochromatic silkscreen prints of six symbols. The aim of the series was to bring art into the home by rendering it more accessible to a wider public. The f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Danese Milano Otto, L’oca Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
L’Oca is a four-colour silkscreen print and is part of the Nature Series (Serie della Natura). The print is part of a study to transform an image into a symbol through the systematic...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Inside Painted Crystal, "After Rain" Snuff Bottle by Fu Guoshun, 2014
Located in Tainan, TW
Fu Guoshun was born at Hebei in 1954. He was complimented as a Master of Chinese arts and crafts in 2012. It is the highest honor for an inside painting artist. There are only ten artists who earned this glory. He is also the director of China International Painting and Calligraphy Association, vice chairman of China Snuff Bottle Professional Committee, and vice-chairman of Hebei Inside painted snuff bottle Association. Since 1977, he has been studying the art of inside painting under Wang Xisan. Fu Guoshun is one of the best artists in Ji school.
Mr Fu Guoshun's inside paintings are exquisite. His works include landscapes, figures, animals, flowers, and birds to calligraphy with comprehensive skills. In addition, his professions are known for their elegance, flexibility, and light. With the three superb skills of poetry, calligraphy, and painting, there are only a handful of artists who can match up in the field of snuff bottles. It is difficult to find other artists who could compare his paintings from an artistic perspective when it comes to inside painted snuff bottles...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Paintings
Materials
Crystal
Danese Milano Undici, Trifoglio Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Simboli sinsemantici are monochromatic silkscreen prints of six symbols. The aim of the series was to bring art into the home by rendering it more accessible to a wider public. The f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Danese Milano Undici, Freccia Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Simboli sinsemantici are monochromatic silkscreen prints of six symbols. The aim of the series was to bring art into the home by rendering it more accessible to a wider public. The f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Danese Milano Le Porte Print by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Le Porte is a four-colour silkscreen print. The relationship between colour and volume shows a transition from real space to abstraction. The sequence of coloured shapes gives volume...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
"Long Lost" Is a Unique Spiritual Icon Painting Created in 2007
Located in Copenhagen, DK
An original signed acrylic painting on canvas by Danish-Grenadian artist Boris de Freitas (1969-) titled "long lost", 2007.
Category
Early 2000s Danish Modern Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
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 folk art, wall decorations, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern paintings made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paintings, popular names associated with this style include Danese Milano, Enzo Mari, Mimmo Paladino, and Custhom. 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 $75 and tops out at $50,000 while the average work can sell for $900.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Corner Cabinet With Glass Doors
Chest Of Drawers With Black Marble Top
Luxury Dining Chair
Mid Century Armless Chair
Midcentury Armless Chair
Dining Chairs With Red Leather
Danish Dining Chairs Set 8
Carver Chair Antique Furniture
Breakfast Room Chairs
Hand Carved Wooden Panel
Antique Dressers And Commodes
Dutch Inlaid
Large Swedish Gustavian
Arched Door Pairs
Midcentury Danish Modern Wall Unit
Mid Century Danish Modern Wall Unit
Upholstered Dining Chair Brass Legs
Armless Mid Century Chair