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Mid-Century Modern Paintings

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
1959 Abstract Still Life Floral Painting in Antique Frame
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful floral still life, abstract mid-century painting by Bea Van Wye 1959, in an antique hand carved frame.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Large Vintage Venetian Painting, Continental School, Oil on Canvas, Venice, 1980
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage Venetian painting. A Continental, oil on canvas study of Venice, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. A Venetian treat - captured in wonderful colour...
Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Large Vintage Edwardian Street Painting, English, Original, Oil, Cornish School
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage Edwardian street painting. An English, original oil on canvas in giltwood frame , dating to the late 20th century. John Bampfield (1947 - ) is a British arti...
Category

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, Gold Framed Mid 20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Impressionist Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting Gold Framed A very serene abstract, painted in oil. Seemingly simple and relaxed scene yet very effective in composition. Sweeping brus...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Vintage Framed and Signed Mid Century Artwork by Virgil Thrasher shadow Box Cat
Located in Seattle, WA
Made by California Artist Virgil Thrasher in the 1970s. Brown mustard, and gold tones reflective of the period.A combination of reverse painting on glass, coordinated with a recessed...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

"Black and Red Nude", Large Male Nude Painting by Christopher Clark, 1954
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bold and striking, this large 1950s painting of a nude male youth, executed in black gouache or charcoal on a rich, deep red ground, was made by Christopher Clark. The artist is bes...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Figurative Oil Painting
Located in Fulton, CA
A figurative oil painting of four female figures at a table. Artist signed but undecipherable. Measures 44 inches wide, 32.5 inches high.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Framed Red Glass Hand Painted, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Framed Red Glass Hand Painted, circa 1950 Manufactured France, circa 1950. Materials: Wood, glass. Dimensions: D 4 cm x W 23,2 cm x H 38 cm The artwork is in its original condit...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood

Framed Blue Glass Hand Painted, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Framed Blue Glass Hand Painted, circa 1950 Manufactured France, circa 1950. Materials: Wood, glass. Dimensions: D 4 cm x W 23,2 cm x H 38 cm The artwork is in its original condit...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood

"Nude Pan with Pipes", Large, Vivid Painting w/ Male Nude by Broadway Designer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Like his contemporary, Raoul Pene du Bois, Waldo Angelo served as an important designer for Broadway productions over decades, but in his private time, he produced a number of beauti...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Painting by Roan Barrion 'Untitled Abstract 017’
Located in Winnipeg, MB
Abstract painting by Roan Barrion, 2024, acrylic and ink on board.
Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Vastian Contemporary Abstract Painting Fabric and Wood, 2010
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vastian contemporary abstract painting fabric and wood, 2010. Materials: Fabric Wood. Important information regarding color(s) of products: Actual colors may vary. This is due to t...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Painting by Roan Barrion 'Untitled Abstract 018’
Located in Winnipeg, MB
Abstract painting by Roan Barrion, 2024, acrylic and ink on board.
Category

2010s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Vintage Still Life Floral Bouquet JS Rosinger
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful floral bouquet still life. Oil on board. Dramatic color scheme framed in period mid century style. signed JS Rosinger
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Ray Austin Crooke, (Australian 1922-2015) Gouache On Paper
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Gouache on paper depicting a tropical landscape with a structure partially hidden behind shrubbery, blue waters in the background with green rolling hills in the distance set against...
Category

Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Marek Halter (Poland/France, B. 1936) Figural Watercolor & Ink In Yellow & Brown
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Marek Halter is a Polish-born French writer, artist, and human rights activist. Watercolor and ink depicting 3 figures, presumedly farmers or peasants, two with tools in hand in a ye...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Roland Vivian Pitchforth (British, 1895-1982) Watercolor Of A Coastal Scene
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Watercolor depicting a hazy coastal scene with grey vessels to the left and a white structure to the far right. Set against a cloudy grey sky. Presented in a distressed wooden frame,...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Vintage Framed and Signed Original Painting of Vibrant Scenic Landscape.
Located in Seattle, WA
Vibrant tones in this painting are accented beautifully by the gold tone professional framing. Signed in the Lower Corner.Possibly acrylic. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as P...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Vintage Venetian Canal Painting, Continental School, Oil on Canvas, Venice, Art
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Venetian canal painting. A Continental school, oil on canvas study of Venice, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Appealing canal scene in oils, with grea...
Category

Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

Vintage Original Signed Painting on Canvas of Village Street Scene.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly acrylic. Painting on Canvas, nailed to the frame as shown. Peaceful city scene. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 24 W ; 1/4 D ; 28 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Framed Giovanni Stradone Expressionist Painting, "Notturno Antico", signed 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury Italian painting by Giovanni Stradone (1911-1981), "Notturno Antico", signed on verso: "Via Salaria, 195?, Roma" Framed mixed media on canvas, expressionist style, horse...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Large Scale Abstract Mixed Media Painting Signed Stone, Circa 1970s
Located in Peabody, MA
Large scale (four foot by five foot) abstract mixed media work on canvas, paint and paper, ca. 1970s, signed Stone.
Category

1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Modernist Still Life Signed Lombard, d. 1958
Located in Peabody, MA
French style modernist still life signed Lombard and dated 1958.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Vintage Original Signed Landscape Painting on Canvas. Circa 1954
Located in Seattle, WA
Landscape painting of rolling green fields. Possibly acrylic paint. Signed and dated in the lower corner, 1954. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 30 W ;...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

A huge modular painting with a horses theme, 1970´s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
A huge modular painting with a horse motif, made in the 70s in the former Czechoslovakia. This painting is composed of 3 separate sololith panels that are joined together. It is an a...
Category

Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Philip and Kelvin LaVerne Large "Rainforest" Painting on Bronze 1970s (Signed)
Located in New York, NY
Large abstract painting "Rainforest" in patinated and engraved bronze and pewter with deep green and blue enamels by Philip & Kelvin LaVerne, American 1970s (signed “Philip. Kelvin L...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Pewter

1932 Watercolor Contemporary Abstract Still Life Flower Can Unknown Artist
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful contemporary feeling watercolor. Framed in Baltimore, not sure if this is the original frame for the work. Signed and dated 1932, Unknown artist. Procured in US. W 19.5 ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Oil Painting by Arne Heuser, 1966
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Oil Painting by Arne Heuser, 1966 Additional Information: Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Dimensions (W x H): 98 x 148 cm Condition: Good vintage condition, with signs of usage
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Large Painting Woman in the Sea, Blue Oil on Canvas
Located in Miami, FL
This evocative oil painting depicts a woman standing defiantly amidst a turbulent sea. Clad in flowing white garments, she reaches her hands skyward, her face turned upwards in a ge...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Oil on canva tiger by Jaime Parladé
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Jaime Parladé Oil on canva Spain 1970
Category

1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Adja Yunkers “Collage XXIII” Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adja Yunkers “Collage XXIII” Painting Collage and paint on canvas board, abstract composition, signed and titled verso, retains gallery labels, dated 1970, 18" x 24" board, 18 1/4" ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Framed and Signed Original Painting of Potted Plant.
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly acrylic on Canvas. Beautiful tones of brown and green. Signed in the Lower Corner. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 41 W ; 1 D ; 29 H
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Charles Levier (French, 1920 - 2003) Oil On Canvas Harlequin In Red
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Oil on canvas depicting a harlequin, with a forlorn expression, attired in red, standing next to an open window. Presented in a silver gilt and mahogany frame with linen fillet. Sign...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Charles Levier (French, 1920 - 2003) Oil On Canvas Wharf Scene
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Oil on canvas depicting a wharf scene with moored sailboats and a marina flanked by docks and cubist style structures. Signed lower center. Presented in a carved gilt frame with egg ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Charles Levier (French, 1920-2003) Oil On Canvas "La Chapelle" (The Chapel)
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Oil on canvas depicting a sun-drenched red-roofed hill top church structure with a road in the foreground. The road flanked by stones and rocks, wheat sheaves and gold grasses. Prese...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Charles Levier (French, 1920 - 2003) Watercolor & Ink 2 Woman Coastal Scene
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Watercolor and ink depicting two women standing off to the side over-looking the bay with a sailboat in the waters below, beach-front structures in the distance and purple rolling hi...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Charles Levier (French 1920 - 2003) Oil On Canvas French Village
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Oil on canvas depicting a French village with red-roofed sun-baked structures flanked by sand dunes, a moored sailboat to the left, rooftops visible to the foreground along with blue...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Charles Levier (France, 1920-2003) Watercolor & Ink Three Women
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Watercolor and ink depicting three women standing in the corner of a room next to a large window with a full view of prostitutes in the street below. Presented in a nickel frame, mat...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Charles Levier (French, 1920-2003) Oil On Canvas Fleurs à La Fenêtre
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Oil on canvas depicting a bouquet in a white vase on a blue covered table near the open window. The open window revealing bright light and a scrolled railing. Presented in a gilt car...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Outsider Folk Art Modernist Painting Dated 1959 by Peter Paul Sakowski
Located in Peabody, MA
We recently acquired a number of paintings from the estate of the noted outsider artist Peter Paul Sakowski (1915-2000) of Holyoke, Mass. His style tended to vary from an illustrativ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Daniel Viene ( 1955-2013) " mixed technique on paper, signed
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Daniel Viene ( 1955-2013) " Le premier vol de Jean Charles" mixed technique on paper, signed
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Colorful Painting by Joan Longas: 'Abri las Ventanas'
Located in Barcelona, ES
Embark on a visual journey with this captivating artwork by Joan Longas, titled "Abri las Ventanas." Created around the year 2000, this vibrant painting emanates the warmth and charm...
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Midcentury Abstract Painting by Arnold Taraborrelli
By Arnold Taraborrelli
Located in Atlanta, GA
Midcentury abstract painting by Arnold Taraborrelli, American, circa 1959. It is entitled "Break-Away" and is executed in gouache on artist board and retains it's original frame. Tar...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint

Vintage Expressionsit Original Oil Portrait Painting on Canvas
Located in west palm beach, FL
Embrace artistic heritage with our Vintage Boho Original Oil Portrait on Canvas, capturing the essence of American creativity and bohemian spirit. Crafted by skilled hands, this port...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Photorealism Acrylic on Canvas Titled “Chris” After Chuck Close
Located in West Palm Beach, US
Large acrylic on canvas portrait of a young man with a facial piercing, featuring mosaic like cells that were popularized by the world renowned artist Chuck Close. The reverse bears ...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Modern French Abstract Paintig Still Life by Roland Bierge
By Roland Bierge
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful, important painting by the great French artist Roland Bierge. Signed and numbered on the back. This still life, of rare evocative intensity, best represents the artistic si...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Contemporary Abstract Oriental Signed Painting
By Kozo Inoue
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful contemporary abstract Kozo Inoue signed painting Series of 4 canvas assembled to form a single painting signed Kozo Inoue dated 1974 This painting, never before on the mark...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

'The Italian Patio' Impressionist Style Work by Soviet American Igor Korotash
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
'The Italian Patio' Original oil on canvas signed by Igor Korotash (b. in The Soviet Union 1957). 24 in. by 30 in. without frame, 28.75 in. x 34.5 in.including frame. Provenance: The...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

1960s Mid Century Landscape Painting Oil on Canvas Framed
Located in Elkton, MD
Featuring a serene landscape of blue-hued trees, signed by artist CK in 1963. Measures 38" W x 32.5" H (visible art: 36" W x 30" H).
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Cityscape Painting by Jordi Mir: 'Battery Park, NY
Located in Barcelona, ES
Immerse yourself in the dynamic energy of the city with this striking artwork by Jordi Mir, entitled "Battery Park, NY." Crafted around 2005, this captivating piece captures the bust...
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Oil On Canvas Painting of Vienna Farm Scene, Mid 20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Austrian Oil on Canvas Painting of European Countryside, circa 1950's. A very charming lifelike rendering of a Countryside typical in any European city. This 20th Century oil pai...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Helene Marion Mid Century Modern Landscape Collage
Located in Garnerville, NY
A fine and diminutive painting/collage by French artist, Helene Marion (1920-?). The medium is watercolor and oil pastel or crayon. The work of art is hand crafted and layered paper ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper, Crayon

Oil Painting of European Countryside Vienna, Mid 20th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Austrian Framed Oil on Canvas Painting of European Countryside, circa 1950's. A very charming lifelike rendering of a Countryside typical in any European city. This 20th Century ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Vintage Original Signed Seascape Painting on Canvas
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly acrylic on Canvas. Signed in the Lower Corner. Blue and Yellow tones blend beautifully together with slight patina to the painting. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as ...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Oil Painting by Gloria Dudfield, Oakland Art Museum 1959
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Oil Painting by Gloria Dudfield (1922 - 2015) from the Oakland Art Museum California Painters' Annual 1959. Painting measures 62.75" wide, 1.75" deep and 69.75" high. Gloria Dudfi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Signed and Framed Original Watercolor “ Flower Paintings “ by Yun Nan
Located in Seattle, WA
This beautiful watercolor is framed and matted within a gold toned frame. Painting depicts a man carrying flower bushes. More information on the painting is on the back, as shown. Vi...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Brussels Street Scene Oil Painting, Framed with Glass
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Oil painting capturing a narrow street or alleyway in Brussels, adorned with houses and a small grocery stand featuring two ladies. The artwork is signed by F. Jorwitz, Ferdinand Jo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Paint

M. Fleischer Large Scale Abstract Crumpled Paper Modern Art Painting 1987
Located in Chattanooga, TN
M. Fleischer’s intriguing large scale work of art challenges what we commonly consider “painting.” The work itself is a sheet of paper, creased to create a richly textured surface. T...
Category

1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Plexiglass, Paper

Mid-century Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century 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, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, paint and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern paintings made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paintings, popular names associated with this style include Peter Keil, Jacob Semiatin, Daniel Clesse, and Charles Levier. 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 $45 and tops out at $275,000 while the average work can sell for $1,851.

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