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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Cuban-American Artist Juan Navarette Watercolor Painting, Signed "Fish #5"
Located in Miami, FL
Cuban-American Artist Juan Navarette Watercolor on Paper, Signed "Fish #5" Offered for sale is an original 1993 watercolor painting on paper by the Cuban-American Artist Juan Nava...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paint, Paper

Cuban-American Artist Juan Navarette Watercolor Painting, "Fish 3"
Located in Miami, FL
Cuban-American Artist Juan Navarette Watercolor Painting Signed "Fish #3" Offered for sale is an original 1993 watercolor painting on paper by the Cuban-American Artist Juan Navaret...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wire

Josef José, listed French artist. Oil on canvas. Snow-covered mountain landscape
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Josef José, listed French artist. Oil on canvas. Snow-covered mountain landscape in abstract style. Bold brushstrokes. Mid-20th century. In excellent condition. Signed. Dimensions: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Henry Maurice D'Anty, French artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Henry Maurice D'Anty (1910-1998), French artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. Art Informel style. Approximately from the 1970s. Signed D'anty. In perfect condition. Dimension...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Impressionist Portrait Woman with Curly Hair Watercolor Painting
Located in Seguin, TX
Circa late 20th century watercolor on paper of woman with curly hair by Marilyn Lanfear (1930-2020) Texas. Signed lower right. Unframed, directly from the artists estate.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Floral 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, Acrylic, Paper

“California 1” Jicol’04
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W20 H24 Acrylic on canvas, signed by artist
Category

Early 2000s Modern Paintings

Materials

Lacquer

"Untitled 1685" Painting on Board by Davide Balliano, 2014
Located in Skokie, IL
Davide Balliano "Untitled 1685" painting on board, Italy, 2014 Additional Information: Materials: Plaster, gesso and lacquer on wood Dimensions: 24" H...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paintings

Materials

Plaster

Michael Godard Hearts of Hope Midnight Mixed Media Acrylic Canvas Painting 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage "Hearts of Hope" (Midnight) Mixed media with acrylic painting on canvas, by Michael Godard. Dimensions: 11" x 14"
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Modern "Chiaro Scuro" Portrait of a Woman Titled Chilanga #1 by Mark Gaskin
By Mark Gaskin
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Portrait of a woman with her face split between shadow and light titled Chilanga #1 done in encaustic and mixed media on canvas laid down on board. Signed and dated 07. Titled on a verso sticker Mark Gaskin is a Postmodern painter born in 1956 in Winnipeg Canada who blends the effects of ancient fresco and mural art with contemporary subject matter. His fascinating technique – in which his painting surfaces are purposefully distressed – conjures the textures of Prehistoric cave painting, ancient Roman painting, and Renaissance fresco...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Original Modern Contemporary Black and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame
Located in Houston, TX
Original Modern Contemporary Black and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame by Shannon Weir, a distinguished artist based in Houston, Texas. Weir's...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Abstract Painting Titled Trick or Treat
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Painting on canvas titled, Trick or Treat. Painting measures 49" wide, 2.25" deep and 63" high. The painting needed a new stretcher bar and frame. It was professionally removed fr...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Günther Uecker (*1930), Lithograph, signed, 1993
Located in Münster, DE
Günther Uecker (*1930), lithograph, created 1993, Ed. 45/100, numbered and signed, framed 90 x 63 cm
Category

1990s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

'Neo Formal', Painting by Gordon Moore
Located in Dallas, TX
The geometric imagery on this wedge-shaped acrylic on canvas by Gordon Moore (American, b. 1947) reflects the ongoing influence of New York City on his wo...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Abstract painting by Dave Seabury, You Wouldn't Listen
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Abstract acrylic and charcoal on canvas by Dave Seabury titled, I Tried To Warn You, You Wouldn't Listen and dated 10-1-92. Painting measures 47" wide, 2.25" deep and 45" high.
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Günther Uecker (*1930), Lithograph, signed, 1979
Located in Münster, DE
Günther Uecker (*1930), lithograph, created 1979, Ed. 34/100, numbered and signed, framed 86 x 63 cm
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

MIST - original painting 1/1
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Do you recall those endless summer evenings when the sky transforms into a canvas of warm oranges and deep purples? This is the very essence of my inspiration. I collect sunsets ever...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

THE DOT - gold original painting 1/1
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
With my round wall objects ‘THE DOTS’, I aim to capture light – making the invisible visible. The dance of light upon an object, its interplay of reflections, that’s what fascinates ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

THE DOT - gold original painting 1/1
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
With my round wall objects ‘THE DOTS’, I aim to capture light – making the invisible visible. The dance of light upon an object, its interplay of reflections, that’s what fascinates ...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Max Ackermann Modernist Original Painting Germany 1935 Stuttgart
Located in London, GB
An original pastel painting by the German Modernist painter Max Ackermann,(1887 - 1975) He was both painter and graphic artist of abstract works. Signed and dated Born in 1887 in B...
Category

1930s German Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Rare Large Australian Aboriginal Painting by Kathleen Petyarre
Located in Atlanta, GA
A significant contemporary aboriginal painting by Kathleen Petyarre (1940-2018) in 2010. The painting was a rare oversize piece, exceptionally executed in earthy colors, showcasing m...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Impressionist Oil Painting Rudolf Quittner Vue nocturne de la Seine 1905 signed
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Rudolf Quittner (1872-1910), "Vue nocturne de la Seine" ("Seine by night"), oil painting, ca. 1905 Impressionist Rudolf Quittner, born in 1872, was an Austrian landscape and genre p...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Johann Georg Müller "Still Life"
Located in Münster, DE
Johann Georg Müller (1913 - 1986) "Still Life" Created in 1981 Felt-tip pen on paper Framed with museum glass, dimensions: Sheet: 51 x 64 cm Frame 60 x 76.5 cm
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Klaus Fußmann (*1938 Velbert), "Dahlias"
Located in Münster, DE
Klaus Fußmann (*1938 Velbert), "Dahlias" Pastel chalk on laid paper, created in 1997 signed and dated lower right framed Dimensions: Sheet size: 75 cm x 75 cm
Category

1990s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper, Paint

Johann Georg Müller "Still Life"
Located in Münster, DE
Johann Georg Müller (1931 - 1986) "Still Life" Created in 1981 Collage with brush and India ink Included in the catalog raisonné of works on paper no.: 1584 Framed with museum g...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Helene Stephenson Mixed media "Sonora" Framed Painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Helene Stephenson Mixed Media Painting. "Sonora" Piece dates to the early 1990's. Philadelphia Artist, beautifully framed and ready to hang!
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Carl-William Hammar, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Carl-William Hammar (1918-2006), Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. Dated 1966 on the back. Signed. In excellent condition. Frame with minor dent. See photo. Visible...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Robert Duffy (American, 1928-2015), Impressionist Newport Harbor Seascape Oil
Located in Atlanta, GA
Robert Duffy (American, 1928-2015). Oil On Canvas "Robert “Bob” Duffy is a “Plein Air Artist” who paints primarily in New England. Frequently, he can be seen in Northern Vermont ar...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Modern Abstract City Landscape Art Blue Oil Painting
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Abstract Blue City Landscape Modern Art Oil Painting on Wood Signed unable to read 48.5 x 28.5 x .63 D Preowned vintage unrestored condition. Review images provided.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Robert Duffy (American, 1928-2015), Painting of a Harbor Fisherman in Newport
Located in Atlanta, GA
Robert Duffy (American, 1928-2015). Oil On Canvas "Robert “Bob” Duffy is a “Plein Air Artist” who paints primarily in New England. Frequently, he can be seen in Northern Vermont ar...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Robert Duffy (American, 1928-2015), Impressionist Newport Harbor Oil On Canvas
Located in Atlanta, GA
Robert Duffy (American, 1928-2015). Oil On Canvas "Robert “Bob” Duffy is a “Plein Air Artist” who paints primarily in New England. Frequently, he can be seen in Northern Vermont ar...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

1980 Harley Francis Abstract Nudes Painting, Signed and Dated
Located in Miami, FL
1980 Harley Francis Abstract Nudes Painting, Signed and Dated. Offered for sale is an abstract acrylic painting by Harley Frances (1940-2017). The subjects are Francis' abstract male nude...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Wood, Paint

Modernism Still Life Painting By Robert Bluteau, 1955
Located in Lisbon, PT
Robert Bluteau (1914–1985), a modernist still life painter, signed "Bluteau" and dated "1955", the painting features fish. It was shown in the Salon des Artistes Bretons in France fr...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Poppies Watercolor
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

Love - Hand painted Oil Painting on Wood panel - 2004 New Haven, CT
Located in Bethany, CT
"Love" is part of a larger series or oil paintings on wood panel created by Erich J Davis between 2003-2004. The artist typically uses available materials for his works as in this p...
Category

Early 2000s North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Paint

Rainbow Bridge - airbrushed acrylic painting
Located in Chicago, IL
This is part of an airbrush series Larry created on wood panel. The frame is also customized by him. Larry did a large scale version of this airbrush on a garage door in Chicago - ou...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paint

Modern Pair Chinese Zhu Zhechi Zhu Zhe Chi Acrylic Canvas Nude Females Paintings
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful pair of large modern acrylic on canvas paintings by a world renowned Chinese artist Zhu Zhechi / 朱者赤 / Zhu Zhe Chi of nude females dancing, ti...
Category

20th Century Chinese Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Acrylic

Doris Staffel (American, 1921-2013) Twilight Language Oil Painting Rothko Pupil
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Age unknown, Oil on canvas or thick paper. It appears to have been tacked up in artist studio before purchase and framing. Framers decal from Philadelphia, where Artist once resided...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Canvas

Lars Bertle, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract landscape.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Lars Bertle, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. ”Litet landskap” (Small landscape) Signed on the front and back. In perfect condition. Dimensions: 27.0 cm x 22.0 cm.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Raymond D. Crane Painting, 1975
Located in Savannah, GA
Raymond (Ray) D. Crane (Massachusetts, b.1942) A large oil on canvas depicting an interior kitchen scene in a Hillside St. apartment in Boston with a woman cooking in a kitchen int...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Original Modern Contemporary French Blue and White Painting in Antique Gilt Fram
Located in Houston, TX
Original Modern Contemporary French Blue and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame by Houston Texas Artist Shannon Weir. Weir's artistic prowess sh...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Alexander Liberman Signed 1982 Abstract Acrylic and Collage on Canvas Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1982 abstract acrylic and collage on canvas painting by the Ukrainian-American artist Alexander Liberman (1912-1999). Signed and dated to the lower left corner, this painting stret...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Hand Painted Dragonfly
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, Acrylic, Paper

Floral 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

Adolf Zogbaum (German 1883 - 1961) View of Moselle River, oil on canvas painting
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Adolf Zogbaum (German 1883 - 1961) View of Moselle River, oil on canvas painting. Signed lower right and dated 1935. (unframed)
Category

20th Century European Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Gotthard Sandberg, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Modernist landscape
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gotthard Sandberg (1890-1961), Swedish artist. Oil on board. Modernist landscape with horses in a meadow. Titled "Sommar" (Summer). Signed and dated 1960. In perfect condition. Visi...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Örjan Wikström, Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Örjan Wikström (born 1948), a Swedish artist, active in Stockholm and Paris. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. From the 1960s/70s. In perfect condition. Artist's name on the back...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Michael Qvarsebo, listed Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Michael Qvarsebo (born 1945), a listed Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition with impasto brushstrokes. Colourful palette. In excellent ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Maj Hemberg, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Maj Hemberg, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. Painted with thick brushstrokes. ”Bombning av Dresden” - ("Bombing of Dresden"). 1945-1952. Signed on the back. In ex...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

May Östberg, Swedish artist. Oil on board. Modernist landscape. 1965
Located in Copenhagen, DK
May Östberg (1907-1966), Swedish artist. Oil on board. Modernist landscape. Title: "Nystan". Signed. Exhibition label on the back from Gävle Museum. Dated 1965. Exhibited in 1966. In...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Water color by Yves Brayer « Matador »
By Yves Brayer
Located in BORDEAUX, FR
Very pretty watercolor by Yves Brayer, part of a series on the theme of my bullfighting. In a perfect state. Original frame.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

ANNE HERRING - 'Full Plumage' - Framed Acrylic Painting - U.S.A. - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
ANNE HERRING - 'Full Plumage - Heron' - Vintage modernist style acrylic painting on Masonite panel - signed lower left - signed and titled verso - original frame - United States - ci...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Softwood, Masonite, Paint

Ben Morea Painting, Tantra Series (1994)
Located in New York, NY
Tantra series painting by artist and counter-cultural icon Ben Morea. Morea’s exploits during the 1960’s, as co-founder of the anarchist/activist collective ...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Scandinavian artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. 1960s/70s.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition. From the 1960s/70s. In excellent condition. Not signed. Visible dimensions: 31.0 cm x 16.0 cm. Total dimensions: 44.0 cm x 29...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Pär Lindblad, listed Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Landscape with river
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pär Lindblad, listed Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Modernist landscape with river and bridge. Mid-20th century. Signed. In perfect condition. Visible dimensions: W 49.0 cm x H 34.0...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Modern Abstract Signed Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fabulous vintage Boho original oil on canvas. A chic MCM Abstract composition in deep rich colors. Signed by the artist and beautifully framed. Acquired from a Palm Beach estate .
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Michael Qvarsebo, listed Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Michael Qvarsebo (born 1945), listed Swedish artist. Oil on board. Abstract composition with impasto brushstrokes. In perfect condition. Signed and d...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Raymond D. Crane Painting, 1973
Located in Savannah, GA
Raymond (Ray) D. Crane (Massachusetts, b.1942) A large oil on canvas depicting an interior of a Hillside St. apartment in Boston with a woman and the artist self-portrait in the fo...
Category

1970s American Vintage 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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