The first decades of the 20th century were a period of artistic upheaval, with modern art movements including Cubism, Surrealism, Futurism and Dadaism questioning centuries of traditional views of what art should be. Using abstraction, experimental forms and interdisciplinary techniques, painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers and performance artists all pushed the boundaries of creative expression.
Major exhibitions, like the 1913 Armory Show in New York City — also known as the “International Exhibition of Modern Art,” in which works like the radically angular Nude Descending a Staircase by Marcel Duchamp caused a sensation — challenged the perspective of viewers and critics and heralded the arrival of modern art in the United States. But the movement’s revolutionary spirit took shape in the 19th century.
The Industrial Revolution, which ushered in new technology and cultural conditions across the world, transformed art from something mostly commissioned by the wealthy or the church to work that responded to personal experiences. The Impressionist style emerged in 1860s France with artists like Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne and Edgar Degas quickly painting works that captured moments of light and urban life. Around the same time in England, the Pre-Raphaelites, like Edward Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, borrowed from late medieval and early Renaissance art to imbue their art with symbolism and modern ideas of beauty.
Emerging from this disruption of the artistic status quo, modern art went further in rejecting conventions and embracing innovation. The bold legacy of leading modern artists Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Marc Chagall, Piet Mondrian and many others continues to inform visual culture today.
Find a collection of modern paintings, sculptures, prints and other fine art on 1stDibs.
A Stylish, Vintage 1940s Woman's Fashion Design Study, Marshall Field & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring elegant designs for women's evening wear by Lilly Daché, Likely an illustration study for a print advertisement for the famed Chic...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
Bright Vineyard Landscape Study of 1960's British Modernist Drawing
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
1960's British Modernist Drawing by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil crayon drawing on light brown artist paper stuck on A4 artist paper, unframed overall size: 12.5 x 8.5 inches ...
Oil Crayon
“Matachines, c. 1930” by Awa Tsireh San Ildefonso Pueblo Dancers Watercolor
Located in Yardley, PA
About this work: “Matachines, c. 1930” by Awa Tsireh (1898-1955). A wonderfully executed example of Awa Tsireh’s work, depicting two ceremonial dancers in the crisp modernist manner...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Design for Women's Red Evening Gown
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring an elegant design for a woman's red gown, evening wear. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches. Archivally matted to 16 x 12 inches. P...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
A Charming Mid-Century Modern WC of Pirate's Alley, New Orleans, Vieux Carre
Located in Chicago, IL
A Charming 1940s Mid-Century Modern Watercolor of Pirate's Alley, New Orleans by Arlene S. Ezickson (Am. 1927-2003). Titled "Vieux Carre, New Orleans" the artwork is watercolor and ...
Board, Watercolor, Ink, Paper
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Designs for Women's Active Wear
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring elegant designs for women's active wear by Hattie Carnegie. Inscription reads: Left - White jersey slack suit Red gaberdine jacke...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
Vintage Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Portrait Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Vintage Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Portrait Oil Painting Artist: Dorothy Johnson Medium: Oil on canvas laid to boar...
Oil
Still Life Jugs and Vases Abstract 20th Modernist Century Drawing
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Still Life Sketch by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century size: 19.75 x 25.5 inches pastel drawing on thin paper, unframed condition: very good and ready to enjoy provenan...
Pastel
A Stylish, Vintage 1940s Woman's Fashion Design Study, Marshall Field & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring an elegant design for a woman's coat, hat and muff, inscribed "Marshall Field & Co". Likely an advertisement illustration study...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
Figures Stood In Hay bail Corn Field British Modernist Pastel and Pencil Sketch
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel and pencil sketch on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 4.5 x 3.75 inches provenance: private collection, Cotsw...
Pastel, Pencil
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Design for a Women's Dress, Lucien Lelong
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring an elegant design for a woman's jacket dress; Lucien Lelong ”Indiscrete”. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches. Archivally matted t...
Paper, Pencil, Color Pencil, Watercolor
India Bangladesh Indistinctly signed in Bengal 1979 Watercolour Fisherman Dacca
Located in Norfolk, GB
Indistinctly signed in Bengali, dated ‘79 Bangladesh/Indian Indistinctly signed in Bengali and dated ‘79 Untitled - Fishermen 1979 Watercolour on paper Paper size: 34 x 53 cm Frame Size: 46 x 62.5 cm Provenance: From a private UK family A fabulously evocative watercolour painting showing fisherman, struggling against the elements. This is Bangladesh, 1979, not long after Independence, when the focus was on the working classes, the everyday struggle to make a living and when the artists depicting these times were concurrently exploring and establishing a new aesthetic. The painting combines naturalism with the wash method of watercolour painting and a reduced palette which allows for a rich harmony of shadow and light. Although appearing to simply utilize monotone colours, closer inspection reveals splashes of quite vivid colours; the yellow on the horizon, a deep crimson on the trousers of one of the figures, blue in the nets etc. The colour is subtle but adds a richness to the overall composition implying that this artist has received an academic training; knowing how to get the most from the materials. Add to this the beautiful watery effect from the wash on the paper and we can immediately see references to Bengal school art techniques. It is not surprising that the artist employs this medium. Neuroarthistory points to the rich heritage of Bengal school painters and the fascination with wash technique emanating from their connection to the water which provides the backbone for the region. From supplying food; fish and seafood, to transportation, agriculture and festivities. Bengal and Bangladesh live and die with the water. Some of the leading protagonists of the mid 20th century Bengal school of painters were equally captivated by the same subject and ideology. D P Roy Choudhury was a leading figure in the academic art institutions in the first half of the 20th century. He was also a great experimenter of style. In the image shown,, we can see Choudhury’s treatment of the same subject and how he to chose the monotone palette. It is through observing the similarities and differences that we begin to learn more about the times these artists were painting in and in the case of the Bangladeshi artists how they were approaching the political traumas of the time. The label to the back of the frame tells its own story;. Saju Arts & Crafts, Dacca-12. “Saju was born in 1944 in Ramu, Cox's Bazar. At one point, he became friends with Shamsul Islam Nizami, one of the veteran painters of Bangladesh. At that time, Nizami was a teacher of the Institute of Fine Arts (now Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka). Nizami introduced Saju to all the notable painters in the contemporary art scenario -- from master painters like Zainul Abedin, Quamrul Hassan...
Paper, Watercolor
Louise Nevelson - early horse drawing, signed and inscribed to Robert Indiana
Located in New York, NY
Louise Nevelson - early horse ink on paper drawing, signed and inscribed to Robert Indiana in 1970, then signed and inscribed on the verso by Robert Indiana to his caretaker, 1928 Si...
Ink
An Expressive 1930s Modern Figure Study, Seated Male Model, Circus Acrobat
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine, Expressive 1930s Modern Figure Study Drawing of a Seated Male Circus Acrobat by Famed Chicago Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A wonderful, early example of Chapin's ...
Paper, Charcoal
A Stylish, Vintage 1940s Woman's Fashion Study, Design for a Formal Evening Gown
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring an elegant design for a woman's evening gown. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches. Colored pencil and pencil on paper. Archivally ma...
Paper, Pencil, Color Pencil
Paired Studies of Lions in Profile 1960's British Modernist Drawing
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Paired Studies of Lions in Profile 1960's British Modernist Drawing by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil crayon drawings on brown artist paper stuck on A4 artist paper, unframed ove...
Oil Crayon
Vintage Octopus Illustration Marker Drawing Blue Green Marine Artwork
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Expressive octopus illustration in blue and green marker (20th century) Felt-tip pen / marker on paper, unframed. Size: approximately 12.26 x 16.5 inches (height x width) Unsigned. C...
Pen, Felt Pen
A Finely Drawn, 1930s Art Deco Modern Figure Study, Kneeling Male Nude Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Finely Drawn, 1930s Art Deco Modern Figure Study of a Kneeling Male Nude Model by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). An early graphite drawing by Haydon demon...
Paper, Graphite
A Cubist 1940s Mid-Century Modern Drawing of a Seated Woman Artist, Sketch Class
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking 1940s Cubist, Mid-Century Modern Drawing of a Seated Woman Artist, Sketch Class by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Pastel and charcoal on paper. A...
Paper, Charcoal, Pastel
Landscape with Man and Goats, Gouache on Paper, Modern, Circa 1960s
Located in London, GB
'Landscape with Man and Goats', gouache on paper, by Raymond Guerrier (circa 1960s). After the artist moved from Paris to the South of France, he started painting landscapes illumina...
Paper, Gouache
A Stylized, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Studio Figure Study, Reclining Female Nude
Located in Chicago, IL
A Stylized, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Studio Figure Study of a Reclining Female Nude Model by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Executed in a Mannerist, Rubenesq...
Paper, Charcoal
An Elegant, Sumptuously Rendered Gilded Age Themed Interior Scene / Set Design
By Andre Delfau
Located in Chicago, IL
An Elegant, Stylish Gilded Age Themed Interior Scene / Set Design by notable stage set, costume and fashion designer, Andre Delfau (Fr./Am. 1914-2000). Artwork is gouache on paper, ...
Paper, Gouache
A Stylized, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Studio Figure Study, Standing Female Nude
Located in Chicago, IL
A Stylized, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Studio Figure Study of a Standing Female Nude Model Undressing (Deshabille) by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Executed i...
Paper, Charcoal
A Striking, Vintage Early 1940s Fashion Study, Woman with a Suit, Hat & Purse
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking, vintage early 1940s fashion study featuring an elegant young woman wearing a stylish hat, suit and clutch. Image size: 11 x 8 1/4 inches. Archivally matted to 16 x 1...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
A Fine, Modern 1930s Academic Anatomical Figure Study, Standing Male Nude Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Figure Study Drawing of a Standing Male Nude Model by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). An exceptionally well executed, early 1930...
Paper, Charcoal
A Striking Mid-Century Modern 1940s Figure Study of a Reclining Female Nude
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, 1940s Mid-Century Modern Studio Figure Study of a Reclining Female Nude by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). A well executed Modernist figure study ...
Paper, Ink
Paired Studies of Lions in Profile 1960's British Modernist Drawing
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Paired Studies of Lions in Profile 1960's British Modernist Drawing by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil crayon drawings on brown artist paper stuck on A4 artsit paper, unframed ove...
Oil Crayon
MB 807 (Figurative Charcoal Drawing on Arches Paper of Two Male Nude Models)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
Figurative drawing of two male nudes made with graphite, conte crayon and charcoal on Arches paper 30 x 18.5 inches, unframed This unique life study drawing of two standing male n...
Archival Paper, Charcoal, Graphite
MB 005 (Modern, Traditional Style Figurative Life Drawing of Muscular Male Nude)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
Figurative nude drawing on Arches paper graphite, conte crayon and charcoal on Arches paper 22 x 15 inches unframed Contemporary figurative life study drawing of a reclining male nu...
Conté, Graphite
Native Mexican Woman (Cuban Miami artist pastel)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Alex (Cuban, b.1949). Indigenous Mexican Woman, 1982. Pastel and charcoal on wove paper, sheet measures 23 x 33 inches. 31 x 40.5 inches on backing board...
Paper, Charcoal, Pastel
Mid-Century Signed Still-Life Watercolor Drawing
By John Haymson
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and evocative watercolour on paper by the great Austrian-born artist who lived in the United States John Haymson (Vienna 1902 - New York 1980). This beautiful still life de...
Paper, Watercolor
1950's Modernist Painting - Portrait Of Figure On Gold
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Gold Man by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso original watercolour/gouache painting on paper overall size: 111.75 x 8.5 inches condition: very good and ready to...
Watercolor, Gouache
Paired Studies of Lions in Profile 1960's British Modernist Drawing
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Paired Studies of Lions in Profile 1960's British Modernist Drawing by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil crayon drawings on brown artist paper stuck on A4 artist paper, unframed ove...
Oil Crayon
A Striking 1930s Modern Surrealist Abstract Ink Drawing by Harold Haydon
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking 1930s Modern Surrealist Abstract Drawing by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon. A bold, early example of Haydon's abstract style of painting, incorporating his skilled...
Paper, Ink
Still Life - Drawing by Giorgio Morandi - 1951
Located in Roma, IT
Pencil on paper realized by Morandi in 1951. Hand signed and dated in the lower center. On rear: letter from Giorgio Morandi to Vittorio Barbarous, in ink, hand signed. Certificat...
Pencil
MB 053 (Figurative Charcoal Drawing of a Muscular Male Nude on Arches Paper)
By Mark Beard
Located in Hudson, NY
Figurative male nude drawing made of graphite, charcoal, and conte crayon on Arches paper 30 x 20 inches, unframed This unique life study drawing of a standing male nude was made...
Charcoal, Crayon, Graphite
Couple - Drawing by Mino Maccari - 1975 ca.
By Mino Maccari
Located in Roma, IT
Pastel drawing realized by Mino Maccari in 1975 ca. Hand signed in pencil lower right. Very good condition.
Ink
A Fine, Stylish 1930s Modern Figure Study Drawing of a Standing Male Nude Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine, Stylish 1930s Modern Figure Study Drawing of a Standing Male Nude Model by Famed Chicago Artist Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A wonderful, early example of Chapin's figura...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor
1950's Modernist/ Cubist Painting - Mermaid Figure On The Rocks
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
French Landscape by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) original watercolour with biro on artist paper, unframed stamped verso size: 10 x 8.5 inches condition: very good and read...
Watercolor
A Fine 1930s, Art Deco Modern Academic Figure Study Drawing, Seated Male Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine 1930s, Art Deco Modern Academic Figure Study Drawing of a Seated Male Nude Model by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). An exceptionally well executed earl...
Paper, Charcoal
A Striking 1930s Modern Watercolor Portrait of a Distinguished Black Male Model
By Eugene Dana
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking 1930s American Modern portrait figure study watercolor of a distinguished, young African American male model by notable Chicago Institute of Design artist, Eugene Dana. W...
Paper, Watercolor
Set of 2 Bright Landscape Studies of 1960's British Modernist Drawings
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Set of Two Paired Studies 1960's British Modernist Drawing by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil crayon drawings on light brown artist paper stuck on A4 artist paper, unframed overal...
Oil Crayon
A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Figure Study Drawing of a Standing Male Nude Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Figure Study Drawing of a Standing Male Nude Model by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). An exceptionally well executed, early 1930...
Paper, Charcoal
Oil Pastel and Gouache Painting, Figurative, Circa 1950s, 14x17
By Donald Stacy
Located in Arp, TX
Donald Stacy "Mark" c.1950s Oil pastel and gouache paint on paper 14x17" unframed Unsigned Came from artist's estate Donald Stacy (1925-2011) New Jersey Studied: Newark School of ...
Paper, Oil Pastel, Gouache
A Striking, 1951 Mid-Century Modern Abstract Ink Drawing, "Conversation"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Mid-Century Modern 1950s abstract ink drawing by notable Chicago artist, Harold Haydon. A wonderful example of Hayden's experimentation with continuous line drawing. Ink on paper...
Ink, Paper
Figure - Drawing in China ink By Norbert Meyre - Early 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Figure is an original drawing in pencil, on creamy-colored paper realized by Norbert Meyre in the early 20th Century. Good conditions. The artwork is depicted through deft strokes ...
Ink
The Two Clowns (Les Deux Clowns) by Antonio Gonzalez Collado
Located in Stockholm, SE
Artist: Antonio Gonzalez Collado The Two Clowns (Les Deux Clowns) mixed media on paper signed artist studio stamp on the back dimensions (motif) 15...
Paper, Mixed Media
White Houses In Bright Blue Sky Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel sketch on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 4.5 x 3.75 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condit...
Pastel, Pencil
A Fine, Modern 1930s Academic Anatomical Figure Study Drawing of a Male Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine, Modern 1930s Academic Anatomical Figure Study Drawing of a Seated Young Male Nude Model by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). An exceptionally well execu...
Paper, Charcoal
Abstract Seated Nude with Red Background French Modern Figurative Gouache
By Guy Nicod
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Abstract Seated Nude with Red Background French Modern Figurative Gouache Guy Nicod (French 1923 - 2021) Gouache on artist paper, unframed Size: 20.25 x 15.75 inches (height ...
Gouache
A Finely Drawn, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Figure Study, Standing Male Nude Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Very Finely Drawn Mid-Century Modern Figure Study of a Standing Young Male Nude Model (Torso) by Notable Chicago Modern Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). A well executed stu...
Graphite, Paper
A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Figure Study Drawing of a Standing Male Nude Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine 1930s, Modern Academic Figure Study Drawing of a Standing Male Nude Model by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). An exceptionally well executed, early 1930...
Paper, Charcoal
A Fine, Modern 1930s Academic Anatomical Figure Study Drawing (Male Model, Foot)
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine, Modern 1930s Academic Anatomical Figure Study of a Male Foot by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). A well executed, early 1930s charcoal study highlighti...
Paper, Charcoal
Nude - Watercolor by Jean Delpech - Mid 20th century
By Jean Delpech
Located in Roma, IT
Nude is an original drawing in watercolor, realized in the Mid-20th Century by Jean Delpech (1916-1988). Good conditions. Jean-Raymond Delpech (1988-1916) is a French painter, eng...
Watercolor
A Stylish, Vintage 1940s Woman's Fashion Study, Cover Design for Hattie Carnegie
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s woman's fashion study featuring an elegant graphic design for a portfolio cover featuring ladies resort clothes by Hattie Carnegie. Artwork size: 11 x 8...
Paper, Pencil, Color Pencil, Watercolor
A Stylish, Vintage 1940s Fashion Design, Woman's Dress, Marshall Field & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring an elegant design for a woman's dress. Inscribed "Nettie Rosenstein at Marshall Field". Most likely a design study for a print adv...
Paper, Pencil
The Runaway Horse - Drawing by Mino Maccari - 1960 ca.
By Mino Maccari
Located in Roma, IT
Watercolor on paper realized by Mino Maccari in 1960 ca. Hand signed in pencil lower right. Very good condition.
Paper, Watercolor
An Avant-Garde, Mid-Century Modern Abstract Female Figure Study by Harold Haydon
Located in Chicago, IL
A Dynamic, Avant-Garde, Mid-Century Modern Abstract Female Figure Study by Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). A striking, black & white figural studio ink drawing on paper depictin...
Paper, Ink
Modernist Watercolor Painting "Passages in Darkness" NYC Businessmen
By Elinore Schnurr-Colflesh
Located in Surfside, FL
Schnurr has an art studio in Long Island City, Queens, New York. Over the years she has exhibited widely. Her most recent solo shows were at the H. Pelham Curtis Gallery at the New...
Watercolor
A Fine, Modern 1930s Academic Anatomical Figure Study Drawing (Male Model, Arms)
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine, Modern 1930s Academic Anatomical Figure Study Drawing of Male Arms by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). A well executed, early 1930s charcoal study (a c...
Paper, Charcoal