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.
Nude Female Portrait Laying Down 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Topless Woman by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century 22.5 x 22 inches oil on un stretched canvas, unframed condition: very good and ready to enjoy with small creases to th...
Oil
Nude Man Posed On Stall In Red Interior French Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Nude Male Portrait by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century 19.75 x 25.5 inches oil on artist paper, unframed condition: very good and ready to enjoy provenance: from a pri...
Oil
Figures in Small Boats Misty Harbour & Fortified Castle Town Large Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Misty Harbour Landscape with ancient Castle W. Farr ( British School) Dated 1986 signed oil on canvas, framed framed: 29 x 42 inches canvas: 24 x 36 inches Provenance: private collec...
Oil
1930s Mexican City Scene by Chicago Artist Francis Chapin, City Plaza, Guaymas
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming, vibrant, 1930s Modern Mexican city street scene by famed Chicago Modern artist Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Depicting a picturesque view of a quiet square in the hist...
Oil, Canvas
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Design for Women's Clothing & Accessories
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring elegant designs for women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches. Archivally matted to 16 x 12 inches...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
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
Nude Male Portrait Study 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Male Nude Figure by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century 25.5 x 19.75 inches oil on artist paper, unframed condition: very good and ready to enjoy with a small tear top lef...
Oil
1930's Modernist Oil Painting Paris Rooftops Hazel Guggenheim Mckinley Fauvist
By Hazel Guggenheim McKinley
Located in Surfside, FL
Hazel Guggenheim King-Farlow McKinley (American, London, New Orleans, 1903-1995), "Paris Rooftops" c. 1930 Oil paint on wood panel Attributed, dated and titled verso (I am not sure ...
Oil, Panel
A Vibrant, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Painting of a Bull Fight by Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A vibrant, colorful, 1950s Mid-Century Modern painting of a bull fight by notable Chicago artist, Francis Chapin. Oil on canvas, presented in a period, dark walnut brown stained flo...
Canvas, Oil
Farm in Berlin Heights, Ohio, Vibrant Field Landscape
Located in Beachwood, OH
August Frederick Biehle (1885-1979) Farm in Berlin Heights, c. 1930 Oil on masonite Signed lower right 22 x 30 inches 27.75 x 36 inches, framed A versatile painter who worked in a v...
Oil
$541
Lady in Yellow Shawl Portrait In Green Landscape Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Lady in Yellow Shawl signed initials by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on board unframed size: 5 x 4 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very goo...
Oil
$582
Young Girl Sitting with Her Doll Interior Scene Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Young Girl Interior Scene by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on board, unframed size: 10.5 x 8.25 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very good I...
Oil
A Charming, Modern 1950s Martha's Vineyard Street Scene, "New England Village"
Located in Chicago, IL
A large, delightful, Mid-Century Modern 1950s Martha's Vineyard street scene painting by famed Chicago artist, Francis Chapin. Depicting a picturesque view of the historic Main Stre...
Masonite, Oil
A Bustling, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Summer Harbor Scene of Martha's Vineyard
Located in Chicago, IL
A Bustling 1950s Mid-Century Modern Harbor Scene of Martha's Vineyard by Famed Chicago Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A busy harbor scene of sandy shoreline, docks and boat...
Canvas, Oil
A Colorful, 1930s Summer Harbor Scene of Saugatuck, Michigan by Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A colorful , blustery painting of a summer harbor in Saugatuck, Michigan by famed Chicago Modern artist, Francis Chapin. Dating circa 1935, oil on Masonite, the painting depicts a v...
Oil, Masonite
$850
A Captivating 1930s Modern Portrait of a Young Woman by Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A captivating, 1930s portrait painting of a young woman by famed Chicago artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A sensitive, skilled portrait of a young female model, most likely h...
Masonite, Oil
A Captivating 1930s Modern Portrait of a Seated Young Woman by Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A captivating, Modern 1930s portrait painting of a young woman in a black sweater by famed Chicago artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A skilled and expressive portrait of a sty...
Oil, Board
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Design for Women's Lounge Wear & Pajamas
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring a colorful design for women's lounge wear & pajamas. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/4 inches. Archivally matted to 16 x 12 inches. Prov...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
Figure In Blue Sky Gated Town Under Turquoise Umbrella British Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Turquoise Skies by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on board , framed framed: 9.5 x 12 inches board: 6.5 x 9 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ve...
Oil
$38,500
Mother and child, Signed painting on paper (unique), Hammer Galleries, Framed
By Gloria Vanderbilt
Located in New York, NY
Gloria Vanderbilt Untitled mother and child painting Gouache on paper Signed by the artist on the front Frame included A poignant painting of a mother and child from the 1960s. Whi...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Permanent Marker
"Taos Road" Henrietta Berk, Abstracted Landscape, Bright Red, Expressionist
By Henrietta Berk
Located in New York, NY
Henrietta Berk Taos Road, circa 1966 Signed lower left Oil on canvas 54 x 47 inches Provenance The artist The Carter Gallery, Los Angeles Phyllis and Stanley Goldberg, Palm Springs,...
Canvas, Oil
$1,507
Large Mid 20th Century French Modernist Figurative Oil Painting Bathers
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Bathers by Jacques Courtade (French 1923-1994) studio stamped verso oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 26 x 32 inches Provenance: private collection, Paris Condition: very good cond...
Oil
$2,906Sale Price|20% Off
Sicilian Farmhouse
By Yves Brayer
Located in London, GB
'Sicilian Farmhouse', oil on canvas, by Yves Brayer (circa 1950s). A dedicated lover of Mediterranean countries and their varied landscapes, this charming and diminutive work by the ...
Canvas, Oil
Colourful Large Female Nude, Femme Nue Allongée
Located in Cotignac, FR
Colourful, large oil on canvas female nude by Isabelle Pardoe. The painting is not signed but came directly from the atelier of the artist. Isabell Pardoe trained at the Slade scho...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Portrait of a Woman Reclining in a Purple Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
At first glance, we focus on the chiseled features of the woman reclining languorously in an enveloping purple wing chair. There are refinements here. A silken fringed shawl. Delicat...
Canvas, Acrylic
Bloom I - Floral Flower Abstract Mixed Media Oversized Artwork
By Sally K
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gazing at Lebanese American artist Sally K.'s floral artworks is consuming and empowering. Inspired by the endless variety of beautiful flowers, she creates pop-realistic paintings t...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil Pastel
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Till It All Withers 3 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Mixed Media, Men
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Samson Olatubos...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Photographic Paper
$3,070Sale Price|20% Off
Huge 20th Century French Signed Oil Classical Music Orchestra Concert Scene
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Orchestra signed by Guy Nicod (French 1923 - 2021) oil on canvas, unframed painting : 32 x 40 inches provenance: artists estate, France condition: very good and sound condition
Canvas, Oil
$3,947Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Modernist Oil Kissing Couple Abstract Figures, signed painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, signed and dated Title: Kissing Couple, beautfiful Modernist work with green, beige, brown, yellow, golden colors. Med...
Oil, Canvas
$383Sale Price|20% Off
French Surrealist Oil Winged Cherubs Flying through Clouds
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Winged Cherubs French School, contemporary oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 8 x 8 inches provenance: private collection, Paris condition: very good and sound condition
Oil
$27,500
"Woman Recumbent" Sally Michel Avery, Vibrant Blue, Modernist Nude, Interior
Located in New York, NY
Sally Michel Avery Woman Recumbent, 1980 Signed, dated and titled on the reverse Oil on board 16 x 20 inches Private Collection, East Hampton Private Collection, New York (acquired ...
Oil, Board
$274Sale Price|20% Off
1980's French Modernist Painting Amusing Multi-color Abstract Figure with Violin
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
by Paul-Louis Bolot (French 1918-2003) signed & dated 1983 original gouache painting on thick paper/ card unframed condition: very good and sound; the edges have a few curls and scuf...
Gouache
$6,716Sale Price|30% Off
Huge 1950's French Modernist Oil Mythological Pink Nudes on Rocky Coastline
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Naiades" French Modernist artist, circa 1950's The work is faintly monogrammed to the lower corner though hard to tell. There is a name verso but illegible - possibly the artist or ...
Oil
Breton fisherman with pipe
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Beige wooden frame 90 x 70 x 4.6 cm Breton fisherman with pipe This captivating portrait shows a fisherman with a bushy beard, deep in thought and smoking his pipe. T...
Oil
View of Riva degli Schiavoni - Oil Painting - Late 18th century
By Giovanni Antonio Canal (Canaletto)
Located in Roma, IT
View of Riva degli Schiavoni is an original old master artwork realized in the late 18th century by a follower of the School of the italian painter Canaletto. Oil on canvas. An imp...
Oil, Canvas
View of St. Mark Square - Oil Paint on Canvas - Late 18th century
By Giovanni Antonio Canal (Canaletto)
Located in Roma, IT
View of St. Mark Square is an original old master artwork realized in the late 18th century by artist of the School of Giovanni Antonio Canal (C...
Canvas, Oil
1940's Americana WPA Modernist Watercolor Painting Catskill Mountains Bungalow
Located in Surfside, FL
Bungalow (fauvist painting of New York scene) 1940's. image is 10X 11.5 inches. Hand signed lower right Watercolor painting on paper board Country Scene Samuel Grunvald was a Hunga...
Watercolor, Paper, Board
A Large, Fabulous Mid-Century Modern Painting of a Chicago Night Club, Burlesque
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fabulous, Large and Dynamic Mid-Century Modern Painting of a Chicago Night Club by Notable Chicago Artist, Rudolph T. Pen (Am. 1918 - 1989). Painted circa 1948, this is a large, a...
Canvas, Oil
A Beautiful Modern Figure Painting, "Two Bathers in a Boathouse"
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking Modern figure painting of two bathers in a boathouse by noted Chicago Modern artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Painted at the OxBow School of Saugatuck, Michigan (t...
Masonite, Oil
Untitled - Mixed media by Michele Zalopnay - 1993
Located in Roma, IT
The proposed work is a mixed media canvas created by artist Michele Zalopnay, measuring 63 x 100 cm is in excellent state of preservation Michele Zalopany is an American Postwar and ...
Mixed Media, Canvas
$925
Back Facing Nude Female In Bold Colour Interior French Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Nude Women Portrait by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century 19.75 x 20 inches oil on artist paper, unframed condition: very good and ready to enjoy provenance: from a priv...
Oil
A Fabulous, Abstract 1960s Mid-Century Modern Painting of a Sleeping Female Nude
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fabulous, Abstract 1960s Mid-Century Modern Painting of a Sleeping Female Nude by Noted Chicago Artist, Rudolph Pen. A sensuous, intimate studio depiction of a sleeping nude femal...
Canvas, Oil
Just a minute
Located in Sandwich, GB
The occupant of the room was in the middle of writing a note and has been interrupted. Return is assured as the glass of wine has not been consumed. Acrylic on panel. Signed bottom...
Acrylic
Row of Houses Beyond a Garden Wall British Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Row of Garden Houses by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on artist paper, unframed painting: 7 x 7.75 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very good...
Oil
Coney Island, Fourth of July
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Coney Island, Fourth of July, c. 1940s, oil on canvas applied to Masonite, signed upper right, 26 x 21 1/2 inches, presented in its original frame During the 1930s and 40s, Coney I...
Canvas, Oil, Board
$493Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Modernist/ Cubist Painting - Busy Figures In Forest
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
French Landscape by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) original gouache on paper stuck on card size: 18 x 25 inches condition: very good and ready t...
Gouache
House in Hudson, Ohio, Late 19th Century Painting by Cleveland School Artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Ora Coltman (American, 1858-1940) House in Hudson, OH Oil on canvas Signed lower left 22 x 26 inches 27.5 x 31.5 inches, framed 21 Aurora Street is locally known as the Isham-Beebe ...
Oil
National Day : Sailors having Fun - Tall Original Oil Painting, Signed
By Michel-Marie Poulain
Located in Paris, IDF
Michel Marie POULAIN French National Day : Sailors having Fun Original oil on canvas Handsigned in the lower left corner On canvas 55 x 65 cm (c. 22 x 26 inch) Presented in golden w...
Oil
Landscape - Oil Painting by Armando Cermignani - 1930
Located in Roma, IT
Oil on plywood realized by Armando Cermignani (1888-1957) in 1930s. Hand signed and dated. Excellent condition. Armando Cermignani was an Italian painter, engraver, ceramist and p...
Oil
Jockeys at the Rail
Located in San Francisco, CA
There’s an instant in a competitive horse race—whether it’s at Churchill Downs, Del Mar, Santa Anita Park, Saratoga or Belmont—of the utmost ferocity. That’s when the riders are jamm...
Canvas, Oil
$2,412Sale Price|20% Off
French Modernist 1970's Oil Painting Two Nude Females Beautiful Original Work
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Nudes French School, circa 1970's oil painting on board, framed measures: 25.5 x 16 inches provenance: private French collection Beautiful French oil painting depicting two female ...
Oil
Woman Lying Down on White Cloth - Oil Painting - Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Woman Lying Down on White Cloth is an artwork realized by an Italian Artist in mid-20th Century. Oil on cardboard 24x34 cm. Good conditions.
Oil, Cardboard
Portrait of a Lady in Blue Carrying a Sheef of Wheat British Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of A Lady in Blue by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on board , framed framed: 14 x 12 inches board: 12 x 10 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds co...
Oil
Figures Walking Towards The White Cottage British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ve...
Pastel
$1,200
A Colorful, Modern 1950's Painting of Martha's Vineyard, Breakfast on the Porch
Located in Chicago, IL
A Vibrant, Colorful 1950s Mid-Century Modern Painting of Martha's Vineyard by Famed Chicago Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Titled "Breakfast on the Porch at the Vineyard Ho...
Masonite, Oil
The Still Life - Oil Painting by Claude Decamps - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
The Still Life is a painting realized by Claude Decamps in the 1970s Oil painting on cardboard canvas. Hand-signed on the lower. Good conditions. Th...
Oil
$1,864Sale Price|20% Off
1950's French Modernist Oil Men Manual Labour Working in Field with Wheelbarrows
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Labourers French School, mid 20th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 24 x 29 inches provenance: private collection, Marseille condition: very good and sound condition
Oil, Canvas
$3,400Sale Price|29% Off
Abstract Expressionist Figurative Homage to Willem de Kooning
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Expressionist Figurative Homage to Willem de Kooning's "Women Singing" Colorful and dynamic abstract expressionist figurative mixed media painting contemporary piece, featu...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Magazine Paper, Stretcher Bars
Charles Pompilius figurative Young Female Nude Oil on Panel
Located in Detroit, MI
"Untitled" portrays a young female nude in an intimate setting within the artist's studio. This painting is done in the classical vein of full portraiture. The model, however, is not posed quietly, but is engaged with a person or object off the frame, or, perhaps in an interior monologue with herself. Regardless of which, the viewer's attention is not only attracted to the beauty of the model's figure, but the intention of her actions. Charles Pompilius...
Oil, Panel
Farm Tragedy (Untitled)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Farm Tragedy (Untitled), c. 1930s, mixed media on plaster on panel, unsigned, 22 1/8 x 32 inches; label verso reads: "New York Artists Equity Association, New York, NY," provenance i...
Mixed Media