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.
Quiet Landscape in Twilight, Signed and Dated Oil on Canvas
Located in Stockholm, Stockholm
A quiet landscape in subdued shades of grey, blue, green and brown by artist Ulf Wahlberg (1938–2014), oil on canvas, signed and dated 1994. The motif is from at Vassbacken in Väster...
Canvas, Oil
Luis Giner Bueno Spanish Forest Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas, 1973
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
Luis Giner Bueno landscape oil painting on canvas depicting a dense forest interior, dated 1973. Oil on canvas. Signed by the artist and dated 1973. Artwork: 65 × 100 cm (25.6 × 39....
Canvas, Oil
A Large, Cheerful 1950s American Scene Mid-Century Modern Painting, "The Picnic"
Located in Chicago, IL
A large, cheerful 1950s American Scene, Mid-Century Modern oil painting, "The Picnic" by notable Chicago artist, Walter Burt Adams (Am. 1903-1990). A vibrant, painterly depiction of...
Canvas, Oil
$802
Ramón Llovet “Atravesant Espais” Symbolic Figurative Oil Painting, 1978
Located in Sant Celoni, ES
**Ramón Llovet “Atravesant Espais” Symbolic Figurative Oil Painting, 1978** Oil on canvas. Signed, dated and titled. Original oil on canvas by Catalan artist Ramón Llovet Miserol, ...
Canvas, Oil
Outside the Synagogue Russian Judaica Oil Painting
By Emmanuel Snitkovsky
Located in Surfside, FL
This piece came from the collection of the Bezalel Art Gallery on the Lower East Side of New York City. Emmanuil Snitkovsky is an internationally known artist, sculpture and poet. ...
Canvas, Oil, Illustration Board
French Modernist Oil Painting Figures in Parisian Park Pony & Cart
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Parisian Park by Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024) pupil of André LHOTE oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 18 x 24 inches Provenance: all the paintings we have by this artist ha...
Oil
$107Sale Price|20% Off
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
$119Sale Price|20% Off
Horse In The River Valley 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: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condit...
Pastel
$119Sale Price|20% Off
Bell Tower and Buildings In 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
Warm Summer Light Over the French River Valley Impressionist Landscape Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Summer Light Over the French River Valley Impressionist Landscape Painting French School, mid 20th century signed lower right oil on board, unframed Board: 10.75 x 14 inches Provenan...
Oil
$107Sale Price|20% Off
Nun Waking Through Tight Street Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 4.5 x 3.75 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ve...
Pastel
$174Sale Price|20% Off
Green Forest Trees In Valleys Landscape British Modernist Oil Painting
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Green Valleys by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on artist paper , unframed painting: 5.25 x 8 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very good Irin...
Oil
$1,400
A Post-War, Modern Southwestern Realist Landscape, Adobe House in New Mexico
Located in Chicago, IL
An Introspective, Post-War Modern Southwestern Landscape Painting of an Adobe House in New Mexico by Notable Chicago Artist, Walter Burt Adams (Am. 1903-1990). A subtle tonal, archi...
Canvas, Oil
$424Sale Price|20% Off
French Modernist Oil Painting Green Tonal Landscape with Pink House
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Pink House French School, late 20th century oil on un-stretched canvas, unframed un-stretched canvas : 15.5 x 20 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: very goo...
Oil
$462Sale Price|20% Off
Young Girl Sitting with Her Doll Interior Scene Modernist Oil Painting
By Irina Hale
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
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Mother Guiding Her Child Into The Gardening British Modernist Oil Painting
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Mother & Child by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on board unframed size: 7 x 5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very good Irina Hale (1932-20...
Oil
"Woodstock Landscape" Albert Heckman, WPA, American Modernist, New York State
Located in New York, NY
Albert Heckman Woodstock Landscape Oil on board 8 x 10 inches Albert Heckman was born in Meadville, Western Pennsylvania, 1893. He went to New York City to try his hand at the art ...
Oil, Board
$169
Windy Village Path in Quirky Landscape British Modernist Pastel 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
"Mountain Chalet" by Jean Lassueur - Oil on Canvas 61x74 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Artwork sold with frame (63.5 x 77 cm) Jean Lassueur was born in Geneva in 1899 and died in 1980. He was a Swiss painter, draftsman, and engraver known...
Oil
$2,800
Let the Sun Shine (Gestural Abstract, Warm, Luminous, Golden Yellow Hues)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Katherine Bello Let the Sun Shine Oil on Canvas 2026 Size: 40 x 30 x 1.5 inches (101.6 x 76.2 x 3.81 cm) Signed in front on lower right Signed, dated and titled verso COA provided *...
Canvas, Oil
$842Sale Price|20% Off
Provencal Hilltop Village in Landscape Mid 20th Century French Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Provencal Landscape French School, mid 20th century oil on board, unframed board: 15 x 18 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good and sound condition
Oil
A Machine Age Modern Industrial Scene Painting of a New York City Shipping Crane
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking Machine Age Modern industrial scene oil painting of a New York shipyard crane by notable American artist, Lessing Whitford Williams (1894-1989). A colorful, dynamic examp...
Canvas, Oil, Board
$1,503Sale Price|20% Off
Sailing Boats in South of France Harbor Vintage French Oil Painting 20th Century
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Sailing Boats French School, 20th century oil on board, framed inscribed verso framed: 20 x 24.5 inches board: 17 x 21 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very g...
Acrylic
A Machine Age Modern Painting, Bronx Span, Triborough Bridge, New York City
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking Machine Age Modern oil painting of the historic Bronx Span, Triborough Bridge, New York City by notable American artist, Lessing Whitford Williams (1894-1989). Artwork ...
Canvas, Oil, Board
A Charming, Modern Maine Harbor Scene Painting, Lobster Traps & Fishing Boats
Located in Chicago, IL
A Colorful, Modern Maine Coastal Scene Painting, "White Boat in Harbor" by Famed Chicago Artist and Printmaker, Charles Turzak (Am. 1899 - 1986). The painting depicts a vibrant, sunlit autumn landscape painting most likely painted near the quiet rural harbor town of Penobscot, Maine. The painting is acrylic on canvas, dates from the 1950s and has a great visual appeal- a perfect complement to any New England coastal home or summer cottage in Maine. Artwork size: 20 x 36 inches, accompanied with the artist's original, hand-painted frame (Framed size: 21 3/4 x 36 1/2 inches). Signed "Turzak", lower left; titled on artist's label on reverse. Provenance: Estate of the artist. Charles Turzak was one of Chicago’s greatest printmakers of the Art Deco-era. Son of a coal miner, Turzak was born in Streeter, IL in 1899. In 1920, Turzak won the first prize a cartoon contest sponsored by the Purina company and he used his prize money to enroll in the Art Institute of Chicago. Best known as a print maker, in the 1920s & 30s, he created woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most notable buildings, including the Merchandise Mart, Palmolive Building and the Old Water Tower, among others. In 1933, he was commissioned to create woodcuts of many of Chicago’s most iconic buildings to illustrate a guidebook called “All About Chicago” by John and Ruth Ashenhurst” that featured the upcoming Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago. During the 1933 World’s Fair...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,228Sale Price|20% Off
Huge 20th Century British Naive Welsh Oil Painting Village Life in Winter Snow
By Ben Powell
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Winter in the Village by Ben George Powell, British contemporary artist signed oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 32 x 40 inches provenance: private collection of this artists work, UK ...
Canvas, Oil
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Countryside landscape by Herbert Theurillat - Oil on canvas 81x100 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Herbert THEURILLAT is an artist born in 1896 and died in 1987. His works have been sold at public auction 29 times, mainly in the Painting category....
Oil
20th Century German Modernist Oil Painting - Abstract Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist: Elisabeth Hahn (German 1924-2021), Elisabeth Hahn was born in Dortmund, Germany, where she began her artistic studies. In 1953, she moved to P...
Oil
"King of the Range" - Mid Century Western Fighting Stallions, Signed, 1951
By Bernard Preston Thomas
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderful and dynamic western painting of two wild fighting stallions by listed artist Bernard Preston Thomas (American, 1918-1992), dated 1951. Signed and dated lower left corner ...
Canvas, Oil
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 ...
Paper, Ink, Watercolor, Board
$163Sale Price|20% Off
Village Track In The Colourful 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
$3,150Sale Price|30% Off
"Dawn" by Claude Sauthier - Oil on Wood - 73x54 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Claude Sauthier was born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1929 and passed away in the same city in 2016. He studied at the Geneva School of Decorative Arts and initially worked as a graphi...
Wood, Oil
A Large, Colorful 1950s Mid-Century Modern Martha's Vineyard Summer Harbor Scene
Located in Chicago, IL
A vibrant, colorful Mid-Century Modern abstract harbor scene of Martha's Vineyard by notable Chicago artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Depicting a bustling harbor scene with n...
Canvas, Oil
$107Sale Price|20% Off
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
$2,882Sale Price|20% Off
Sicilian Farmhouse Oil Painting, Modern Landscape, Framed, 1950s
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
$1,522Sale Price|20% Off
North African Orientalist Scene Man on Horseback with Dogs outside City Building
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Orientalist Scene European artist, late 20th century possibly a copy of an earlier work judging from the style oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 24 x 20 inches provenance: private col...
Oil
A Scenic 1940s Modern Summer Harbor Scene of Saugatuck, Michigan- Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A scenic, colorful Modern 1930s summer harbor scene of Saugatuck, Michigan by notable Chicago Modern artist, Francis Chapin. Depicting a lively summer harbor view of the historic S...
Oil, Board
$3,153Sale Price|20% Off
Industrial Landscape - Huge Mid 20th Century Figurative Oil on Canvas Painting
Located in Sevenoaks, GB
Huge late 1950's oil on canvas depicting a figure in an industrial landscape by Peter Freeth RA. The work comes with wonderful provenance, having originally been sold at the prestigi...
Oil, Canvas
$23,790
Painting of New York City Fire Department in New York City by British Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Painting of New York City Fire Department in New York City by Contemporary British Artist, Angela Wakefield. Art measures 36 x 24 inches Frame measures 41 x 29 inches Angela Wake...
Canvas, Acrylic
$641Sale Price|20% Off
Spanish Post-Impressionist Rural Landscape Painting Mediterranean Countryside
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Spanish Post-Impressionist Rural Landscape Painting, Mediterranean Countryside Oil c.1940 Title: Spanish Post-Impressionist Rural Landscape Painting, Mediterranean Countryside Oil Artist: Spanish School Date: circa 1940 Medium: Oil on burlap...
Burlap, Oil
$3,450
Michael Green 1966 Large Signed Vintage American Impressionist Tropic Landscape
Located in Buffalo, NY
Large Vintage American impressionist tropical landscape oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Measuring: 47 by 55 inches overall, and 42.25 by 50.25 painting alone.
Oil, Canvas
Large Antique American Impressionist Cityscape Framed Industrial Signed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American cityscape oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed illegibly. Framed. Measuring: 26 by 32 inches overall, and 20 by 26 painting alone. Excellent condition, ready to han...
Canvas, Oil
$380Sale Price|20% Off
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
$135Sale Price|20% Off
Bare Trees In a Colourful Forest 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: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotsw...
Pastel, Pencil
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Mid 20th Century French Post-Impressionist Signed Oil Dotty Tree Town Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
signed oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 9 x 11 inches inscribed verso provenance: private collection, France condition: very good and sound condition
Oil
$745
French Castle - Paint by Hippolyte Camille Delpy - 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Oil on wooden table realized by Hippolyte Camille Delpy in the late 19th Century. A very nice small painting by an importante french painter of the late 19th Century, deeply influen...
Oil
$16,800
Roebling's Dream, The Great East River Bridge (NYC Cityscape by William Clutz)
Located in Hudson, NY
Colorful urban street scene of Brooklyn Bridge, NYC City Landscape Painting by William Clutz "Roebling's Dream, The Great East River Bridge", 1990 oil on canvas 40 x 70 inches, 41 3/...
Canvas, Oil
Vintage 20th Century Painting of Lush Green Ireland Village by Irish Artist
Located in Preston, GB
Vintage 20th Century Painting of Lush Green Ireland Village by Irish Artist, Liam Reilly Art measures 24 x 18 inches Frame measures 28 x 22 inches This stunning painting captures t...
Canvas, Cotton Canvas, Oil
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Abstract Seascape Oil Painting - Where Light Rests
Located in Bristol, GB
WHERE LIGHT SETTLES Size: 59.5 x 48 cm (including frame) Oil on canvas A minimalist and elegant mid-century abstracted composition that distils the essence of a tranquil seascape in...
Canvas, Oil
"Cowboy Serenade", A Cheerful Southwestern Modern New Mexico Landscape Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
"Cowboy Serenade", A Large, Cheerful Southwestern, New Mexico Landscape Painting by Notable Chicago Artist, Walter Burt Adams (Am. 1903-1...
Canvas, Oil
$130Sale Price|20% Off
Tall Trees In Blue Mountain Valley Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
By Irina Hale
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
$135Sale Price|20% Off
Figure Carrying Water On Her Head Up The Steps 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
American Flag Impressionist Signed Horse Track Framed School Equestrian Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist equestrian landscape oil painting. Oil on board. Signed illegibly and dated. Framed. Measuring: 18 x 16 inches overall, and 12.5 x 10.5 painting alone. Ex...
Oil
A Charming 1950s Painting of Lisbon, Portugal by Famed Artist Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A Charming, 1950s Painting of Lisbon, Portugal by Famed Chicago Modern Artist Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Depicting a bustling, colorful view of Lisbon's historic Black Horse Sq...
Oil, Canvas, Board
Mediterranean Forest Landscape Oil Painting Post Impressionist Spanish Woodland
By Ramon Perez Barril
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Ramón Pérez Barril (Barcelona, 1950) Title: Mediterranean Forest Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 65 × 50 cm (25.6 × 19.7 in) Signature: Signed lower right Period: Contempor...
Oil
$516Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Fields In Blue Sky Summer Meadow British Modernist Oil Painting
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pink Meaddows by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on artist paper, unframed painting: 9 x 11.25 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very good Irin...
Oil
Atilt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Atilt, 1982, acrylic on canvas, 32 x 48 inches, signed and dated lower right, “Alfred P. Maurice 2725 A South Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60616” inscribed verso, “ATILT” inscribed verso, “Maurice.018” inscribed on frame, exhibited: 1) Alfred P. Maurice Artist in the City Paintings 1979 - 1997, Archer Gallery of Clark College, Vancouver, WA, April 8 – April 30, 1997, #11, and 2) An Artful Life: Celebrating the Life of Creator, Teacher, and Collector Alfred Maurice...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Antique American Pennsylvania Impressionist Framed Landscape Rare Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare antique oil painting by Charles W. Patterson (1870 - 1938) . Oil on canvas, signed lower right. Measuring 29 x 33 inches overall, 22 x...
Canvas, Oil
$130Sale Price|20% Off
Village On Colourful Cliffside British Modernist Pastel Sketch
By Irina Hale
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