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 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
Post War Berkeley Hills Original Watercolor Painting of Victorian House, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Post War Berkeley Hills Victorian House Original Watercolor Painting, Signed Original 1947 watercolor painting of Berkeley home in the featuring an iconic Queen Anne Victorian house...
Paper, Watercolor
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
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
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
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
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
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
Midnight Street Scene with Terraced Houses British Modernist Oil Painting
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Midnight Street signed initials by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on artist card, unframed size: 6.5 x 5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ver...
Oil
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
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
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
City at Night (Cityscape)
By Abram Tromka
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Abram Tromka (1895-1964) City at Night, ca. 1940. Oil on canvas, 16 x 20 inches; 20 x 24 inches in antique oak frame. Signed lower right. Frame is of the period, but probably not ...
Canvas, Oil
Mediterranean Catalan Village and River Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Mediterranean Catalan Village and River Landscape Oil Painting Artist: Francesc / Francisco Galofré Surís Title: Catalan Village and Ri...
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
Untitled (Perhaps New Jersey Factories)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Untitled (perhaps New Jersey Factories), c. 1940s, oil on board, signed lower left, 24 x 28 inches, perhaps exhibited Fifty-First Annual Exhibition, National Association of Women Art...
Oil, Board
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
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
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
Vibrant Post War Bay Area Garden Landscape - Original Watercolor Painting
Located in Soquel, CA
Vibrant Post War Bay Area Garden Landscape - Original Watercolor Painting Lively landscape of a path and steps through a garden by Turkish-American artist Ömer Şahingil (Turkish/Ame...
Watercolor, Paper
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
"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...
Oil, Wood
"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
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
English School Oil Painting Napoleonic Wars Naval Engagement Battle at Sea
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Contemporay English School signed oil painting on copper panel in impressive gilt frame framed: 13 x 14.5 inches panel: 8 x 10 inches provenance: private collection, England conditi...
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
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
Fine French Modernist Beautiful Garden Sun Room Interior Scene Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Garden Room by Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024) pupil of André LHOTE oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 20 x 20 inches Provenance: all the paintings we have by this artist have...
Oil
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
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
A Charming 1930s Modern City Rooftop Painting, Hyde Park, Chicago
Located in Chicago, IL
A Charming 1930s City Rooftop Scene by Notable Chicago Modern Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994). Depicting a colorful, early springtime view likely painted from the artist's stu...
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
Huge Spanish/ French Oil Painting Elegant Ladies on the Beach Group Portrait
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Group Portrait by Maria Tort Xirau (Catalan, 1924-2018) signed lower corner dated 1991 oil painting on canvas, framed canvas: 42 x 52 inches framed: 33 x 43 inches Very good condition. Provenance: from the artists estate, France Maria Tort Xirau ( Figueres , 26 May 1924 – 6 June 2018) was a painter and photographic and cinematographic editor from Emporda. She developed a long professional career in leading photographic studios, in films for The Walt Disney Company and also in advertising claims for companies such as Educa Borràs . The second half of her life was dedicated to painting, exercising a luminous, varied and nostalgic chromatic style in the techniques of oil and watercolor and with exhibitions of her work in Barcelona and Figueres. The Biographical Dictionary of Art Empordà defined Tort Xirau's work as "a painting that is characterized by the strength of the strokes, the vividness and brightness of the chromatic range and exudes mastery of the photographic technique. A mixture of nostalgia and tenderness is evident.". Tort Xirau's paintings were exhibited in the two towns where she spent her life: in 1992 she exhibited his work at the Caixa de Figueres Exhibition Hall. Two years later, she did it at Sala Conex in Barcelona and in 2007 and 2013 the Consortium of Sant Ferran Castle and the Figueres Town Council organized tribute exhibitions. In 2013, she ceded to the council of the city of Figueres her work Mercat de la plaça de l'Ajuntament , watercolored on paper around 1991, which is exhibited in the rest room of the building. On June 6, 2018, she died in Figueres at the age of 94, receiving the apostolic blessing . Two years after her death, part of her paintings were included in the exhibition Paint, create, live. Women artists in the Alt...
Canvas, Oil
Early Mexican City Scene by Chicago Artist Francis Chapin, San Miguel de Allende
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming, vibrant, early Mexican city street scene by famed Chicago Modern artist Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Depicting a quiet, picturesque view of the rooftops and cathedral...
Masonite, Oil
L.S. Lowry, Street Scene, 1965
Located in Manchester, GB
L.S. Lowry, Street Scene, 1965 Oil on canvas 50.8 x 60.9 cm (20 x 24 in) Hand-signed and dated 'L.S. LOWRY 1965' (lower right) and titled 'STREET SCENE' (on the canvas overlap) E...
Canvas, Oil
"Sea Cliff" Mid Century Modern Coastal Cliff Seascape in Acrylic on Masonite
Located in Soquel, CA
"Sea Cliff" Mid Century Modern Coastal Cliff Seascape in Acrylic on Masonite Expansive seascape by notable California artist Farren Jensen (American, 19...
Masonite, Acrylic
Seaside landscape
Located in Genève, GE
Work on canvas Golden wooden frame 66 x 78 x 4 cm
Oil
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
Early Mexican City Scene by Chicago Artist Francis Chapin, San Miguel de Allende
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming, vibrant, early Mexican city street scene by famed Chicago Modern artist Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Depicting a quiet, picturesque view of the rooftops and cathedral...
Oil, Masonite
A Vibrant 1950s Mid-Century Modern Watercolor of Provincetown, MA, Cape Cod
Located in Chicago, IL
A Vibrant, 1950s Mid-Century Watercolor of Provincetown, Massachusetts by Famed Chicago Modern Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A superb example of Chapin's Post-War landscap...
Paper, Watercolor, Pastel
Untitled (Still Life in Landscape)
By Keith Crown
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Untitled (Still Life in Landscape), third quarter 20th Century, watercolor on paper, signed lower right, 31 x 22 1/2 inches, presented in an older (perhaps original) frame, the work...
Paper, Watercolor
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
"Metropolitan Abstraction" Signed Mid Century Cubist Architectural Abstraction
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American abstract cubist street scene oil painting. Oil on board. Framed. Signed. Measuring: 31 by 42 inches overall, and 25 by 36 painting alone. In excellent original con...
Oil, Board
Ben Avram, Israeli Bezalel School Old City Jerusalem Israel Landscape Painting
Located in Surfside, FL
Edward Ben Avram Hand signed lower right Jerusalem Israeli Old City walls landscape cityscape. Home of the Har Habayit, The Western Wall, Temple mount. Size includes frame 23 X 28, paper is 14 X 20 inches Edward Ben Avram (born 1941) is an Indian - Israeli artist who was born in Bombay, India and immigrated to Israel as a teenager. He graduated from the Bezalel School of Art and Design in 1965 and continues to call Jerusalem his home. Most of Ben Avraham oil painting and watercolors portrays Israeli cities, particularly the old city of Jerusalem with its architecture and orientalist domes and arches, religious festivals, and Bible stories. He paints in creamy sensual tones incorporating symbols such as doves, a menorah, and Shabbat candles. With his penchant for filigreed designs and bright colors, Edouard Ben Avram betrays some influences of his Indian boyhood. But the subjects that he paints so gracefully with a touch of Oriental lyricism are scenes of Jerusalem, his home for over 20 years. Exhibitions 1964 Group exhibitions in the United States and Canada 1977 Safrai Gallery, Jerusalem (a prestigious gallery that shows Abel Pann, Mordecai Ardon, Samuel Bak, Abraham Binder...
Paper, Gouache
French Bastide Landscape Painting, Oil on Canvas, Late 20th Century
Located in Cotignac, FR
Late 20th Century oil on canvas view of a French bastide in a garden by Franco British artist Isabell Pardoe. The painting is not signed but came directly from the artist's atelier. ...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Cattle grazing in an extensive landscape
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Tom Coates (1941-2023) Cattle grazing in an extensive landscape Oil on canvas Signed with initials lower left Canvas Size - 20 x 24 in Framed Size - 29 x 33 in Tom Coates (1941–2023...
Oil
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
View Towards Christmas Cove, Maine, Early 20th Century East Coast Landscape
By Frank Wilcox
Located in Beachwood, OH
View Towards Christmas Cove, Maine, c. 1923 Watercolor on paper Signed lower right 14 x 19.5 inches Frank Nelson Wilcox (October 3, 1887 – April 17, 1...
Watercolor
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
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
Figures Walking Towards The White Cottage 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
Signed 20th Century French Oil Painting Figure Sleeping Park Bench Carousel Fair
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Park Bench by Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024) pupil of André LHOTE signed oil on canvas, framed framed: 19 x 23 inches canvas: 18 x 22 inches Provenance: all the paintings ...
Oil
A Charming 1950s Modern Painting of a Red House in Calais, Vermont
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming 1950s Modern painting of a little red house, titled "Corner of the Brick House with Last Snow Bank, Calais, VT" by notable Chicago artist, Harold Haydon. Painted near the...
Canvas, Oil, Board
Antique American Impressionist Framed Young Woman Portrait Exhibited Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very finely painted early 1900s American impressionist portrait painting by Alexander Oscar Levy (1881 - 1947). Oil on canvas, lain to board. In excellent original condition. Hand...
Canvas, Oil, Board
"Piriac-sur-Mer, Bretagne" by Claude Sauthier - Oil on Wood - 92x65 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
Abstract Golden Green Fields French Modernist Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Golden Fields French Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting on Canvas Jacqueline Boisselot, French, late 20th century oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 5.5 x 7 inches Provenance: from a ...
Oil
The Touch - Large Format Oil Painting, Modern Figurative Beach Landscape
Located in Hallein, AT
Artodyssey "Julita Malinowska's paintings belong to those, which once seen - are never forgotten. The open spaces, sometimes cool and bright, at other times heavily saturated with co...
Canvas, Oil
Jardin des Plantes - Paint by Henri Hamm - mid-20th Century
By Henri Hamm
Located in Roma, IT
Jardin des Plantes is a modern artwork realized by Henri Hamm in the mid-20th Century. Oil on wooden panel. Good conditions.
Oil, Panel
1950's Bright Green and Blue Landscape of Hills and Fields French Oil
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Harmonious Landscape by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century) original oil on artist paper size: 23 x 20 inches condition: very good and ready to be enjoyed Description: This impr...
Oil
Post War Bay Area Figurative - Original Watercolor Painting "Beach Day" Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Post War Bay Area Figurative - Original Watercolor Painting "Beach Day" Vibrant watercolor of three figures on the beach by Turkish-American artist Ömer Şahingil (Turkish/American,...
Watercolor, Illustration Board