Beginning in the early 20th century, abstract art became a leading style of modernism. Rather than portray the world in a way that represented reality, as had been the dominating style of Western art in the previous centuries, abstract paintings, prints and sculptures are marked by a shift to geometric forms, gestural shapes and experimentation with color to express ideas, subject matter and scenes.
Although abstract art flourished in the early 1900s, propelled by movements like Fauvism and Cubism, it was rooted in the 19th century. In the 1840s, J.M.W. Turner emphasized light and motion for atmospheric paintings in which concrete details were blurred, and Paul Cézanne challenged traditional expectations of perspective in the 1890s.
Some of the earliest abstract artists — Wassily Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint — expanded on these breakthroughs while using vivid colors and forms to channel spiritual concepts. Painter Piet Mondrian, a Dutch pioneer of the art movement, explored geometric abstraction partly owing to his belief in Theosophy, which is grounded in a search for higher spiritual truths and embraces philosophers of the Renaissance period and medieval mystics. Black Square, a daringly simple 1913 work by Russian artist Kazimir Malevich, was a watershed statement on creating art that was free “from the dead weight of the real world,” as he later wrote.
Surrealism in the 1920s, led by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Meret Oppenheim and others, saw painters creating abstract pieces in order to connect to the subconscious. When Abstract Expressionism emerged in New York during the mid-20th century, it similarly centered on the process of creation, in which Helen Frankenthaler’s expressive “soak-stain” technique, Jackson Pollock’s drips of paint, and Mark Rothko’s planes of color were a radical new type of abstraction.
Conceptual art, Pop art, Hard-Edge painting and many other movements offered fresh approaches to abstraction that continued into the 21st century, with major contemporary artists now exploring it, including Anish Kapoor, Mark Bradford, El Anatsui and Julie Mehretu.
Find original abstract paintings, sculptures, prints and other art on 1stDibs.
Portrait of a Woman in Black Dress
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Portrait of a Woman in Black, 1963. Stylistically influenced by Modigliani and Soutine. Signed "Woody" and dated lower right. Oil painting on canvas 34 x 18 in, 42 x 26 in (fram...
Burlap, Oil
$777
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on paper "Present moment"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Present Moment” is a contemporary abstract portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created as part of her ongoing series dedicated to women and their inner emotional landscapes....
Paper, Acrylic
$478
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait painting "Light Reborn"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot, and is part of her ongoing series dedicated to women — a powerful exploration...
Acrylic, Paper
$478
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait painting "Inner light"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing exploration of emotional identity, inner truth, and the human s...
Acrylic, Paper
$538
Contemporary abstract expressionist human portrait on canvas "Identity within"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Identity Within” – a metamodern reflection on inner truth, duality, and the human journey toward authentic selfhood “Identity Within” is a powerful and introspective portrait in wh...
Canvas, Acrylic
$538
Contemporary vivid expressive figurative dog's portrait on paper "Goofy eyes"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Goofy Eyes” is a contemporary acrylic painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created on heavyweight Italian paper as part of her expressive series of character-driven animal po...
Paper, Acrylic
$828Sale Price|20% Off
LARGE FRENCH CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT CUBIST PAINTING - RENE LEROY (B.1932)
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Rene Leroy (French b. 1932) signed Title: Abstract/ Cubist Composition Medium: mixed media, material and oil on canvas, framed, signed Size: frame: 29.5 x 37 ...
Oil
$2,400
"NYC - Central Park West" (2019) by Christopher Clark, Cityscape Oil Painting
Located in Denver, CO
"NYC - Central Park West" by Christopher Clark is an original abstract impressionist oil painting on cradled board that is ready to hang. Christopher has been an artist since earl...
Oil, Wood Panel
Abstract expressionist woman's portrait acrylic on paper "Serenity of the woman"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist woman’s portrait "Serenity of the Woman" was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing series dedicated to Women. Thro...
Paper, Acrylic
$607Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Original French Expressionist Oil Painting Abstract Face
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Original oil painting by P. Valetti (French, second half 20th century) oil on canvas, unframed size: 24 x 19.75 inches condition: very good provenance: from the artists estate, Franc...
Canvas, Oil
$777
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on paper "Her eternity"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Her Eternity” is a contemporary abstract portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created as part of her ongoing series honoring women and their inner, timeless worlds. In this w...
Paper, Acrylic
$358
Modern Abstract Expressionist woman's portrait acrylic on paper " True self"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist portrait of a woman was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot. Bold, vivid, and emotionally charged, the piece—titled "True Self"—explore...
Acrylic, Paper
$418
Abstract impressionist portrait of Frida Kahlo "Dreaming with Frida" on canvas
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Dreaming with Frida" is a contemporary, faceless abstract portrait of Frida Kahlo by French artist Natalya Mougenot. Blending elements of impressionism and expressionism, the work reimagines one of the most iconic female figures in art with bold color, emotional depth, and symbolic detail. Frida is depicted with orange flowers in her hair and matching orange earrings...
Canvas, Oil
Hidden Portraits I
Located in London, GB
'Hidden Portraits I', acrylic on canvas mounted on board, Florentine School (circa 1980s-90s). This gallery has acquired a number of paintings through an intermediary of an ageing ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Signed American Illustration "Romeo and Juliette" Framed Rare Portrait Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American illustration painting. Signed. Framed. Measuring 20 by 24 inches overall and 16 by 20 painting alone.
Canvas, Oil
$680Sale Price|20% Off
In The Making 1 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Abstract, Colour Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
By and by Too many thoughts rooted in my soul So many memories, the good and the bad They all shaped me. Colourful in a wink, darkness looted. But when it's all going grey, it shine...
Canvas, Oil
$717
Contemporary abstract figurative woman's body portrait on paper "Serene pause"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Serene Pause” is a striking contemporary abstract woman’s body portrait in expressive gestural style by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her intimate series exploring women’s...
Paper, Acrylic
$607Sale Price|37% Off
TOMMASO PRINCIPE (b1942) ITALIAN SIGNED OIL - ELEGANT LADIES IN PARKLAND
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Walking in the Park" by Tommaso Principe (Italian b.1942) signed lower corner oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 19.5 x 27.5 inches Beautiful Italian Impressionist oil...
Oil
"L'Enfant Au Foulard Violet” The Child With The Purple Scarf.
By René Genis
Located in Berlin, MD
Rene Genis (French 1922-2004) "L'Enfant Au Foulard Violet” The Child With The Purple Scarf. A beautiful portrait of a young man in a purple scarf against...
Oil, Laid Paper
$1,987Sale Price|20% Off
Large Abstract Cubist Style Multicoloured Original Oil Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Art, Picasso Style, Multicoloured, Original Oil Painting, Signed By French artist Beatrice Werlie, early 21st Century Signed by the artist Oil painting on canvas, unframed ...
Oil
$3,000
"E.S.H. IV" (animalia, fauna, figurative, horse sculpture, historical, abstract)
Located in Paris, IDF
E.S.H. IV PARIS, France 2023 Inspired by sculptures and statues of Europe, a horse and rider are depicted as a black silhouetted abstraction. White and grey acrylic paint over text...
Canvas, Dye, Acrylic
"Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolves and the Woodcutter"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Sometimes stories change and we decide who to fear and who to keep in our hearts. My story is about an all-encompassing love that is so great that it changes people's stories.
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on paper "Essential force"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Essential Force” is a modern vibrant abstract expressionist woman's portrait created by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing series dedicated to Women, where she expl...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,391
Contemporary large figurative painting inspired by Frida Kahlo "Floral Muse"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Floral Muse” is a vibrant and emotive large painting (70 x 100 cm / 27.5 x 39.5 in) that blends figurative and abstract styles from Natalya Mougenot’s ongoing series dedicated to Wo...
Acrylic, Paper
Portrait of a Young Woman
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Zhyvotkov Serhiy (1961-2000) Portrait of a Woman, 1993. Oil on artist's panel, 16 x 20 inches. Framed measurement 18 x 22 inches. Signed and dated on verso. Author Biography Z...
Oil
$441Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Abstract Portraits Of Figures Provenance
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Jacques COULAIS (1955-2011) signed oil painting on canvas unframed: 9.5 x 7.5 inches condition: excellent provenance: all the paintings we have ...
Oil
Addisonjones artwork, Anti-Hero pop artwork
Located in Delaware , OH
Addisonjones artwork, Anti-Hero pop artwork A R T I S T S T A T E M E N T: Introducing the iconic Andy Warhol style print with neon colors and screen prin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$538
Contemporary abstract figurative woman's portrait on paper "Inner silence"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Inner Silence” is a contemporary abstract portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created as part of her ongoing series dedicated to women and their inner emotional landscapes. ...
Paper, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionist impressionist portrait of a woman on paper "Unbreakable"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressive portrait, Unbreakable, was created in 2025 by French artist Natalya Mougenot in her studio in Lyon, France. It presents a faceless woman rendere...
Paper, Acrylic
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait painting "Edge of becoming"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist woman’s portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing series dedicated to Women. In this body of work, Mougen...
Canvas, Acrylic
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on canvas "The calm within"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"The Calm Within" contemporary woman's portrait painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, in her signature expressive style, opens her ongoing Women series — a profound body of wor...
Canvas, Acrylic
Large contemporary abstract figurative painting two women dog "Secrets Together"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Secrets Together” is a contemporary figurative painting depicting two women seated side by side, created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing Women series, dedic...
Paper, Acrylic
Sailboat Race, Cubist Abstraction Oil Painting by Female Artist Miriam Bromberg
Located in Long Island City, NY
Sailboat Race Miriam Bromberg Date: circa 1960 Oil on Canvas, signed lower right Size: 24 x 50 in. (60.96 x 127 cm)
Canvas, Oil
Brave Girl 12
Located in New York, NY
Angels Grau is a Catalan artist who spends her time between Barcelona, New York, and a small village located in the breathtaking Priorat, one of the most notorious wine regions in Eu...
Wood, Acrylic
Portrait of a Woman
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Neo-Expressionist painting depicts a young woman in luminous light. Encaustic on canvas, 14 x 17 inches. Unsigned. Minor paint loss along edge.
Encaustic
"umbrella girl series" RK2T12, Abstract, Paintings, Clay, 21st Century
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Art measures 19.68 x 19.68 inches Frame measures 27.56 x 27.56 x 2.76 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. Color: antique white - vintage Artist: Roger...
Clay, Acrylic
Dreamtime: Portrait Abstract Contemporary Butterfly Soft Warm Freedom Invest
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Dreamtime Dreamtime Portrait Abstract Contemporary Butterfly Soft Warm Freedom Portraits through the eyes of Karnish. "DREAMTIME Follow her to a world of play and abundan...
Gesso, Canvas, Acrylic, Pastel, Wood, Stretcher Bars
$2,630
Modern large abstract animal figurative portrait of two dogs "Faithful Duo"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Faithful Duo" by French artist Natalya Mougenot is a large contemporary figurative painting of two dogs, celebrating loyalty, friendship, and the enduring bond of companionship. M...
Paper, Acrylic
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Mid Century modern oil portrait of a Black nude woman seated on a chair
Located in Woodbury, CT
Well painted 1950's mid-century modern English portrait of a black nude woman seated on a chair. The artist was a portrait and figure painter active during the 1950s-1960s Oils on ...
Oil, Panel
"Dreamer" (2018) by Ryan Morse, Original Oil Painting, Female Portrait
By Ryan Morse
Located in Denver, CO
Ryan Morse's "Dreamer" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a feminine figure draped in a red fabric and dappled in sunlight. Ryan Morse is a Denver based freelance ar...
Oil, Board
Contemporary abstract figurative expressive human figure portrait "Inner being"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Inner Being” is a contemporary portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing exploration of the human presence beyond appearance — a direction closely connected to...
Paper, Acrylic
$478
Contemporary abstract figurative woman's portrait on paper "Emergent self"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Emergent Self" is a captivating contemporary female portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, exploring themes of identity, self-discovery, and personal transformation. This expre...
Paper, Acrylic
$550
Contemporary colorful abstract portrait of woman acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This captivating artwork, "Woman in a Blue Dress", was created by Natalya Mougenot, a French artist of Russian heritage born in Kazakhstan. The piece offers an abstract portrayal of...
Paper, Acrylic
$478
Contemporary abstract impressionist painting of two women "Shared horizon"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Shared Horizon” is a contemporary figurative painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created as part of her ongoing series dedicated to women, emotional bonds, and human connect...
Paper, Acrylic
$773Sale Price|20% Off
Open Blue, Abstract Oil Painting, Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Open Blue, Abstract Oil Painting, Signed By British Schooled artist, 21st Century Signed indistinctly on the back top corner Oil painting on canvas, unframed Canvas size: 23 x 19.5 inches Undeniably stylish abstract oil painting, using a rich palette of blue hues. I see the objects portrayed in the painting as fish in the deepest, darkest part of the sea. But as all abstract...
Oil
Black Angel Oil on Canvas Painting, Abstract Expressionism, 2010-
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Nerea Caos (1993) - Black angel - Oil on canvas Canvas size 60X50 cm. Frameless. Nerea Sánchez Castro, born in Ferrol, Galicia in 1993, an art student sin...
Canvas, Oil
Large contemporary abstract figurative painting of a woman "Reaching for beauty"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Reaching for Beauty” is a contemporary figurative painting created by French artist Natalya Mougenot as part of her ongoing Women series, dedicated to inner life, self-connection, a...
Paper, Acrylic
$800Sale Price|46% Off
Reclining Nude
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Edwin Kosarek (b.1929). Reclining Nude, 1952. Oil on wood panel, 17 x 48 inches. Signed and dated on verso. Edwin Kosarek Born: 1929 Studied: The Cit...
Masonite, Oil
$538
Contemporary abstract figurative portrait human figure canvas "Inner spectrum"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Inner Spectrum" is a striking portrait by French contemporary artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing series devoted to the human figure — men and women depicted not as social ...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
$680Sale Price|20% Off
In The Making 2 -21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Abstract, Colour Africa
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
By and by Too many thoughts rooted in my soul So many memories, the good and the bad They all shaped me. Colourful in a wink, darkness looted. But when it's all going grey, it shine...
Canvas, Oil
$550
Contemporary colorful abstract portrait of woman acrylic painting on paper
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract artwork titled "Contemplating future dreams " was created by Natalya Mougenot, a French artist of Russian descent, born in Kazakhstan. It is part of a ser...
Paper, Acrylic
$870
Liberty: Portrait Painting Renewal Flowers Striking Bold Exclusive Blue Red Life
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Liberty Portrait Painting Liberty Flowers Abstract Artwork Striking Bold Original Blue Red Life This abstract contemporary artwork takes one to a place of freedom and the fe...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
$900
"Ivory's Second Life" (2025), Oil Female Portrait, Painting on Copper and Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Lisa Fricker's "Ivory's Second Life" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a close up portrait of a woman in front of a earth , geometrical abstracted background. Throu...
Copper
$1,871Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary French Cubist Portrait Multicoloured Original Large Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Cubist Portrait, Multicoloured, Original Oil Painting By French artist Beatrice Werlie, early 21st Century Oil painting on canvas, unframed Canvas size: 21.5 x 18 inches Sensationa...
Oil
Portrait Painting Longing Africa Bold Flow Desire Striking Invest Gold Sensual
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: My African Dream - The Longing Portrait Painting Contemplation Africa Bold Flow Dream Striking Investment Color Gold Abstract portrait in Acrylics and Oil sealed with high qu...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$478
Contemporary expressionist woman's portrait painting "Hope in her ocean eyes"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot, and belongs to her ongoing series dedicated to women — a series that explores...
Acrylic, Paper
$454
Modern abstract faceless woman's portrait acrylic on paper "Radiant Being"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
With “Radiant Being”, French artist Natalya Mougenot offers a striking meditation on women’s identity, resilience, and inner brilliance. Stripped of facial features, the portrait tra...
Paper, Acrylic
$777
Contemporary abstract figurative woman's portrait on paper "Woman Flowered"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Woman Flowered," a striking contemporary figurative–abstract painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, continues her four-year exploration of the feminine experience — resilience,...
Paper, Acrylic
$4,750
"Girl in the Rain - Gold Edition #5", Abstract, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Gold Edition - with real gold leaf, 23,75 carat Art measures 19.68 x 19.68 inches Frame measures 24.80 x 24.80 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. Color...
Clay, Acrylic
$883Sale Price|20% Off
ORIGINAL FRENCH CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT CUBIST PAINTING - RENE LEROY (b.1932)
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: Rene Leroy (French b. 1932) signed Title: Abstract/ Cubist Composition Medium: oil on canvas, signed Size: painting: 21.25 x 28.75 inches Provenance: all ...
Oil