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.
$542
Contemporary vivid expressive figurative dog's portrait on paper "Jimmy Woof"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Jimmy Woof” is a contemporary acrylic dog painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created on heavyweight Italian paper as part of her expressive series dedicated to dogs. With...
Paper, Acrylic
$783
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
$542
Contemporary abstract figurative portrait of a dog on paper "Unconditional"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Unconditional" is a contemporary figurative painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created with acrylic paints on professional acid-free paper. This work belongs to a more inti...
Paper, Acrylic
$481
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
$481
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
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
"Sara's Morning" (2025), Female Portrait, Oil Painting on Copper and Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
Lisa Fricker's "Sara's Morning" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a close up nude portrait of a woman in front of a earth toned , geometrical abstracted background. ...
Copper
$542
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
Contemporary vivid expressive figurative dog's portrait on paper "Little rouge"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Little Rouge” is a contemporary acrylic dog painting by French artist Natalya Mougenot, created on heavyweight Italian paper as part of her expressive series dedicated to dogs. Wit...
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
$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
$605Sale 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
"Portrait"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
Memoirs
Acrylic
$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
$421
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
$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
$542
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
1960s Italian Signed Dated and Autenticated Painting
By Mino Maccari
Located in Roma, IT
1960s Italian Signed Dated and Autenticated Painting Mino Maccari work Three stylized figures Work by the Sienese artist Mino Maccari, signed at the bottom right Maccari 1969. Mixed ...
Paper, Watercolor
$770Sale Price|20% Off
Blue World, Abstract Oil Painting, Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Blue World, Abstract Oil Painting, Signed By British School artist, 21st Century Signed indistinctly on the back top corner Oil painting on canvas, unframed Canvas size: 23 x 19.5 in...
Oil
$2,147Sale Price|35% Off
Blue Period, Two Boys on a Beach, Signed Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Boys in Blue French School, Mid 20th century Oil painting on board, framed Signed on the lower right hand corner Framed size: 34.5 x 23 inches This artist was clearly inspired by Pi...
Oil
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Incredible Large Abstract Portrait Signed Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist abstract portrait oil painting by Abraham Pariente. Oil on canvas, circa 2000. Signed. Displayed in a modernist frame. Important large and impressive work!
Canvas, Oil
$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
$554
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
$361
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
$542
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
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
$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
$481
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
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Mid Century modern English oil portrait of a woman seated in an interior
Located in Woodbury, CT
1950's Mid Century modern English oil portrait of a woman seated in an interior The artist was a portrait and figure painter active during the 1950s-1960s Great use of color and abstract brush strokes...
Oil, Panel
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
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
$482
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
$421
Contemporary Expressionist portrait woman acrylic painting "Feminine Power"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This modern vibrant abstract expressionist woman's portrait was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot and makes part of her ongoing series dedicated to Women, where she explores ...
Canvas, 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
$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
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
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
American Modernist Black Woman Artist New Orleans Family Portrait Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist southern school painting. A family portrait on a New Orleans porch. Beautiful detail in the wrought iron. Brilliant color palette here. Signed verso. ...
Canvas, Oil
"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
Red Chair, Oil Painting by Jan De Ruth 1964
By Jan De Ruth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Jan De Ruth, Czech (1922 - 1991) Title: Red Chair Year: 1964 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed l.l. Size: 36 in. x 24 in. (91.44 cm x 60.96 cm) Frame Size: 44 x 32 inches
Canvas, Oil
$783
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
$825Sale 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
$2,410
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
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Mid Century modern oil portrait of a nude woman laying on a bed
Located in Woodbury, CT
Well painted 1950's mid-century modern English portrait of a nude woman laying on a bed. The artist was a portrait and figure painter active during the 1950s-1960s Oils on artists ...
Oil, Panel
$605Sale 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
$458
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
$542
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
"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
$554
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
$522Sale Price|60% Off
'The Power of Words', Berlin School
Located in London, GB
'The Power of Words', oil on board, Berlin School, (circa 1950s-1970s). A thoroughly modern depiction clearly in the style of Italian Futurist, Fortunato Depero (1892-1960). Futurism...
Oil, Board
$1,982Sale Price|20% Off
French Abstract Picasso 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 on the lower right hand corner Titled verso and dated '2004' Oil painting on canvas, unframed Canvas size: 26 x 19.5 inches Sensational abstract oil painting by a French female artist named Beatrice Werlie. A wonderful nod to the Picasso style of abstract art, using the artists supreme technique of mixing unusual colours together. The striking mix of red, yellow and blue brings a rich sense of warmth to the piece. The concept of 'abstract' was defined by Picasso, but many artists have looked to the Spanish iconic...
Oil
$2,000Sale Price|42% Off
"Crunch N'Munch" Abstract Expressionistic Mixed Media Painting on Canvas
Located in New York, NY
Paul Kostabi is known for his wildly fun, expressionistic, and colorful portraits. This painting is a perfect definition of his most popular works. Red, bright whites, greens, and blues disperse in a frenzy of splatters, fast brush strokes, and speckles ascending across the canvas. Art measures 24 x 18 inches Paul Kostabi (Paul Indrek Kostabi) was born in 1962 in Whittier, California. He is an American artist, musician, music producer and audio engineer. He is the brother of artist Mark Kostabi. He became part of the CBGB Festival in 2014 exhibiting paintings alongside photographers Bob Gruen, Michael...
Acrylic, Canvas, Mixed Media
$770Sale 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
"Everyday Shapes" by Danny McCaw (2024) Abstracted Figures, Oil Painting
By Danny McCaw
Located in Denver, CO
Danny McCaw's (US based) "Everyday Shapes" is an oil painting with impasto brushstrokes that depicts two abstracted figures. Bio/artist statement: Danny McCaw is the youngest son o...
Oil
$396Sale Price|20% Off
American Modernist Abstract Portrait Dancer Original Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist oil painting. Oil on canvas, circa 1970. Unsigned. Image size, 30L x 40H. Framing available.
Canvas, Oil
$1,500Sale Price|25% Off
Victor (Male Portrait Pool Painting)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Patrick Terenchin (b.1970). Victor, 2025 Oil, acrylic, color pencil on wood panel. Panel measuring 20 x 20 inches inches. Signed, titled, dated on verso. The portrait is from...
Mixed Media
$984Sale Price|20% Off
Vibrant Abstract, Blue, Colourful Oil Painting, Original
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Vibrant Abstract, Blue, Colourful Oil Painting, Original By French artist 'L.Polevin', 20th Century Signed indistinctly and dated '1986', signed verso Oil painting on canvas, unframe...
Oil
Contemporary abstract expressionist portrait acrylic on paper "Resilient woman"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait was created by the French artist Natalya Mougenot. With flowing long hair and no facial details, the figure is rendered in 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
$3,200
“Regular John”, Abstract, Portrait, Red, Cream, Purple, Blue, Acrylic Painting
By Sandra Cohen
Located in Franklin, MA
"Regular John" by Sandra Cohen is a 36 x 24 inch acrylic painting with a haunting, ethereal quality, merging abstraction with subtle narrative elements. Hinting at themes of memory, ...
Crayon, Canvas, Acrylic
$361
Abstract Impressionist portrait of women oil on cardboard "Shared moments"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
French contemporary artist Natalya Mougenot invites viewers into her world of expressive simplicity with Shared Moments—an intimate scene capturing two women seated at a table, quiet...
Oil, Cardboard