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.
"umbrella girl series" Gold Edition No.13, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Gold Edition - with real gold leaf, 23,75 carat Art measures 7.87“ x 7.87“ inches Frame measures 13“ x 13“ x 2.36“ inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. Color...
Clay, Acrylic
"umbrella girl series" - Gold Edition No.11, Abstract, 21st Century, Clay
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 27.55 x 27.55 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. Color:...
Clay, Acrylic
$755
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
Large Vintage American Modernist Cubist Portrait Original MCM Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Unsigned. Measuring: 34 by 22 inches overall. Excellent condition, ready to hang and enjoy.
Oil, Canvas
$464
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
$971Sale Price|20% Off
Hidden Portraits I, Abstract Acrylic on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1980s
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
"Imagine", Abstract Expressionist, Red, Yellow, White, Blue, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "Imagine" is a 50 x 38 inch oil painting on canvas. It's an expressive, abstract painting of a seated figure rendered in bold, almost glowing blocks of color. The person...
Canvas, Oil
$966Sale 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
$809Sale Price|20% Off
Rene Leroy Large French Abstract Cubist Mixed Media Painting Framed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Key Details Artist: Rene Leroy, French, born 1932 Title: Abstract / Cubist Composition Medium: Mixed media, material and oil on canvas, framed Size: Painting: 29 x 36 inches; framed:...
Oil
$2,105Sale Price|35% Off
Mid Century French Figurative Painting Boys in Blue Oil on Board Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist: French School, mid 20th century Medium: Oil on board Size (framed): 34.5 x 23 inches Frame: Framed Signature: Signed lower right (indistinct) Condition: Good condition Descr...
Oil
"Should I Be Worried?", Abstract Expressionist, Portrait, Red, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "Should I Be Worried?" is a 60 x 40 inch abstract expressionist oil painting. The image is a vivid, stylized portrait of a woman painted in bold, expressive colors and t...
Canvas, Oil
$813
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on paper "Rising Self"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary expressive female portrait inspired by Matisse, bold Fauvist color modern art painting celebrating feminine strength, authenticity, and inner transformation. In Rising ...
Paper, Acrylic
$917Sale Price|28% Off
Rene Leroy Signed French Abstract Cubist Figures Oil Painting Framed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Key Details Artist: Rene Leroy, French, born 1932 Title: Abstract / Cubist Composition Medium: Oil painting on canvas, framed Size: Painting: 24 x 19.5 inches; framed: 26.5 x 22.5 in...
Oil
$14,532
"umbrella girl series" Blue- Gold Edition No.14, Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Set against a rich midnight blue background, luminous gold leaf creates a refined dialogue between elegance, depth and timeless luxury Gold Edition - with real gold leaf, 23,75 cara...
Clay, Acrylic
$348
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
Reclaiming Europa
Located in Zofingen, AG
This powerful mixed-media work, featuring a neoclassical portrait of Europa upon a dark, graffiti-covered bull against a chaotic neon background, explores the theme of The Sovereign ...
Canvas, Oil, Spray Paint
$850
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
"Just human " Contemporary abstract expressionist man's portrait painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Just human" is an original contemporary portrait painting by Natalya Mougenot, featuring an expressive portrait of a human figure created with acrylics and pens on heavyweight, acid...
Paper, Acrylic
$928
Modern abstract figurative woman's portrait acrylic painting "Now and beyond"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary expressive female portrait inspired by Matisse, bold Fauvist color modern art painting celebrating feminine strength, authenticity, and inner transformation. “Now and B...
Paper, Acrylic
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
Klee`s Mask
Located in Zofingen, AG
Klee's Mask In this work, an imaginary encounter takes place between two artists separated by time and style. The familiar image of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is reinterpreted thr...
Canvas, Mixed Media, 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
We were happy that day
By Kseniya Rai
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll We Were Happy That Day This painting is not a statement, but a memory. It speaks not about constant happiness, but about a moment when happiness already existed — qu...
Canvas, Oil
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
$480Sale Price|20% Off
One-Of-A-Kind painting on canvas "Crash Kennedy" by Serg Graff, Gold Frame, COA
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This is a rare, unique original acrylic and oil painting on canvas by contemporary visionary artist Serg Graff, titled "Crash Kennedy." Executed in a naïve primitivism style, this bo...
Acrylic
Jazzu - Être ici vivant
By Jazzu
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Jazzu Être ici vivant 2025 Acrylique sur papier fort 2025 42 x 29,7 cm 490 euros
Acrylic
$4,301
"umbrella girl series" RK216, Abstract, Portrait Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Art measures 7.87 x 7.87 inches Frame measures 16.14 x 16.14 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. Color: antique patinated All art frames show signs of we...
Clay, Acrylic
$523
"Time within" Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Time within" is an original contemporary portrait painting by Natalya Mougenot, featuring an expressive portrait of a woman created with acrylics and pens on heavyweight, acid-free ...
Paper, Acrylic
"Closure", Abstract Expressionist, Portrait, Blue, Red, Orange, Oil Painting
By Sorin Bica
Located in Franklin, MA
Sorin Bica's "Closure" is a 30 x 30 inch abstract expressionist painting. The image is a vivid, expressive depiction of a figure in a contemplative or withdrawn pose. She is shown wi...
Canvas, Oil
$593Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Original French Expressionist Oil Painting Abstract Face
By P Vilette
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
$1,200Sale Price|40% 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
$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
$522
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
Jazzu - SKiff kiff un mot à dire
By Jazzu
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
azzu Kiff kiff un mot à dire Collages et techniques mixtes sur papier 65 x 50 cms 2025 Signé et daté au recto Titré , signé et daté au verso 690 euros
Acrylic
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
$2,325
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...
Paper, Acrylic
Girl with Beret, Impasto Oil on Masonite, Mid Century, 32x32
Located in Arp, TX
Sylvia Rutkoff (1919-2011) "Girl with Beret" c. 1950s · Impasto oil on masonite · 32" × 32" period wood frame Unsigned Provenance: Family estate About this work A riveting enc...
Masonite, Oil
JAZZU - Cartes sur table
By Jazzu
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Jazzu Cartes sur table Techniques mixtes sur papier fort 2024 65 x 50 cms Signé et daté au recto Titré , signé et daté au verso 690 euros
Acrylic
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
Brave Girl 16
By Angels Grau
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 Europe. This combination allows her to have the best of three worlds; it brings together the creativity and passion that her paintings demand. "I invest time in my work. You must look at paintings on different days, with different eyes. There is a need to go back to it again and again.” Born to a family of artists, she grew up surrounded by drawings, tapestries, and paintings that awakened a special sentiment that over time matured into her work. A graphic designer first and painter by evolution, in 2018 she decided to make the leap into becoming a full-time artist. Nothing has deterred her since. After traveling the world and bringing up four children who are almost living their own lives, the artist feels the need to empower the role of women inspired by her own journey. “Invisible Women” is a tribute to each and every woman that fights from anonymous positions, in everyday jobs and everyday lives, to improve their family, their society, their world. Some of her pieces are part of the personal art collections of different CEOs of fortune 100 companies. “Invisible Women” is part of a recent purchase...
Wood, Acrylic
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Mid Century modern oil portrait of a Black nude woman seated on a chair
By Laure Jessop
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
$465
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
Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait on canvas "Venus"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary abstract, expressive, and vividly colorful portrait of a faceless woman, titled "Venus", is part of Natalya Mougenot’s ongoing serie...
Canvas, Oil
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
$812
Modern abstract figurative woman's portrait acrylic painting "Between times"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
Contemporary expressive female portrait inspired by Matisse, bold Fauvist color modern art painting celebrating feminine strength, authenticity, and inner transformation “Between Ti...
Paper, Acrylic
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
$639
"Quiet mind" Contemporary abstract expressionist woman's portrait painting
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Quiet Mind” is an original contemporary portrait of a woman by Natalya Mougenot, created with acrylic paints and acrylic pens on heavyweight professional acid-free paper. The work i...
Paper, Acrylic
JAZZU - Coup de Chance
By Jazzu
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Jazzu Coup de chance Techniques mixtes sur papier 2025 Signé et daté au recto Titré , signé et daté au verso 76 x 56 cms 890 euros
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
$697
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
Brave Girl 12
By Angels Grau
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
$1,938Sale 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
$755
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
$522
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
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
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
$5,813
"umbrella girl series" Gold Edition No.8, Abstract, Painting, Clay, 21st Century
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 27.56 x 27.56 x 2.76 inches Framed in a high-quality contemporary wooden moulding. ...
Clay, Acrylic
$863Sale Price|20% Off
Rene Leroy French Abstract Cubist Pastel Mixed Media Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Key Details Artist: Rene Leroy, French, born 1932 Title: Abstract / Cubist Composition Medium: Oil on canvas Size: Painting: 21.25 x 28.75 inches Provenance: From the artist’s studio...
Oil
$406
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
$850
"An Urgent Man" (Abstract, Black & White, Figurative Oil Painting, Neutral Tone)
Located in Paris, IDF
AN URGENT MAN 2020 Paris, France Oil and acrylic on canvas portray a ‘derbyed’ man attempting to shed the weighted armor of his obligations and persona. A very loose nod to the character from René Magritte’s 1964 painting, ‘The Son of Man...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic