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
$781
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
$480
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
$540
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
$480
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
$540
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
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
$827Sale 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
Contemporary abstract figurative woman's portrait painting canvas "Inner beauty"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Inner Beauty” is a contemporary portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her ongoing series dedicated to Women — a body of work that explores femininity not as an externa...
Canvas, Acrylic
$780
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
$420
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
$360
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
$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
$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
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
"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
$1,800Sale Price|60% Off
Portrait of a Man, Yaddo
By Rosemarie Beck
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Rosemarie Beck (1923-2003). Yaddo Portrait of a Man (possibly Larry Osgood). Oil on canvas, 18 x 22 inches. Without frame. Minor rippling of canvas with...
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
$1,986Sale 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
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
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
$2,401
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
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
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
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
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
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
$540
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
"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
$2,041Sale Price|29% Off
Large French Abstract Picasso Style Red Colour Original Oil Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Large French Abstract, Picasso Style, Red Colour, Original Oil Painting, Signed By French artist Beatrice Werlie, early 21st Century Signed by the artist on the lower right hand corner Oil painting on canvas, unframed Canvas size: 26 x 20 inches Sensational abstract oil painting by the French female artist, Beatrice Werlie (born 1974). 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
$720
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
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
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
$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
"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
$606Sale 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
$50,000
"Untitled" - Contemporary Abstract Portrait Painting in Blue, Yellow, and Black
Located in Carmel, CA
Masri Hayssam (Lebanese, born 1965) "Untitled" 2023 Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Mixed Media, Canvas, Stretcher Bars The artist signed the bottom right and the back of the painting. In...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
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
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
$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
$3,700
"umbrella girl series" RK216, Abstract, Portrait Painting, 21st Century, Acrylic
By Roger König
Located in Dessau-Rosslau, Sachsen Anhalt
Part of the Umbrella Series, a recurring collection of works within the artist’s studio practice. The works are developed through a historically informed, unique approach to material...
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
$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
$2,642
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
$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
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
$882Sale 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
$1,931Sale Price|20% Off
Pastel Pink 1970's Abstract, Colourful Oil Painting, Original
"Study at Jan and John's" (2025) Original Abstract Portrait Oil Painting
By Ron Hicks
Located in Denver, CO
Ron Hicks' (US based) "Study at Jan and John's" (2025) is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a lightly abstracted portrait of a woman against a pale white background. T...
Oil, Wood Panel
$552
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
$1,986Sale 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
Minimalist Cubist Abstract, Signed Oil Painting by Female Artist Miriam Bromberg
Located in Long Island City, NY
Minimalist Cubist Abstract Miriam Bromberg Oil on Canvas, signed Size: 42 x 18 in. (106.68 x 45.72 cm) Frame Size: 47 x 22.5 inches
Oil
$480
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
$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
$480
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
$540
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 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
$772Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Abstract Oil Painting Expressive Brushwork Contemporary British
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist: British School (21st Century) Medium: Oil on canvas Size: 23 x 19.5 inches Signature: Signed indistinctly verso Condition: Excellent condition Provenance: Contemporary work ...
Oil
$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