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.
Still Life on a Table - Oil Painting on Canvas - 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Still Life on a Table is an original oil painting on canvas realized in the 20th Century. Good conditions (the painting has been restored in some parts). Frame included (83x108 cm).
Canvas, Oil
An Officer, Battalion Co., Cold Stream Guards, Circa 1821
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
John Leslie Berry (1920–2009) An Officer, Battalion Co., Cold Stream Guards, Circa 1821 Oil on canvas Signed lower right Canvas size - 14 x 10 in Framed size - 18 1/2 x 14 1/2 in o...
Oil
$3,450Sale Price|40% Off
Mid Century Modern Portrait Painting of Woman, Signed, 42x36 Inches
By Tarmo Pasto
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid Century Modern Portrait Painting of Woman, Signed, 42x36 Inches Substantial and period painting, a Mid Century Modern portrait of a woman in an abstracted landscape by listed Ca...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
A Striking 1940s Modern Studio Portrait of a Seated Young Female Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, Colorful 1940s Modern Studio Portrait of a Seated Female Model in a Pink Blouse by Notable Chicago Modern Artist, Walter Burt Adams (Am. 1903-1990). The painting a is we...
Oil, Masonite
The Day Bangkok Stopped for a Giant Cat
Located in Zofingen, AG
Massive cat blocking traffic Bangkok Thailand acrylic artwork Acrylic Painting on canvas One of a kind artwork Size: 80 × 100 × 3 cm (unframed) The artwork is titled and signed on ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled, Intaglio on Paper by Modern Indian Artist Laxma Goud "In Stock"
By Laxma Goud
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
K. Laxma Goud Intaglio 12 x 9 inches 30.5 x 22.9 cm 2022 ( Framed & Delivered ) Style : Goud displays versatility over a range of mediums, from printmaking, drawing, watercolour,...
Paper, Intaglio
"New York Skyline" Adelaide Lawson Gaylor, Modernist Landscape, Female Artist
Located in New York, NY
Adelaide Lawson Gaylor New York Skyline, circa 1925 Oil on canvas 48 x 45 inches Modernist artist Adelaide Jaffrey Lawson Gaylor was born in New York City and studied at the Art St...
Canvas, Oil
American School Signed Modernist Trompe L'Oeil Still Life Winter Skating Scene
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist winter landscape oil painting. Oil on board. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 26 by 20 inches overall, and 20 by 15 painting alone. Excellent condition, ready t...
Oil
"Biomorphic Codes", Acrylic Mixed Media Painting on Wood Panel, 2010
By Peter Geise
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind acrylic and mixed media painting on wood panel by San Diego artist, Peter Geise. It is unframed. Its dimensions are 16"x 16". A certificate of authenticity wi...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
A Striking, Post-War Modern Studio Portrait of a Seated Young Male Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Striking, Colorful Post-War Studio Portrait of a Seated Young Male Model by Notable Chicago Modern Artist, Walter Burt Adams (Am. 1903-1990). The painting a is well executed, inti...
Canvas, Oil
Krishna, Oil, Acrylic, Charcoal, Blue, Yellow by Indian Modernist "In Stock"
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
Shuvaprasanna Bhattacharya - The Golden Flute - 12 x 12 inches (unframed size) Oil, Acrylic and Charcoal on canvas Inclusive of shipment in a roll form. One of the most popular seri...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil, Acrylic
Set of 2 Bright Landscape Studies of 1960's British Modernist Drawings
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Set of Two Paired Studies 1960's British Modernist Drawing by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil crayon drawings on light brown artist paper stuck on A4 artist paper, unframed overal...
Oil Crayon
“Abstract #6”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original oil paint on heavy archival paper abstract by the American artist, Martin Rosenthal. Bold, vibrant colors. Signed lower right by the artist and dated 1965. Condition is ver...
Oil, Archival Paper
A Colorful Mid-Century Modern Still Life of Flowers by William C. Buxton
Located in Chicago, IL
A colorful Mid-Century Modern floral still-life painting by Wisconsin artist William C. Buxton. Artwork size: 23 1/2" x 18". Framed size: 28" x 24". William Buxton was born in A...
Paper, Casein
$6,000
"Pan of Bolts" Two-Sided Painting, Bay Area Figurative, Circa 1962-64
Located in Soquel, CA
"Pan of Bolts" and on Verso Joan Brown Swimming W/Manuel Neri Walking on Water Sally Wilt studied with Joan at California School of Fine Art Stunning large-scale Bay Area Figurat...
Canvas, Oil
$321Sale Price|20% Off
Deep Colour Flowers Round Case in Blue Interior Modernist Oil Painting
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Deep Flowers signed initials by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on card stuck on paper, unframed inscribed verso overall size: 11 x 8.5 inches painting: 6.5 x 6 inches pr...
Oil
A Striking 1930s Portrayal of El Greco's Renaissance Masterpiece, Mater Dolorosa
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking 1930s Modern portrayal of El Greco's Renaissance masterpiece, "Mater Dolorosa" by Notable California Woman Artist, Leonine E. Wallace. Artwork size: 13 x 10 inches. O...
Oil, Board
French Still Life with Coffee Pot and Oranges 20thC Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
French Still Life with Coffee Pot and Oranges, Modernist Oil Painting by Laure Noetzlin-Azam (French, 1929–2024), pupil of André Lhote oil on canvas, unframed Canvas: 15 x 18 inche...
Oil
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Bill Dog Portrait Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Bill Dog Portrait Oil Painting Artist: Dorothy Johnson Medium: Oil on canvas laid to board, mounted within card mat, unframed. Size (including mo...
Oil
Tahiti - Signed Modernist Landscape Oil on Canvas by Roger Muhl
By Roger Mühl
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Signed and titled oil on canvas by French modernist painter Roger Muhl. The piece depicts a view of hills of Tahiti, an island in French Polynesia. Signature: Signed lower right and...
Canvas, Oil
Circus performance, oil on canvas by French / hungarian artist Marcel Vertes
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Marcel Vertes (French/Hungarian, 1895 – 1961) ‘Circus performance’ Oil on canvas board Signed `VERTES` (to the reverse) 20 x 24 in. (51 x 61 cm.) Provenance: With the Hammer Gallerie...
Canvas, Oil
$174Sale Price|20% Off
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
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 Cheerful, 1930s American Scene Landscape Painting, "Country Road"
Located in Chicago, IL
A Cheerful, 1930s American Scene Landscape Painting of Country Road by Notable Chicago Modern Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A gem of a painting, exemplifying Chapin's stea...
Oil, Masonite
A Colorful, Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Martha's Vineyard Harbor Scene
Located in Chicago, IL
A vibrant, colorful harbor scene of Martha's Vineyard by notable Chicago Modern artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Depicting a quiet inlet with sandy shoreline, boat houses and...
Canvas, Oil
$10,000
Charles Levier Large Street Scene, Signed Oil on Board, Framed c. 1960
Located in Miami, FL
CHARLES LEVIER – UNTITLED STREET SCENE Oil on Board ⚜ Signed Lower Right ⚜ Original Gilt Frame A VIBRANT MIDCENTURY CITYSCAPE BY A MODERN MASTER This original oil on board by Charle...
Oil
$2,120Sale Price|20% Off
Cubist Still Life with Onions and Vase (Two-Sided) in Oil on Masonite
Located in Soquel, CA
Cubist Still Life with Onions and Vase (Two-Sided) in Oil on Masonite by Ellis Hopkins (American, b. 1952). This vibrant still life transforms a tabletop arrangement into a bold in...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
View of the Gulf of Naples, Gouache on Paper, 19th Century, Framed
Located in Roma, IT
Gouache on paper by Neapolitan School, mid-19th century. Not signed, very good condition. Includes a coeval wooden frame cm. 35x30.
Gouache
$108Sale Price|20% Off
Red and Orange Cottages In Woodland 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
$1,718Sale Price|30% Off
Sandy Murphy, Scottish Modernist artist, still life of apples
Located in Harkstead, GB
Sandy Murphy (born 1956) A still life of apples Signed Oil on board 13 x 14¼ inches A very striking image with attractive green tones and fabulous paint ...
Oil, Board
Elm Trees in Autumn Landscape in Antique Newcomb-Macklin Frame
By Mary H. Brubaker
Located in Soquel, CA
Elm trees in autumn at the edge of Salt Creek, Illinois, by Mary H. Brubaker (American, b. 1891). Signed and dated "Mary H. Brubaker 35" in the lower left corner. Presented in an ...
Canvas, Oil, Illustration Board
Vintage Fish Illustration Marker Drawing Red Black Graphic Marine Art
By Guy Nicod
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Modernist Fish Study in Red and Black Marker on Paper Guy Nicod (French, 1923–2021) Felt-tip pen / marker on artist paper, unframed. Size: approximately 10 x 16.5 inches (height x wi...
Pen, Felt Pen
$540Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century German Modernist Oil Painting Colorful Still Life of Flowers
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 Paris. She continued her studies ...
Canvas, 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
Mid Century Modern Original Abstract Figurative Oil Painting -Presence in Shadow
Located in Bristol, GB
PRESENCE IN SHADOW Size: 60.5 x 52.5 cm (including frame) Oil on board A compelling and emotive mid-century abstract figurative composition that presents a solitary seated figure r...
Oil, Board
$642Sale Price|35% Off
Village Street Oil on Canvas Painting, Spanish Urbanscape, 41x33 cm
By Rafael Fernández de Soto
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Rafael de Soto - Village street - Oil on canvas Oil measurements 41x33 cm. Without frame.
Canvas, Oil
$758Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century German Modernist Oil Painting Beautiful Harbour Colors
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 Paris. She continued her studie...
Oil
$975Sale Price|22% Off
Large Still Life Oil on Canvas Painting of Flowers and Lavender Framed, Signed
Located in Plainview, NY
A gorgeous oil on canvas painting in a pastel tone depicting a vase with white flowers and lavenders in a vase. The painting is beautifully framed in a custom gilt carved wood frame ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,555Sale Price|40% Off
French Boy in Bloomers, Gouache on Paper, Modern, Circa 1960s, Framed
Located in London, GB
'French Boy in Bloomers', gouache on art paper (circa 1960s-70s), by Raymond Debiève. A young boy emerges from a beach cabana wearing a bloomer bathing costume that was still in use ...
Paper, Gouache
$1,200
A Charming 1940s Modern Watercolor of a City in Mexico w/ Cathedral and Rooftops
By Rudolph Pen
Located in Chicago, IL
A Charming 1940s Watercolor of a City in Mexico with Cathedral and Rooftops by Noted Chicago Artist, Rudolph T. Pen. A well executed early work by Pen, completed during the artist's...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
$1,260Sale Price|30% Off
Figurative Portrait of a Nude Male Model
Located in Soquel, CA
Figurative Portrait of a Nude Male Model Handsome example of a vibrant figurative of a nude male model by Katherine Kallick (American, b. 1952). Med...
Paper, Acrylic
"Alaskan Pollock II"
Located in Detroit, MI
SALE ONE WEEK ONLY This painting of four different species of fish that can be found in South Korea is from the mid-20th century Korean artist Kim Kyung. Seafood from both the seas that surround the peninsula and from its rivers are an integral part of the livelihood and cuisine of Koreans. Kim Kyung (in Hanja, 金耕, in Hangul 김경) was born in South Korea, his real name, under the current Revised Romanization was Kim Gyeong-Eun (in Hanja 金萬斗, in Hangul 김경은). His name follows the East Asian convention of family name first, though some Western galleries choose to reorder his name with the Western convention as Kyung Kim. He was born in Hadong, Gyeongnam during the Imperial Japanese occupation, as the eldest son of a poor farm family, and at the age of 18 he entered the art department of Japan University. In 1943, he returned to his hometown to escape being drafted into the Japanese army...
Canvas, Oil
Tide Pools 43 - Contemporary Shiny Resin Minimalist Abstract Artwork on Wood
By Ricky Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ricky Hunt’s mixed media minimalist wall art is influenced by his tumultuous past that led to a paradigm shift in creativity and life. He covers the wood panel with layers of acrylic...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Industrial Mid-20th Century WPA Modern Men Working American Scene Social Realism
Located in New York, NY
Industrial Mid-20th Century WPA Modern Men Working American Scene Social Realism George Pearse Ennis (American, 1884-1936) "Forging a Gun Tube #1...
Canvas, Oil
$1,402
Mid-Century Angelo Urbani del Fabbretto Italian Signed Painting
By Angelo Urbani del Fabbretto
Located in Roma, IT
Mid-Century Angelo Urbani del Fabbretto Italian Signed Painting This important oil painting on panel stands as an unrivalled testament to the talent of Angelo Urbani del Fabbretto, w...
Oil, Panel
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
"Clouds over the Sea" 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
Bendell-Bayly RAF Lancaster Bomber original oil design for World War 2 poster
Located in London, GB
To see our other original vintage propaganda posters, scroll down to "More from this Seller" and below it click on "See all from this Seller" - or send us a message if you cannot fin...
Oil
Vintage American Modernist Pomegranate and Poinsettia Still Life
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American still life painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed. Measuring: 30 by 36 inches overall and 24 by 30 inches painting alone. Framed. Excellent condition, ready to h...
Canvas, Oil
Mid Century Modern Vintage Abstract Figurative Oil Painting - The Exchange
Located in Bristol, GB
THE EXCHANGE Size: 56 x 66 cm (including frame) Oil on canvas A captivating and expressive mid-century figurative painting depicting two stylised figures standing in quiet dialogue,...
Oil, Canvas
The Ledge
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Georgina Klitgaard (1893 – 1976) The Ledge, by 1931, oil on canvas, signed lower right, 32 1/8 x 50 1/8 inches, exhibited: 1) 44th Annual Exhibition of American Paintings & Sculptur...
Canvas, Oil
Untitled (House in the Hills)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Untitled (Houses in the Hills), 1946, watercolor on paper, signed and dated lower right, 14 x 20 inches (image), 24 x 30 inches (frame) Dorothy Sklar was a popular and prolific Los ...
Paper, Watercolor
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Early American Signed Female Modernist Portrait Original NY Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist portrait oil painting by Salpi Miriam Mavian (Born 1908). Oil on canvas, circa 1930. Signed. Displayed in a giltwoo...
Canvas, Oil
Still Life - Oil on Canvas - Late 19th century
Located in Roma, IT
Still Life is an artwork realized by an unknown artist in the late 19th Century. Oil on Canvas Mounted on Board. Original wooden frame. 18 x 13 cm. Good conditions
Oil, Canvas, Board
Charming 1950s Painting "Oak Bluffs, Mass." Martha's Vineyard by Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming vintage 1950s painting of Martha's Vineyard, "Oak Bluffs, Mass." by notable Chicago artist Francis Chapin. A bustling view of the picturesque lighthouse and Soldiers Mem...
Masonite, Oil
$1,811
Green Landscape, Abstract Countryside, Fields, Modern, Contemporary, Oil, French
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Green Landscape Oil on canvas, 2023 Unframed: 38 x 61 cm (15 x 24 in) Framed: approximately 45 x 68 cm (17.7 x 26.8 in) Black floater frame included. Ready to hang. This expressive...
Oil
1930s Modernist Watercolor of a Chicago Street Scene by Constantine Pougialis
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1930s colorful Modernist watercolor depicting a Chicago street scene by notable Greek American artist, Constantine Pougialis. Image size: 15 x 22 inches. Painting bears its origi...
Paper, Watercolor
$163Sale Price|20% Off
Village Track In The Colourful 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
"Mazarrón, " 1960s Modern Abstract Painting
By Stanley Bate
Located in Westport, CT
In this Modern abstract painting by Stanley Bate, a bold palette is married with imperfect shapes and large brush strokes. Sandy beige rectangles blend with yellow and deep blue, on ...
Canvas, Oil
"Ruins of Athens, " 1960s Modern Abstract Painting
By Stanley Bate
Located in Westport, CT
This Modern Abstract Expressionist painting Stanley Bate features a deep, but colorful palette. Smaller organic shapes and layers of thick blue, black, red, and yellow paint combine ...
Canvas, Oil
Flower I Cherry Wine
Located in Zofingen, AG
Flower I Cherry Wine (part of the “State of Bloom” series) “Cherry Wine” is a painting about youthful sexuality — that rare moment when the world feels carefree, and life takes on ...
Canvas, Acrylic