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.
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
"Paper Making" WPA Industrial Mid-Century American Scene Social Realism Workers
Located in New York, NY
"Paper Making" WPA Industrial Mid-Century American Scene Social Realism Workers Douglas Crockwell (1904-1968) "Paper Making" 19 x 39 inches Oil on board, c. 1936 Signed verso Framed: 28 x 47 Provenance: Estate of the Artist BIO Spencer Douglass Crockwell was born into a comfortable middle class household on April 29, 1904 in Columbus, Ohio. His father, Charles Roland Crockwell, was a mining engineer; his mother, Cora, was the daughter of an Iowa attorney. He became a commercial artist and experimental filmmaker who spent a good part of his career creating illustrations and advertisements for the Saturday Evening Post. In 1907 the Crockwell family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he graduated from high school and then attended from Washington University. Initially he studied engineering, but soon switched to business. While still an undergraduate, Crockwell took courses at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts and quickly realized that he wanted to be an artist. After graduating from Washington University in 1926, Crockwell continued to study at the St. Louis School of Fine Arts until 1929. The following year he relocated to Chicago and continued his studies at the American Academy of Art. In 1930 and 1931 he studied in Europe on a Traveling Fellowship. In 1932 Douglass Crockwell moved to Glens Falls, New York, which was to be his home for the remainder of his life. The following year he married Margaret Braman. They had three children, a son Douglass and two daughters, Johanna and Margaret. During the depression he created murals and posters for the Works Progress Administration including Post Office murals in White River junction, Vermont; Endicott, New York; and Macon, Mississippi. In 1934 he painted Paper Workers, Finch Pruyn & Co. (the leading Glens Falls, New York company) for the WPA. In the 1930s Crockwell developed an interest in experimental animated films that occupied him for the rest of his life. In 1936 and 1937, he collaborated with David Smith, a sculptor, to create surrealist films. Because of his interest in experimental films, his output of paintings was limited to just twenty to forty illustrations a year during this time. Crockwell painted his first of many Saturday Evening Post cover in 1933. He also worked for Life, Look, and Esquire, and numerous national advertisers including Friskies dog food, Welch’s Grape Juice, Republic Steel...
Oil, Board
Whimsical Garden Party
Located in Zofingen, AG
Acrylic on canvas Size: 60 x 80 x 2 cm Signed by the artist with certificate of authenticity Artwork arrives in perfect condition while keeping shipping costs affordable. Whimsical...
Canvas, Acrylic
1955 Modernist Swedish Abstract Cubist Landscape Oil Painting - Woodland Rhythm
Located in Bristol, GB
WOODLAND RHYTHM Size: 32.5 x 38.5 cm (including frame) Oil on board A dynamic mid-century artwork that can be read as an abstracted woodland scene, where slender tree trunks and clu...
Oil, Board
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Purple Bell Tower In Village British Modernist Pastel Painting Sketch
By Irina Hale
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel and pencil sketch on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 4.5 x 3.75 inches provenance: private collection, Cotsw...
Pastel, Pencil
$950
A Charming, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Harbor Scene of Martha's Vineyard
Located in Chicago, IL
A Charming, Colorful 1950s Mid-Century Modern Harbor Scene of Martha's Vineyard by Notable Chicago Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Painted near the artist's longtime studio ...
Masonite, Oil
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
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
"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
$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, 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
The Death of Priam - Oil Paint - Early 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Oil on canvas realized by an italian neoclassical artist in th early 19th Century. In very good condition, it includes a coeval gilded wooden frame.
Oil
$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
$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
$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
$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
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
“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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
$3,850
'Abstract Figural', Woman Artist, Art Institute of Chicago, San Bernardino
Located in Santa Cruz, CA
Signed lower right, in graphite, 'Sue Gertz' for Suzanne Gertz (American, 1938-2003) and painted circa 1975. Suzanne Gertz first studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and, subsequ...
Oil, Canvas, Charcoal
$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
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
Spanish Modern Equestrian Oil Painting with Jockeys and Carriage Horses
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Spanish Modern Equestrian Oil Painting with Jockeys and Carriage ARTIST Alfredo Opisso Cardona Barcelona, 1907 – Mataró, 1980 Artist: Alfredo Opisso Cardona Title: Hípica / Equest...
Oil
$1,091Sale Price|20% Off
Classical Still Life Oil Painting Ornate Flowers on Stone Plinth Large Canvas
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Still Life of Flowers on a Stone Plinth European artist, late 20th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas : 24 x 36 inches provenance: private collection, south west of England condi...
Oil
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
$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
$1,406
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
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
$1,005
Double Vision 78 - Modern Shiny Resin Minimalist Yellow Green Dual Tone Artwork
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
$1,554Sale 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
A Compelling, Fauvist 1940s Modern Still Life Painting, Green Pears
Located in Chicago, IL
A Compelling 1940s Modern Fauvist Studio Still Life Painting of Green Pears by Notable Chicago Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A wonderful Modernist still life, the paintin...
Oil, Board
$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
$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
Red Woman Portrait
Located in Zofingen, AG
Acrylic painting on paper One of a kind artwork Size: 29,5 × 41,5 × 0,1 cm It is original painting on 160gsm acid-free paper The artwork is titled and signed on the front and also ...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
Colorful Woman Portrait
Located in Zofingen, AG
Acrylic painting on paper One of a kind artwork Size: 42,5 × 60 × 0,1 cm It is original painting on 160gsm acid-free paper The artwork is titled and signed on the front and also co...
Acrylic, Archival Paper
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Signed Cubist Still Life Silver Frame Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist flower still life painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a period silver leaf molding. Excellent condi...
Canvas, Oil
$650
1941 Watercolor of Chicago's Old Town, Titled "Wells & Eugenie" by Albert Rudin
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful 1941 Urban Realist watercolor of Chicago's Old Town neighborhood that features an old car, titled "Wells & Eugenie" by Albert Rudin. Image size: 11 1/2" x 15 1/2". Fra...
Paper, Watercolor
$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
Figures Riding Horses, Folk Art Oil Painting by Joyce Roybal
By Joyce Roybal
Located in Long Island City, NY
Figures Riding Horses Joyce Roybal, (1955) Oil on canvas, signed lower right Size: 30 x 40 in. (76.2 x 101.6 cm) Frame Size: 35.5 x 45.5 inches
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
$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
$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
1988 Modernist Swedish Expressive Landscape Oil Painting - View Across the Lake
Located in Bristol, GB
VIEWS ACROSS THE LAKE Size: 53.5 x 48.5 cm (including frame) Oil on canvas A serene and contemplative modernist style painting that captures the tranquil beauty of a lake as seen th...
Oil, Canvas
$820
Modernist Shapes on Mauve, Mid Century Painting, Playful Floating Forms, Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Modernist Shapes on Mauve Medium: Acrylic Paint on Watercolor Paper Size: 100x70 cm , (40x28 inches) Year: 2026 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork s...
Acrylic, Paper
Whimsical Kitchen Woman
Located in Zofingen, AG
Acrylic Painting on canvas One of a kind artwork Size: 80 × 80 × 3 cm (unframed) The artwork is titled and signed on the front and also comes with a certificate of authenticity. Ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$1,675
Wiggle Room 40 - Abstract Modern Resin Minimalist Colorful Mixed Media Artwork
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
Martha's Vineyard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Martha's Vineyard, c. 1951, oil on heavy board, signed upper left, 24 x 30 inches, signed, titled and dated verso, presented in a period frame Maurice Becker was a Russian-born Amer...
Oil, Board
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