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Modern Portrait Photography

MODERN STYLE

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.

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Style: Modern
Elton John
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Elton John, 1971 Archival Inkjet on paper, framed Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 50.8 x 50.8 cm Sheet: 58.4 x 58.4 cm Edition of 12 + 3AP
Category

1970s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Pigment

Kate Moss At 16 - signed limited edition print
Located in London, GB
An Unknown Kate Moss At 16 by Jake Chessum 1990 limited edition edition size 20 only this size printed 2024 Archival pigment print numbered and signed by the artist unframed ...
Category

1990s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

In the Blazing Sun at George Airfield
Located in New York, NY
Norman Parkinson In the Blazing Sun at George Airfield, 1951 C print 20 x 16 inches Estate stamped and numbered edition of 21 on verso British fashion model Wenda Parkinson wearing...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

C Print

The Kiss
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is an original photograph from the original negative, shot by Clarence Sinclair Bull in 1929 and printed later for the John Kobal Collection. It is part of a portfolio of...
Category

1920s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Jerry Hall Dive (Diptych)
Located in New York, NY
Norman Parkinson Jerry Hall , 1976 C print 20 x 16 inches each Estate stamped and numbered edition of 21 on verso American model Jerry Hall wearing a swimsuit by Martil and lipstick...
Category

1980s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

C Print

Milton Greene, "Marilyn with Lute", cibachrome print from original transparency
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is a cibachrome print from the original transparency, shot by Milton Greene in 1953. Marilyn Monroe collaborated with Milton Greene in September of 1953 for this photoshoot, shortly after she finished filming for her hit film, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". After Monroe saw the proofs from this shoot, she was blown away. She sent two dozen roses and a letter to Greene, stating that the images were the most beautiful she had ever seen. However, these rare photographs...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Boy with Chalked Numbers, NYC by Harold Feinstein, 1956, Silver Gelatin Print
Located in Denton, TX
Boy with Chalked Numbers, NYC by Harold Feinstein is a 14 x 11 inch gelatin silver print, and is edition 3/200. This photograph features a boy sitting on the ground, surrounded by nu...
Category

20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Clark Gable
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is a photolithograph from the original negative by Laszlo Willinger, original shot in 1938 and printed at a later date. It depicts American film actor and military officer, Clark Gable, who was often referred to as "The King of Hollywood". He is most well-known for his roles in the films "Mutiny on the Bounty...
Category

1930s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Lithograph

Clark Gable
Clark Gable
$300 Sale Price
36% Off
Cecil Beaton, High Society, from Electa Editrice Portfolios, 1981 (after)
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite heliogravure after Sir Cecil Beaton (1904–1980), titled High Society (Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin), from the folio Cecil Beaton, Electa Editrice Portfo...
Category

1980s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Lithograph

Brooklyn One, NY, 2009
Located in Hudson, NY
The Robin Rice Gallery announces the new exhibition VISITOR by photographer Bill Phelps. Through light and shadow, a gaze, a mindset, Bill Phelps fourth solo show at the Robin Rice ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Milton Greene, "Bowler Hat II" from the Black Sitting, original vintage photo
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is an original vintage photograph by Milton Greene in 1956. This photograph depicts Hollywood Icon Marilyn Monroe, who was a close friend and business partner of the artist. This piece is a part of Greene's series entitled "The Black Sitting...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Laszlo Willinger, "Olivia de Havilland (Gone with the Wind), orig. photo, signed
Located in Chatsworth, CA
This piece is an original photograph from the original negative, shot by Laszlo Willinger circa 1939. It depicts one of the leading movie stars from Hollywood's Golden Age, Olivia de Havilland...
Category

1930s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Ladie's hat fashion in 1954
Located in Cologne, DE
Photograph by Klaus Redenbacher, Munich, 1954 In this elegant and theatrical portrait, model Gina once again embodies postwar glamour in Germany. Captured by photographer Klaus Reden...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Color

President Jimmy Carter
Located in New York, NY
President Jimmy Carter Archival pigment print 14 x 14 inches Signed and numbered edition of 15 William Coupon is an American photographer, born in New York City, known principal...
Category

1980s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Brooklyn Two, NY, 2010
Located in Hudson, NY
Through light and shadow, a gaze, a mindset, Bill Phelps fourth solo show at the Robin Rice Gallery VISITOR inspires the imagination. About life, about being, eye and heart his great...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

Milton Greene, "Cover Shot" from The Black Sitting, original photograph
Located in Chatsworth, CA
An original photograph printed from the original negative, shot by Milton Greene in 1956, and printed at a later date. It was created for Greene's series entitled "The Black Sitting...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Laszlo Willinger, "Hedy Lamarr", original photograph
Located in Chatsworth, CA
An original vintage photograph, shot by Laszlo Willinger in the 1940's. It depicts Austrian-born American film actress, Hedy Lamarr. Lamarr was known for...
Category

1940s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Anne Anka (1976) Limited Estate Stamped - Grande XL
Located in London, GB
Anne Anka (1976) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) Anne Anka, wife of singer Paul Anka and daughter of Count Charles de Zogheb, with her daughters (left to right) Al...
Category

1970s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment

Brigitte Bardot, Piggy Back, 1966 - French Film Actress Photograph Print
Located in Brighton, GB
Brigitte Bardot, Piggy Back, 1966 - French Film Actress Photograph Print A friend gives Brigitte Bardot a piggyback on his shoulders, perhaps to avoid her having to step through the...
Category

20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper, Black and White, Silver Gelatin

Slim Aarons, Annette Glatzel in Ibiza (Estate Edition)
Located in New York, NY
Abaco Holiday, 1986 Chromogenic Lambda Print Estate edition of 150 College student Jan Woods relaxes in a hammock at the Abaco Inn on Elbow Cay, one of ...
Category

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Lambda

The German-American Actress Barbara Bouchet - B/w Photo - 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Photo. The German-American Actress Barbara Bouchet.
Category

1980s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Architecture and Art Photo - S. Giovanni e Paolo Church - Vintage Photo- 1920s
Located in Roma, IT
Architecture and Art Photo - S. Giovanni e Paolo Church is a black and white vintage photo, realized in the 1920s. It belongs to masterpiece of art and architecture album meticulousl...
Category

1920s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Architecture and Art Photo - S. Maria dei Miracoli Church - 1920s
Located in Roma, IT
Architecture and Art Photo - S. Maria dei Miracoli Church  is a black and white vintage photo, realized in the 1920s. It belongs to masterpiece of art and architecture album meticulo...
Category

1920s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Frida in front of the Unfinished Unity Panel, New Workers School, NY
Located in Denton, TX
This photograph is a black and white portrait of Frida Kahlo in front of the Unfinished Unity Panel at the New Yorkers School in New York, taken by Lucienne Bloch. The medium of this...
Category

20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Terry O'Neill 'Sean Connery on the Moon'
Located in New York, NY
Sean Connery on the Moon, 1971 Silver Gelatin Print Estate signature stamped and numbered edition of 50 with certificate of authenticity from ...
Category

1970s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Untitled (Three Cowboys on Horseback) by Bank Langmore, c. 1973-75
Located in Denton, TX
Untitled (Three Cowboys on Horseback) depicts 3 cowboys riding horses out in a Western landscape. The figures are silhouetted by the harsh sunlight. One of the cowboys is swinging hi...
Category

1970s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Terry O'Neill 'The Beatles at Wembley' (signed)
Located in New York, NY
The Beatles silver gelatin print 16 x 20 inches edition of 50 Signed and numbered edition of 50 with certificate of authenticity Paul McCartney and John Lennon rehearse for a TV spe...
Category

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Frida with the car, Coyoacan, 1941. Black and White Portrait
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Matiz managed to create intimate portraits, in which Frida seemed happy to surrender to her lens. The result was dynamic portraits of Khalo, a wonderful example of both the photograp...
Category

2010s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Black and White, Pigment

Monocled Miss (Aarons Estate Edition)
Located in New York, NY
Renata Boeck enjoying breakfast in bed at the Regency Hotel in New York, 1964. Estate stamped and hand numbered edition of 150 with certificate of authenticity from the estate. S...
Category

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Lambda

Frida Kahlo, The Breton Portrait - Black and White Portrait, Celebrity, Woman
Located in Denton, TX
Frida Kahlo - The Breton Portrait by Nickolas Muray is a portrait of the Mexican painter commissioned by Andre Breton. 14.63 x 11.63 in. Carbon Pigment Print Edition of 30 Signed by...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Carbon Pigment

California Fashion (1956) Limited Estate Stamped - Giant
Located in London, GB
California Fashion (1956) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) A woman posing by an ornamental pond, wearing a sleeveless, two-piece outfit, San Diego, California, Octo...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Color

Bond Girl to Be (1955) Limited Estate Stamped - Giant
Located in London, GB
Bond Girl to Be (1955) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) Sultry sex symbol, film star Ursula Andress takes a siesta in a hammock on a visit to Rome, circa 1955. Abo...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment, Color

The Marlboroughs (1957) Limited Estate Stamped
Located in London, GB
The Marlboroughs (1957) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) John Albert Edward Spencer Churchill, the 10th Duke of Marlborough (1897 – 1972) and his wife Mary relax on...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment

Ernest Hemingway - Vintage Photograph - 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Ernest Hemingway - Vintage Photograph is an original black and white photograph realized in the 1950s. Good conditions. A historical moment of the past through the art of photogra...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Esther Williams (1956) Limited Estate Stamped - Grande XL
Located in London, GB
Esther Williams (1956) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) Esther Williams, the American aquatic actress and former swimming champion, relaxing in a Florida swimming pool. 1956. About this image: Esther Jane Williams...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment

Frida Winking by Lucienne Bloch, 1933, Silver Gelatin Print, Photography
Located in Denton, TX
Frida Winking by Lucienne Bloch is a portrait of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo sitting in a chair, winking at the camera. Image size: 8.25 x 10.25 in. Mou...
Category

Early 20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Slim Aarons 'Montecatini' Mid-century Modern Photography : Poolside
Located in New York, NY
Marie-Louise Scio at the Tettuccio Terme in Montecatini, Italy, June 1980. Marie-Louise in Montecatini 1980 C print Estate signature stamped and hand numbered edition of 150 with ce...
Category

1980s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Lambda

Portrait of Arleen Dahl - Original b/w Photograph - 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Portrait of Arleen Dahl is an original b/w photograph about Hollywood '40 realized by De Wan Studios. On the back "Beautiful Arleen Dahl is assisted with her w...
Category

1940s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Terry O'Neill, Brigitte Bardot, Shalako Deauville (co-signed)
Located in New York, NY
Brigitte Bardot, On the set of ‘Shalako’, in Deauville, 1968 Lifetime Edition Gelatin Silver Print Co-Signed by O'Neill and Bardot and numbered edition of 50 Terry O'Neill CBE (born...
Category

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Slim Aarons 'Skiing In St. Moritz, Palace Hotel'
Located in New York, NY
Slim Aarons Skiing In St. Moritz 1983 C print Estate stamped and hand numbered edition of 150 with certificate of authenticity from the estate. Countess Jan Bonde in the Palace H...
Category

1970s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Lambda

Muffy Bancroft (1958) Limited Estate Stamped
Located in London, GB
Muffy Bancroft (1958) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) Mrs. Thomas Bancroft Jnr (Peggy Bancroft) in the foyer of her Manhattan duplex, circa 1958. Additional Info...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment

Beverly Hills Cop (1952) Limited Estate Stamped
Located in London, GB
Beverly Hills Cop (1952) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) American policeman Lee R Hathaway with his car on Bedford Drive in Beverly...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Black and White, Archival Pigment

Mother with Sons, 3rd Ward, Houston, TX
Located in Denton, TX
Signed, titled, dated and print type in pencil on print verso Vintage gelatin silver print Earlie Hudnall, who is one of the most notable African American photographers living today, has extensively documented the African American neighborhoods in Houston, Texas. After serving as a Marine in Vietnam, he enrolled at Texas Southern University, where he studied art under the direction of John Biggers, who became a great friend and mentor. During his time at TSU, he was hired to be a photographer for the Model Cities Program, part of Lyndon Johnson...
Category

20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Terry O'Neill Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore)
Located in New York, NY
Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore), 1964 Silver gelatin print Estate signature stamped and numbered edition of 50 English actress Honor Blackman on a beach, circa 1964. Splashes on the s...
Category

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Frida in front of the Unfinished Unity Panel, New Workers School, NY
Located in Denton, TX
Frida in front of the Unfinished Unity Panel by Lucienne Bloch is a black and white portrait of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, posing in front of Diego Rivera's half painted mural. I...
Category

20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Princess Caroline of Monaco
Located in New York, NY
Princess Caroline of Monaco 1981 (printed later) C print Estate stamped and hand numbered edition of 150 with certificate of authenticity from the es...
Category

1980s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Lambda

Louis Armstrong in Concert, 1955 – Original Vintage Photograph
Located in Cologne, DE
Louis Armstrong in Concert, 1955 – Original Vintage Photograph This striking black-and-white image, captured by German photographer Klaus Redenbacher, shows legendary American jazz m...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Frida with Granizo by Nickolas Muray, 1939, Silver Gelatin Print, Photography
Located in Denton, TX
Frida with Granizo by Nickolas Muray is a portrait of Frida Kahlo with her pet deer, Granizo. She places her hand lovingly on the deer while looking towards the viewer, with a cigare...
Category

20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

'Tennis Legends' 1980 Silver Gelatin Print
Located in London, GB
'John McEnroe' 1981 Silver Gelatin Print by Watfiord / Mirror Group Archives. Wimbledon 3rd Day: John McEnroe. June 1981 The famous tennis star icon won at the All England Club championships that year, finally beating his long term rival Bjorn Borg...
Category

1980s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Hank Aaron, Atlanta, Georgia
Located in Denton, TX
Edition of 25 Signed and numbered. AVAILABLE SIZES: 11 x 14 in., Edition of 25 16 x 20 in., Edition of 25 24 x 36 in., Edition of 25 36 x 54 in., Edition of 25
Category

20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Archival Pigment

'Untitled 1' Print on Hahnemüle Paper, Red Orange Pink Color, by Abi Polinsky
Located in New York, NY
Untitled 1 by Abi Polinsky Print on Hahnemüle Photo Rag paper. Unframed. Signed limited edition of 5 for each size. 30" x 40" - small 45" x 60" - large — Please contact us for ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

'Inferna' Print on Hahnemüle Paper, Red Orange Black Portrait, by Abi Polinsky
Located in New York, NY
Inferna by Abi Polinsky Print on Hahnemüle Photo Rag paper. 2022 L 30" x H 40" — Unframed. Signed limited edition of 5 for each size. = 30" x 40" - small 45" x 60" - large —...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Photographic Paper

Jim Morrison of The Doors in Hollywood
Located in New York, NY
Ed Caaraeff Jim Morrison, 1969 C print 60 x 40 inches Singed and numbered edition of 50 Jim Morrison of The Doors performing at The Aquarius Theatre in Hollywood as part of the Elektra Records Showcase Concert Series, Hollywood, CA, 21 July, 1969. ED CARAEFF is a name recognized by anybody who is anybody in the music industry. A photographer, illustrator and graphic designer, he has directed art for, photographed, and designed hundreds of record album covers from 1967 to 1982 for numerous artists, including The Stooges, Elton John, Steely Dan, Carly Simon, Three Dog Night...
Category

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

C Print

Monocled Miss (Aarons Estate Edition)
Located in New York, NY
Renata Boeck enjoying breakfast in bed at the Regency Hotel in New York, 1964. Estate stamped and hand numbered edition of 150 with certificate of authenticity from the estate. S...
Category

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Lambda

Frida Kahlo - Black and White Portrait, Celebrity, Woman, Artist, Painter
Located in Denton, TX
Frida Kahlo by Nickolas Muray is a black and white portrait of the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo leaning against a wall, with a dark scarf wrapped around her shoulders. Paper size: 20...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Platinum

Walking Up Cortina D’Ampezzo (1962) Limited Estate Stamped - Grande XL
Located in London, GB
Walking Up Cortina D’Ampezzo (1962) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) Skiers walk up a mountain in Cortina D’Ampezzo, a ski resort. Northern Italy, 1962 Additional ...
Category

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment

Bermudan Hostess (1957) Limited Estate Stamped
Located in London, GB
Bermudan Hostess (1957) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) Polly Trott Hornburg in front of her father’s typical Bermudian house. She is wearing her own design of Tha...
Category

1950s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment

Backstage At La Scala (1948) Limited Estate Stamped
Located in London, GB
Backstage At La Scala (1948) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) A chorus girl reads a movie magazine in a dressing room at La Scala opera house, Milan, November 1948....
Category

1940s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Black and White, Archival Pigment

Slim Aarons 'Top People’s Eatery' - Limited Edition Estate Stamped
Located in London, GB
Top People’s Eatery - Limited Edition Estate Stamped Photo By Slim Aarons, 1960 Journalist Lucius Beebe beside a gold place setting in the glas...
Category

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Color, C Print

Cushing Home (1966) Limited Estate Stamped
Located in London, GB
Cushing Home (1966) Limited Estate Stamped (Photo By Slim Aarons) Members of the Cushing family outside their home, ‘The Ledges’ in Newport, June 1966. Additional Information: ...
Category

1960s Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Color, Archival Pigment

Modern portrait photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Modern portrait photography available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add portrait photography created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, red, purple, pink and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Mark Shaw, Slim Aarons, Terry O'Neill, and Kevin Westenberg. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Photographic Paper and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Modern portrait photography, so small editions measuring 0.63 inches across are also available. Prices for portrait photography made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $22 and tops out at $152,896, while the average work sells for $1,806.

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