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Modern Abstract Sculptures

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
Ceramic Owl Vase (A.R. 135) from the Madoura Pottery by Pablo Picasso
Ceramic Owl Vase (A.R. 135) from the Madoura Pottery by Pablo Picasso

Ceramic Owl Vase (A.R. 135) from the Madoura Pottery by Pablo Picasso

By Pablo Picasso

Located in London, GB

Mid-Century earthenware vase with painted owl decoration, by Pablo Picasso, Vallauris, France (1952). This is a vintage, limited edition earthenware creation, in a run of 500 (Edition Picasso) at the Madoura pottery...

Category

1950s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

"Abstract Cross ", Polished Stainless Steel Sculpture for Indoors or Outdoors
"Abstract Cross ", Polished Stainless Steel Sculpture for Indoors or Outdoors

"Abstract Cross ", Polished Stainless Steel Sculpture for Indoors or Outdoors

By Lutfi Romhein

Located in Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

This sculpture is made with 316L stainless steel by Lutfi Romhein. A 2 mm-thick stainless steel sheet was cut, folded, welded at some joint points, with a polished and sanded finish...

Category

2010s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Cortendorf Orange Black and Aqua Green Ceramic Vase, West Germany
Vintage Cortendorf Orange Black and Aqua Green Ceramic Vase, West Germany

Vintage Cortendorf Orange Black and Aqua Green Ceramic Vase, West Germany

Located in East Quogue, NY

Bright, boldly colored orange, black, and aqua green mid-century vase by Cortendorf. A beautiful, bold example of West German Art Pottery from the 1950s. It has its original maker's ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Walter Midener "Contemplation" Seated Figure Clay Sculpture Mid-Century Modern
Walter Midener "Contemplation" Seated Figure Clay Sculpture Mid-Century Modern

Walter Midener "Contemplation" Seated Figure Clay Sculpture Mid-Century Modern

Located in Detroit, MI

“Contemplation” is an abstract clay sculpture of a female. The figure has both arms and legs extended, but the dignified pose suggests an intimate rather than a sexual moment. The sculpture is delicately rendered, but monumental in pose and clean composition reminiscent of the English artist Henry Moore. The surface is warm and slightly rough to the touch. This sculpture is in the round and beautifully balanced geometrically with the hands clasped behind the head forming a slightly flattened polygon shape that is echoed in the positioning of the legs and draped fabric of a presumed dress. The figure draws the viewer into her contemplation, peace and confidence. An exceptional piece by Midener. Walter Midener...

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Clay

Beneath the Surface - contemporary, abstract, three dimensional, wall art
Beneath the Surface - contemporary, abstract, three dimensional, wall art

Beneath the Surface - contemporary, abstract, three dimensional, wall art

By Lucy Maki

Located in Bloomfield, ON

This contemporary abstract mixed media composition is geometric in form. The bold, unique and complex artwork of Lucy Maki challenges the traditional approach to painting. The New Mexico artist has been influenced by modernist abstraction, cubism, and even surrealism. For decades she has explored a distinctive visual language that incorporates mixed media, geometric shapes and architectural elements. Her shaped canvases like Beneath the Surface are an eclectic mix of oil paint and wood framing on canvas—they are both paintings and sculptures. Within the frame of this work, lyrical gestural brushstrokes in green and a creamy white play against a teal backdrop. Thick black patterns framed in geometric shapes add structure. The wood frame of this piece extends beyond the artwork itself extending the picture plane--a signature of Maki’s work. “I am fascinated with the New Mexico’s 1930s...

Category

2010s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Oil

Totem
Totem

Elizabeth Freire 1Totem, 2000

$1,163Sale Price|24% Off

Totem

By Elizabeth Freire 1

Located in Washington, DC

Sculpture by Brazilian-born artist Elizabeth Freire. Sculpture is mounted on marble base and signed "EF". B&W photo is of Ms. Freire with renowned sculptor Etienne Martin at the Ecole Nationals des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Elizabeth Freire is a Brazilian-born, contemporary American artist. At the age of eighteen, she left Rio de Janeiro and moved to Paris to study sculpture at l’Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts, receiving her Diploma there in 1979 under the direction of Claude Viseux, Etienne Martin, and Cesar. During that time she worked as an apprentice at the Fonderie de France where she learned bronze technique and she also attended etching courses at l’Ecole de Montparnasse. In 1976, she won a commission to make three life-size figures representing the printing company, “Les Imprimeries de Boulogne,” at the International Printing Fair in Paris. She spent 1977 in Aix-en-Provence where she carved the local stone of Rogne. Returning to Paris, the painter Lutka Pink introduced her to Otero, Frans Krajcberg and Hajdu from whom she received valuable lessons. In 1978, she traveled to Brazil where she was invited to participate in the exhibit ‘A Century of Sculpture in Brazil’. She also met with the sculptor Sergio Camargo...

Category

Early 2000s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

“Eyes That Are...” Porcelain cup with sgraffito detailing
“Eyes That Are...” Porcelain cup with sgraffito detailing

“Eyes That Are...” Porcelain cup with sgraffito detailing

By Alex Hodge 1

Located in Miami Beach, FL

“Eyes that are..” Eyes that are at once too sharp and too wild. Seeing everything crystal clear makes the whole world blind. Makes me fill my head with clouds, Pretending these smoke...

Category

2010s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Eugene Caples "Bronze Sculpture II" Abstract Bronze Sculpture
Eugene Caples "Bronze Sculpture II" Abstract Bronze Sculpture

Eugene Caples "Bronze Sculpture II" Abstract Bronze Sculpture

By Eugene Caples

Located in Detroit, MI

This small exquisite "Bronze Sculpture II" is in excellent condition and a perfect example of Eugene Caples craftsmanship. This is mainly abstract with some graphic or architectural elements and is so delightful that mythical creatures demand to be considered. It cries out to be touched and held, looked at and caressed. The beautiful patina on the surface gives voice to the many hands that have done these things. Eugene Caples is a designer and craftsman who worked in Kansas City in the 1960s and later through the early 21st century. He attended the Kansas City Art Institute, earning his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Industrial Design in 1959. In 1963 he was accepted to Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The Cranbrook Academy of Art was designed by architect and faculty member, Eliel Saarinen who collaborated with Charles and Ray Eames on chair and furniture design. Numerous creative artists are alumni of Cranbrook and include: Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll, Jack Lenor Larsen, Donald...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Peace Menorah
Peace Menorah

Peace Menorah

By (after) Salvador Dali

Located in Missouri, MO

Salvador Dalí (Spanish, 1904–1989) "Peace Menorah" (Menorat Hashalom) 1980 Bronze with dark patina on stepped Jerusalem Stone base Approximately 20"H x 11.5"W x 5.5"D overall Inscri...

Category

1980s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Monumental Infinity Heart
Monumental Infinity Heart

Monumental Infinity Heart

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Infinity Heart - Monumental Heart sculpture by Black Diamond 2023 Measurements 91"H x 75"W x 35"D (Heart 79" H x 12" Round Base). A striking monumental heart sculpture titled...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Stainless Steel

Italian Modernist Abstract Sculpture Painting Shaped Canvas Brutalist Collage
Italian Modernist Abstract Sculpture Painting Shaped Canvas Brutalist Collage

Italian Modernist Abstract Sculpture Painting Shaped Canvas Brutalist Collage

By Max Marra

Located in Surfside, FL

Signed, dated, and titled "MAX MARRA XXX 2002 verso. Mixed media sculpture painting including acrylic, ink, cord, and wax on shaped canvas, 20 3/4 x 24 in., unframed. Ho viaggiato ...

Category

Early 2000s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Cord, Ink, Mixed Media, Wax, Acrylic

Geo
Geo

Geo

By Kevin Barrett

Located in Wiscasett, ME

Abstract fabricated bronze sculpture by Kevin Barrett, signed and dated 2017. Kevin Barrett is currently the sculptor in residence at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in Palm Beach....

Category

2010s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Omaggio To Picasso Murano Glass Sculpture
Omaggio To Picasso Murano Glass Sculpture

Omaggio To Picasso Murano Glass Sculpture

By Walter Furlan

Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL

Omaggio To Picasso Murano Glass Sculpture Artist signed and titled 16"h15.5wx15d Walter Furlan was born (1931-2018) in Chioggia, a small town near Venice. He started to work in a f...

Category

1980s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Blown Glass

Cameo Pink Seaform with Black Lip Wrap (94.678.s1)
Cameo Pink Seaform with Black Lip Wrap (94.678.s1)

Cameo Pink Seaform with Black Lip Wrap (94.678.s1)

By Dale Chihuly

Located in Missouri, MO

Cameo Pink Seaform with Black Lip Wrap (94.678.s1), 1994 Dale Chihuly (American, b. 1941) 14 x 32 x 18 inches Born in Tacoma, Washington, Dale Chihuly became the most famous ornate ...

Category

1990s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Picasso Ceramic, Chouette (A.R. 543)
Picasso Ceramic, Chouette (A.R. 543)

Picasso Ceramic, Chouette (A.R. 543)

By Pablo Picasso

Located in Madrid, ES

PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973) "Chouette" (A.R. 543) stamped, marked and numbered "Madoura Plein Feu / Edition Picasso / Edition Picasso / 37/500 / Madoura" (underneath) white earthenware...

Category

1960s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Zephyr Green Macchia with Blue Lip Wrap
Zephyr Green Macchia with Blue Lip Wrap

Zephyr Green Macchia with Blue Lip Wrap

By Dale Chihuly

Located in Missouri, MO

Zephyr Green Macchia with Blue Lip Wrap, 1996 Dale Chihuly (American, b. 1941) 8 x 10 x 10 inches Signed and Dated on Bottom Born in Tacoma, Washington, Dale Chihuly became the most...

Category

1990s Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Mixed-media Long Mixed Wood Cityscape Shelf or Mantel by Artist Ben Darby, 2020
Mixed-media Long Mixed Wood Cityscape Shelf or Mantel by Artist Ben Darby, 2020

Mixed-media Long Mixed Wood Cityscape Shelf or Mantel by Artist Ben Darby, 2020

By Ben Darby

Located in San Diego, CA

Artful one-of-a-kind long shelf or sculpture by artist Ben Darby. Made of various pieces of wood and accented with multi-color acrylic paint. We selected this piece soon after it was...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Acrylic

Modern abstract sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Modern abstract sculptures 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 abstract sculptures created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, yellow and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Scott Troxel, Lutfi Romhein, Yann Barrerre, and Pablo Picasso. Frequently made by artists working with Metal, and Wood 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 abstract sculptures, so small editions measuring 1.5 inches across are also available. Prices for abstract sculptures 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 $65 and tops out at $300,000, while the average work sells for $3,300.