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.
Woman Stainless Steel Sculpture, Figurative, Late 20th Century, 15x8.5
Located in Chesterfield, MI
“Woman” is a Stainless Steel Sculpture by the artist Marian Owczarski. It measures approximately 15 x 8.5 x 6 inches. The date of creation is unknown,...
Stainless Steel
Josie - Elegant Original Figurative Bronze Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the...
Metal, Bronze
$2,100
Susi Con Cavallo - Horse and Female Figure One-of-a-kind Cubist Bronze Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the...
Metal, Bronze
$560Sale Price|20% Off
"Victim of War (WWII)" Signed, Stainless Steel Sculpture
Located in Chesterfield, MI
This dramatic stainless steel sculpture titled "Victim of War" by Marian Owczarski depicts a falling figure reaching towards the sky. The figure is suspended by a single leg which Ow...
Stainless Steel
Reclining Female Nude / - Original body landscape -
Located in Berlin, DE
Karl Josef Dierkes (1924 Dalhausen - 2008 ibid.), Reclining Female Nude, circa 1960. Bronze 26.5 cm (length), x 11 cm (height) x 7 cm (depth), signed “K.[arl] J.[osef] Dierkes” on th...
Bronze
Reg Butler Bronze Sculpture Musee Imaginaire Abstract Brutalist Female Figure
By Reg Butler
Located in Surfside, FL
Reg Cotterell Butler (1913 - 1981) Bronze Musée Imaginaire Conceived 1961-62, cast 1963 Stamp signed and impressed with monogram Initials © RB Numbered 9/9, Cast by Valsuani Fou...
Bronze
Metamorphosis abstract nude 1960s sculpture by John Robert Murray McCheyne
Located in London, GB
To see our other Modern British Art, 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 find the artist you ...
Wood
Mid-Century Nude Male Acephale Sang de Boeuf Ceramic Sculpture with Marble Base.
By Franta (Frantisek Merte)
Located in Cotignac, FR
French Mid 20th Century ceramic figure of a man in Sang de Boeuf, oxblood red, glaze presented on a metal 'tige' and marble base. The sculpture is not signed but was purchased from ...
Marble
African Hand-carved Wooden Female Figure
Located in San Francisco, CA
This sculpture is a standing female figure from West Africa. As standalone wooden figures are relatively rare compared to masks, this is quite a notable traditional piece. The head ...
Wood
$5,267
Humeur Vagabonde (Wandering Mood) a geometrical bronze sculpture by Lili Mirante
By Lili Mirante
Located in PARIS, FR
Lili Mirante (born in Paris, 1966 - last picture in the gallery) is a woman artist who lives and works in Paris. Born into a family of artists (her father was a renowned watercoloris...
Bronze
$6,437
L'Eclatée (The Fragmented One), an abstract bronze sculpture by Lili Mirante
By Lili Mirante
Located in PARIS, FR
Lili Mirante (Paris, 1966 – last picture in the gallery) is a woman artist who lives and works in Paris. Born into a family of artists (her father was a renowned watercolorist), she ...
Bronze
African Carved Wood Male Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
This African carved wood figure represents a male ancestor or spirit spouse statue. Standing at an impressive 26.5 inches tall, figures of this size and posture typically serve as fo...
Wood
Central African Carved Wood Ritual Male Figure
Located in San Francisco, CA
This standing male figure is a traditional African power or ancestral sculpture. The bared, pointed teeth and stylized open mouth are classic indicators of power or protection, expre...
Wood
Brutalist Ceramic Sculpture Vase Bronze Lustre FInish California Expressionist
By Jenik Cook
Located in Surfside, FL
Jenik Cook Handmade ceramic vase or pot sculpture Hand signed by the artist. Fired clay with a luster bronze painted finish Jenik Esterm Simonian Cook is a painter and ceramicist ...
Ceramic, Luster, Paint
$45,026
Bronze Relief Sculpture Statue Of Man And Eagle Maquette Mid-20th Century
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset
Dame Elisabeth Frink. English ( b.1930 - d.1993 ). Maquette For Man And Eagle. Bronze With Gold Brown Patina. Signed And Numbered 1/7 Lower Left. Size 8.7 inches x 10.2 inches ( 22cm x 26cm ). Depth 2.8 inches ( 7cm ). Weight 7.1lb ( 3.24KG). Available for sale; this original bronze plaque with raised relief is by Dame Elisabeth Frink and was conceived and cast in 1967. The maquette is presented and supplied unmounted. There is the option to hang the plaque from 2 rings applied to the rear when in previous ownership. This vintage bronze plaque...
Bronze
Female Torso
By Shaun Gagg
Located in Nottingham, GB
Original Penny Sculpture. This incredible sculpture has been created using 10p pieces, intricately welded together. The sculpture sits on a slate base ...
Metal, Steel
Figurative Grey Stone Sculpture of a Female
By Jose Zacarias
Located in Houston, TX
Figurative sculpture of a nude female figure. The stone is a grey tone with speckling. The artist signed and dated the piece in the crevice on the bottom. Jose Zacarias is known for ...
Stone
$10,988
H 12.21 in W 7.88 in
Bufo Contemporary Bronze Sculpture Nude Boy Marble Stone Male Figure
Located in Utrecht, NL
Bufo Contemporary Bronze Sculpture Nude Boy Marble Stone Male Figure Wim van der Kant (1949, Kampen) is a selftaught artist. Next to his busy profession as a teacher at a high school, he intensively practises his profession as a sculptor. Only when his work would measure up to his own standards, he decided to present it to the rest of the world. In 1995, he exhibited for the first time with Morren Galleries. Van der Kant desires to sculpt young people who still stand uninhibited and curiously in life. The reason he chooses to sculpt boys is, because he is one himself, this way the subject is closer to him. The anatomy of his figures testify of perfectionism. Van der Kant's subjects show similarities with the sculptures from the Greek and Roman antiquity...
Marble, Bronze
$17,308
H 19.69 in W 7.88 in
Ad Dextram Bronze Sculpture Nude Boy Male Figure Marble Stone
Located in Utrecht, NL
Ad Dextram Bronze Sculpture Nude Boy Male Figure Marble Stone Wim van der Kant (1949, Kampen) is a selftaught artist. Nex...
Marble, Bronze
$17,390
H 20.87 in W 3.94 in
Aestus Bronze Sculpture Marble Stone Nude Boy Contemporary
Located in Utrecht, NL
Aestus Bronze Sculpture Marble Stone Nude Boy Contemporary Wim van der Kant (1949, Kampen) is a selftaught artist. Next to his busy profession as a teacher ...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Bronze Figure of Crouching Venus or Naked Aphrodite
Located in Beachwood, OH
19th Century Bronze Figure of Crouching Venus or Naked Aphrodite Bronze with dark patination 22.5 x 13 x 11 inches The Crouching Venus is a Hellenisti...
Bronze
Volo Standing Male Nude Sculpture Figure Bronze Boy
Located in Utrecht, NL
Volo Standing Male Nude Sculpture Figure Bronze Boy - Volo is a standing male nude figure in bronze, a boy reaching, in brown patina. This sculpt...
Bronze
$10,088
H 14.18 in W 5.12 in
Eo Sine Manibus Bronze Sculpture Nude Boy Male Figure Standing Marble Stone
Located in Utrecht, NL
Eo Sine Manibus Bronze Sculpture Nude Boy Male Figure Standing Marble Stone Wim van der Kant (1949, Kampen) is a selftaught artist. Next to his busy profession as a teacher at a hig...
Marble, Bronze
$760
H 9.06 in W 1.97 in D 1.19 in
En Amore V by Nando Kallweit. Elegant figurative bronze sculpture of a couple
Located in Coltishall, GB
En Amore V is an elegant figurative bronze sculpture that celebrates love and companionship created by sculptor Nando Kallweit. It features two abstract, elongated figures standing ...
Bronze
$23,702Sale Price|22% Off
H 22.84 in W 13 in D 10.24 in
Modern Pop Art Dita Mel Ramos Stainless Steel Nude Sculpture
By Mel Ramos
Located in Zug, CH
MEL RAMOS (1935-2018) Dita 2017 Cast and polished stainless steel 58 x 33 x 26 cm 22.83 x 12.99 x 10.24 inches Number 29 of 60, Edition of 60 + 6 A.P. Cast signature and number on b...
Stainless Steel
Miratio Bronze Sculpture Nude Male Figure Boy
Located in Utrecht, NL
Miratio Bronze Sculpture Nude Male Figure Boy Wim van der Kant (1949, Kampen) is a selftaught artist. Next to his busy profession as a teacher at a high school, he intensively pract...
Bronze
$9,889
H 9.45 in W 7.88 in D 4.34 in
Carminis Bronze Sculpture Nude Boy Male Figure Flute Pan God - In Stock
Located in Utrecht, NL
Carminis Bronze Sculpture Nude Boy Male Figure Flute Pan God - In Stock Carminis is a bronze, nude male figure from boy playing flute, with a brown patina, in fact it reminds us of ...
Bronze
African Carved Wood Male Sculpture
Located in San Francisco, CA
This African carved wood figure represents a male ancestor or spirit spouse statue. Standing at an impressive 26.5 inches tall, figures of this size and posture typically serve as fo...
Wood
Ver Bronze Sculpture Nude Male Figure Boy
Located in Utrecht, NL
Ver Bronze Sculpture Nude Male Figure Boy Wim van der Kant (1949, Kampen) is a selftaught artist. Next to his busy profession as a teacher at a high school, he intensively practises...
Bronze
Lucas - One-of-a-kind Bronze Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the...
Metal, Bronze
Emilio - One-of-a-kind Bronze Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the strength of ancient Egyptian sculptures...
Metal, Bronze
Lovers
Located in Milford, NH
A fine abstract marble sculpture of two lovers, unsigned, in the manner of Lithuanian American artist William Zorach (1887-1966). Zorach was born in Eurberg, Lithuania, was brought t...
Marble
Sold
H 7 in W 3 in D 2 in
José - One-of-a-kind Male Cubist Sitting Figure Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the...
Metal, Bronze
Sold
H 12 in W 6 in D 2 in
Neile - Graceful Female Figure Modern Cubist Solid Bronze Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the...
Metal, Bronze
Two Figurative Bronze Sculptures - Dean and Mareike
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two Figurative Bronze Sculptures For Sale: Dean (4x3x3 inches) and Mareike (9x2x2 inches) German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the strength of ancient Egyptian...
Metal, Bronze
Terracotta bozzetto, dancing woman nude
Located in Greding, DE
Terracotta bozzetto of a dancing female nude with scarf in mannerist style, on square base.
Terracotta
Sold
H 34.26 in W 11.82 in D 8.67 in
Leap of Faith - Wall mount abstract figure Nude Male bronze sculpture modern art
By Ian Edwards
Located in London, Chelsea
In the expression of our heart’s desires, we take the Leap of Faith. A powerful figurative Nude bronze sculpture, signed , Ed of 12. Edwards’ practice expresses the power and deter...
Bronze
Contemporary Abstract Figurative Sculpture, "3 Torsos"
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a one of a kind original figurative sculpture by San Diego artist, Susan Hawkins. Its dimensions are 9x8.5x.2.25. It is made of bronze. A certificate of authenticity will fol...
Metal
Lea - One-of-a-kind Bronze Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the...
Metal, Bronze
Davide - One-of-a-kind Bronze Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the...
Metal, Bronze
Leandro - One-of-a-kind Bronze Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German sculptor Nando Kallweit produces figurative bronze sculptures and reliefs with aquiline and a graceful modern appeal. Kallweit is inspired by seemingly disparate cultures; the...
Metal, Bronze