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.
Rompimiento 2.0
By Sergio Nates
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sergio Nates Rompimiento 2.0, 2015 Acrylic on canvas Unframed dimensions: 18.75 x 18.50 inches Framed dimensions: 19.75 x 19.50 x 1.875 inches This one-of-a-kind acrylic painting on...
Canvas, Acrylic
“Let’s Play”
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting "Let’s Play" immerses the viewer in a playful world, inviting them into a fairy tale reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. The girl holds a small rabbit tightly in her arm...
Canvas, Acrylic
Multicolor Abstract Expressionist with Red, Blue, & Green
Located in Soquel, CA
Bold figurative abstract by California artist Catherine Freethy (American, b. 1962). This abstract features vibrant color block shapes in blue, red, and green, with accents in yellow...
Canvas, Oil
Umbra series 13 and 14, Diptych. Abstract Wall Sculpture
By Rodrigo Zuliani Hauck Zampol
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Fear and insecurity came uninvited to keep the artist company. Suddenly it became necessary to release the sensations that surrounded him day and night. At times the artist felt as i...
Brass
$4,285
Fear and Compliance, contemporary, expressionism, Joan Mitchell, Larry Poons
Located in Jönköping, SE
This painting is part of a series titled Contemplation and Introspection. In this series I am exploring the profound relationship between nature and the human experience. The collect...
Acrylic
$4,382
Having a Cigarette among Pink and Blue-Pure Gold 18K Leaf-British Awarded Artist
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Having a Cigarette Among Pink and Blue is an intimate large-scale plein-air painting by British awarded artist Shizico Yi, created in her garden where a historic avenue of 130-year-o...
Gold
Interesting Abstract Painting Original Frame ca' 1950's
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A really interesting Abstract Expressionist painting ca' 1950's. Beautiful colors, the frame is shaped, original.
Oil
Original Robert Motherwell Etching, Signed, Music from Ulysses 1988
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Robert Motherwell Title: Music Portfolio: Ulysses Medium: Etching on Johannot paper Date: 1988 Edition: 27/40 Sheet Size: 13" x 10" Image Size: 6" x 6" Signature: Initialed (...
Lithograph
"Divine Spontaneity II" Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Abstract in Reds 48"x36"
Located in New York, NY
"Divine Spontaneity II" 2023, 48" H x 36" W. An original vertical abstract painting consisting of acrylics, house paint, oil pastels, color pencils, and carbon pencils on canvas by ...
House Paint, Acrylic, Carbon Pencil, Oil Pastel, Color Pencil
$4,700
Fruity Ramen Alchemy: THE ANSWER IS WITHIN - Large Meditative Abstract Painting
By Jason DeMeo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Abstract minimalist artist Jason DeMeo presents a collection of artworks designed to engage viewers in a meditative experience, drawing them closer to the enduring ideals of truth, b...
Gold Leaf
$2,410Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract R 2415
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Artist : Alex Senchenko © Title: Abstract R 2415 . Acrylic Paints. The painting was created on 100% cotton 340gsm Canvas made in Italy (Pintura). 2024 • Size of a painting: 2...
Acrylic
Evening Whisper by Gabriela Azar Schreiner. Contemporary abstract Painting
Located in Mentone, AU
This painting is unstretched and unframed. It will be carefully rolled and shipped in a tube. "Creating large-scale abstract paintings that evoke tranquility and presence in any spa...
Acrylic
A Little Persephone
Located in Zofingen, AG
A Little Persephone In a world filled with tension and uncertainty, it becomes especially important to preserve a quiet inner space. A place we can return to even when circumstances ...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
City of Angels - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 48in x 60in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This striking acrylic on canvas by Mario Angel, titled "City of Angels," offers a compelling journey into figurative abstraction, where the artist masterfully weaves together themes ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Geometric Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early American modernist abstract geometric oil painting. Framed. Oil on canvas.
Canvas, Oil
Untitled XXVII by Ferle - Abstract painting, dark blue and red
By Elvire Ferle
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled XXVII, Abstract series (medium size) is a unique oil on free-standing canvas painting by contemporary artist Ferle, dimensions are 100 cm x 70 cm (39.4 × 27.6 in). The artwo...
Canvas, Oil
Balance Hand Carved Aspen Wood Sculpture, Abstract, 21st Century
By Greg Joubert
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Hand carved aspen wood sculpture torched burnished and painted Greg Joubert was born in 1977 and raised in the seaside New England town of Hingham, Massachusetts. Joubert gained hi...
Wood, Acrylic
Swirl It Around - Original Colorful Thick Swirls Abstract Acrylic Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impasto-painted strokes of bright colors are the framework of artist Shiri Phillips’ abstract artworks. Her paintings are flooded with texture through the layering of acrylic paint i...
Canvas, Acrylic
$8,600Sale Price|32% Off
Transposition 2
By Sophie Dixon
Located in Burlingame, CA
Warm abstract, etherial large-scale mixed media painting in red, maroon, white, orange, and Payne's grey, in mixed media, including oil paint and charcoal on canvas, in this calm, se...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Crayon, Mixed Media, Oil
$805Sale Price|20% Off
LEROY - LARGE FRENCH CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT CUBIST PAINTING
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: R. Leroy (French b. 1932) Title: Abstract/ Cubist Composition Medium: oil painting on canvas, framed signed Size: frame: 20.5 x 24.75 inches pa...
Oil
Whispers in Blue - Abstract Figurative Landscape Textured Impasto Oil Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ekaterina Ermilkina’s original, abstract fine art paintings are created using a skillful combination of applying and removing oil paint with a palette knife on canvas. Her inspiratio...
Canvas, Oil
$60,800Sale Price|20% Off
Large Alloy Abstract Geometric Painting, Oil on Canvas, 21st Century
By Lloyd Martin
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Lloyd Martin Title: Large Alloy Size: 92 x 130” Year: 2013 American artist Lloyd Martin, known internationally for his rhythmically constructed abstract painting, continues ...
Canvas, Oil
$22,000
"Fantastic Life" Large Colorful Textured Oil Impasto Contemporary Abstract Art
Located in Carmel, CA
Sveta Hessler (Russian, born 1973) "Fantastic Life" 2023 Oil paint on canvas, stretcher bars Signed in the bottom right corner and on verso. "Fantastic Life" is an expansive 72” x 7...
Canvas, Oil, Stretcher Bars
Dynamic Interplay, Abstract Oil Painting
By Heidi Hybl
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Artist Heidi Hybl, a student of Japanese aesthetics, painted this abstract piece to create a calligraphic gesture. As with most nonrepresentational paintings, H...
Oil
$460Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Silver Framed Modern Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted mid century abstract oil painting. Great color and composition. Framed.
Canvas, Oil
$986Sale Price|20% Off
Hidden Portraits I, Abstract Acrylic on Canvas, Framed, Circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
'Hidden Portraits I', acrylic on canvas mounted on board, Florentine School (circa 1980s-90s). This gallery has acquired a number of paintings through an intermediary of an ageing ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
"Barnabas' Voyage State 2" Abstract
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning, vivid non-objective abstract screen print titled "Barnabas' Voyage State 2" by Michael Gallagher (American, b. 1945). Signed and numbered lower left corner. Ink on paper using unique bleed screening process. #10/20. Unframed. Size 49"H x 37"W. Shipped in tube. Born 1945 in Los Angeles, California. In 1965 Gallagher attended UCLA and studied painting and drawing with David Hockney, Alfred Leslie, Jan Stussy, Sam Amato & Richard Diebenkorn. Michael has studied painting with Edgar Ewing and Keith Crown...
Ink, Paper
$15,000Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract Landscape, large mid-century green painting, COBRA art movement
Located in Beachwood, OH
Erik Ortvad (Danish, 1917 - 2008) Abstract Landscape, 1946 Oil on canvas Signed and dated lower right 32 X 37.5 inches 35 x 40.5 inches, framed Born in 1917 in Copenhagen, Erik Ortvad was a surrealist painter and a founding member of the COBRA art...
Oil
Portrait of a Woman
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Neo-Expressionist painting depicts a young woman in luminous light. Encaustic on canvas, 13 x 15 inches. Unsigned. Minor paint loss along right edge.
Encaustic
Untitled (SF-351), Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Sam Francis
By Sam Francis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Sam Francis, American (1923 - 1994) - Untitled (SF-351), Portfolio: Papierski Portfolio, Year: 1992, Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 50...
Lithograph
$328
Impressionist seascape nature painting paper "Dreaming of the south of France"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary seaside landscape, infused with the spirit of Impressionism and a hint of Expressionism, is part of my ongoing series celebrating the essence of summer. Titled "Dre...
Paper, Oil
$871Sale Price|20% Off
Rene Leroy Large French Abstract Cubist Mixed Media Painting Framed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Key Details Artist: Rene Leroy, French, born 1932 Title: Abstract / Cubist Composition Medium: Mixed media, material and oil on canvas, framed Size: Painting: 21.25 x 28.75 inches; f...
Oil
$4,500Sale Price|30% Off
Nexus
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Abstract sculpture by American artist, Jack Youngerman (b.1926). Nexus, 1990. 24.5 inches. Aluminum, numbered 2/3. Signed and numbered on base. 1926 Born, St. Louis, Missouri; moved with family to Louisville, Kentucky in 1929 1943-44; 1946-47 Attended University of Missouri 1944-46 U.S. Navy, University of North Carolina 1947-49 Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris 1949-55 Lived and worked in Paris 1956 Returned to the United States; lived in New York City 1956-1995 1995-current Resides in Bridgehampton, New York ONE MAN EXHIBITIONS: 1951 Galerie Arnaud, Paris 1958 Betty Parsons Gallery, New York (1960, 1961, 1964, 1967, 1968) 1959 Museum of Modern Art, New York, "Sixteen Americans" 1962 Galerie Lawrence, Paris (also 1965) 1963 Galeria dell' Ariete, Milan Everett Ellen Gallery, Los Angeles, California The Phillips Collection, Washington, D. C. 1971 Pace Gallery, New York (also 1972, 1975) 1972 Portland Center for the Arts, Oregon Seattle Art Museum, Washington 1973 The Arts Club of Chicago, Illinois Galerie Denise Rene, Paris 1975 Hopkins Center, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 1976 Parrish Art Museum, Southampton, New York 1981 Washburn Gallery...
Aluminum
ABSTRACT Artwork by Contemporary Artist Italian Giorgio Petracci 2024 Landscape
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
April by Antoine Vidal - Bronze sculpture, organic forms, totem
Located in Paris, FR
April is an abstract bronze sculpture by French artist Antoine Vidal. Dimensions are 38 × 8 × 7 cm (14.9 × 3.1 × 2.7 in) His bronze sculptures—often characterized by strong vertical...
Bronze
$1,121Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Cubist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract oil painting by Ervin B. Nussbaum (1914 - 1996). Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed. Dated 1950. Artist Bio: Ervin B. Nussbaum was born in Co...
Canvas, Oil
Henri Matisse Lithograph, 1958, Danseuse Creole, The Last Works of Matisse
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Henri Matisse (after) Title: Danseuse Creole Portfolio: The Last Works of Henri Matisse Medium: Lithograph Date: 1958 Edition: 2000 Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17" Sheet Size: 14" ...
Lithograph
$1,593Sale Price|20% Off
Details about LARGE 1970'S FRENCH MODERNIST SIGNED OIL - BRIGHT & COLORFUL INT
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French School, signed lower left, circa 1970's Title: The Interior. Medium: oil painting, on canvas, framed. Size: frame: 25 x 41inches painting: 23.5 x...
Canvas, Oil
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Super Spatial 9, Abstract Oil on Canvas, 21st Century, Unframed
By Maya Kabat
Located in Boston, MA
Title: Super Spatial 9 Medium: Oil on canvas on layered wood panels Size: 12x13.5x3 inches Year: 2019 Price: $2800 From Maya: “My paintings reference the urban landscape, and explo...
Canvas, Oil
$705
Contemporary abstract figurative woman's body portrait on paper "Serene pause"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Serene Pause” is a striking contemporary abstract woman’s body portrait in expressive gestural style by French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her intimate series exploring women’s...
Paper, Acrylic
Composition in Red - Screen Print by Franco Giuli - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Rainbow Abstract Composition is an original artwork realized in the 1970s by the contemporary artist Franco Giuli (1934-2018) Mixed colored screen print....
Screen
Do You See What I See, Abstract Painting
By Robin Okun
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An adult and a youth share a moment of unmistakable contact across a whimsical, stylized tree of life. Even without defined facial features, a deep psychologica...
Acrylic
Richard Diebenkorn - Ojai Festival VIP, Deluxe Signed Limited Edition lithograph
Located in New York, NY
Richard Diebenkorn - Ojai Festival - VIP Deluxe Signed Limited Edition, 1980 Lithograph with offset lettering Boldly signed "R Diebenkorn" and numbered 49 in blue marker with the art...
Lithograph, Offset
Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Expressionist Beach Scene Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage abstract beach scene oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed. In excellent original condition. Handsomely framed in a wood molding. Excellent condition, ready to han...
Oil, Board
Contemporary Watercolor Painting, 'Untitled', c. 1990's by David Ruth
By David Ruth
Located in Oakland, CA
This is a contemporary abstract watercolor painting by artist David Ruth. This series of paintings often feature bright colors and vibrant layouts that draw the viewer in. They are c...
Paper, Watercolor
$38,000
Print of Frank Stella Wall Relief Sculpture, Hand Signed, Dated by Artist Framed
By Frank Stella
Located in New York, NY
Frank Stella (after) Untitled, for the Very Special Arts Gallery (Hand Signed by Frank Stella), 1992 Photo lithograph and offset litho on thin board (hand signed by Frank Stella) Fra...
Lithograph, Offset
Horizon enfoui, Contemporary Abstract Landscape Painting in Earthy tones
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Sophie Dumont Oil on canvas, 60 x 60 cm (23.6 x 23.6 in) Framed in a black or natural wood floating frame, at the collector’s choice. French contemporary painter Sophie Dumont explo...
Oil
Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) - Lithograph on Arches paper - 1959
Located in Varese, IT
Lithograph on Arches paper, edited in 1959. Limited edition of 200 copies, numbered as 55/200 in lower left corner. Hand-signed in pencil by artist in lower right corner. Paper size...
Paper, Lithograph
$5,880
Dan Flavin, Untitled (Triptych): 3 Aquatint Prints, Abstract Art, Minimalism
By Dan Flavin
Located in Hamburg, DE
Dan Flavin (American, 1933-1996) Untitled (Triptych), 1996-98 Medium: Set of three aquatints on handmade rag paper Dimensions: each 50 x 40 cm (19.75 x 15.75 in) Edition of 60: Each ...
Aquatint
$58Sale Price|24% Off
Untitled (XX) (Abstract, Red, Grey) (25% OFF LIST PRICE)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Barbara Keidel Untitled (XX) (Abstract, Red, Grey) Linocut 1996 Edition: 3 Numbered and dated by hand in pencil Size: 9 x 8.25 inches (22.86 x 20.95 cm) COA provided Tags: Abstr...
Linocut
$3,600
14th New York Film Festival, Pop Art Screenprint by Allan D'Arcangelo
Located in Long Island City, NY
14th New York Film Festival Allan D’Arcangelo, American (1930–1998) Date: 1976 Screenprint, signed and numbered in pencil Edition of 107/144 Size: 40 x 59 in. (101.6 x 149.86 cm)
Screen
$1,000Sale Price|50% Off
PA American Impressionist Bucks CO. Covered Bridge Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Gorgeous ca.1925 PA Impressionist painting of a covered bridge. Oil on canvas measuring 22 x 28 inches. Framed measurement: 27 x 33 inches. Unsigned. There is a puncture in canva...
Oil
$620Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Framed Original Large Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted mid century abstract cubist oil painting. Great color and composition. Framed.
Canvas, Oil
Double-sided landscape cardboard/oil, 65x73 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Aleksandr Rodin (1922-2001) Painter Born in a family of farmers. Wife Rasma Lace - art scholar. Studied at the Stalingrad School of Art, Saratov Art School, graduated from the Depar...
Canvas, Oil
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Modernist Interior Scene Framed Abstract Signed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Incredible early American modernist interior scene by Anthony Toney (1913 - 2004) . Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed. Measuring 26 by 32 overall and 18 by 24 painting alone.
Canvas, Oil
Tabletop Still Life Mid-century Abstract Painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Jack Hammack (1924-1990) Cubist Tabletop Still Life, 1957 Oil on paper measuring 16 x 20 inches. Framed measurement, 23 x 27 inches. Signed and dated lower right.
Paper, Oil
$2,197Sale Price|20% Off
Huge French Abstract Painting Brown Beige Yellow Ochre colors, signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist/ School: French abstract School, late 20th century/ early 21st century, inscribed initials MD Title: Brown, yellow, beige abstract composition painted on a very large scale. ...
Oil, Canvas
Veronique's veil
By Michel Ciry
Located in Paris, FR
Etching and aquatint, 1960 Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 31/50 61.00 cm. x 50.00 cm. 24.02 in. x 19.69 in. (paper) 42.00 cm. x 42.50 cm. 16.54 in. x 16.73 in. (im...
Etching, Aquatint
Purple Composition, Abstract Geometric Linocut by Larry Zox
By Larry Zox
Located in Long Island City, NY
Larry Zox, American (1937 - 2006) - Purple Composition, Year: 1971, Medium: Linocut, signed and numbered in pencil, Edition: 6/50, Size: 22 x 30 in. (55.88 x 76.2 cm), Framed Siz...
Linocut
$2,300
Traces Of Each Other and Harbour And Surf diptych, Original painting, Abstract
Located in Deddington, GB
this is a diptych of Traces Of Each Other and Harbour And Surf. Both paintings are the same size and are framed. Please see the additional information bellow Camilla Clark...
Canvas, Mixed Media