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.
Fred Kenknight "Midday Sun" Abstract Oil Painting c.1963
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fred Kenknight Vintage 1960s "Midday Sun" Abstract Oil Painting Fantastic vintage oil painting signed by Fred Kenknight. Though untitled, we are call...
Oil, Board
Fireflies no. 5
Located in Burlingame, CA
'Fireflies no. 5', oil on canvas, painted in 2025 by Stephen Henriques. This piece measured 45 1/2 x 45 1/4 inch, vibrant and alive with rhythmic color. Stephen Henriques says “magni...
Canvas, Oil
Spring Fling 2 - Large Colorful Abstract Painting
By Julie Naima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The original artworks by Canadian artist Julie Naima feature visually appealing abstract compositions with organic shapes that evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity. The harmonio...
Canvas, Acrylic
Signed and numbered Victor Vasarely lithograph 'Kaldor' '180 / 250'
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Victor Vasarely (Franco / Hungarian 1908 - 1997 Kaldor lithograph 38.3/8 x 37.3/8 in. (97.7 x 95.2) Numbered ‘180 / 250’ and signed (lower left and right respectively
Lithograph
$15,262
Large Triptych Abstract Bookshelf Painting – Oil on Canvas, Modern Library
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Silent Chronicles: An Ode to Immobile Memory Triptych – Oil on canvas (3 panels) With "Silent Chronicles", Sophie Dumont invites us into a world where minimalist aesthetics meet the ...
Oil
$780Sale Price|35% Off
Abstract Expressionist mi-century modern painting
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Beautiful mid-century Abstract Expressionist color field painting. Oil on canvas, 16 x 20 inches; 16.5 x 20.5 inches in simple vintage wood strip frame original to the piece. Signed ...
Canvas, Oil
$1,942Sale Price|25% Off
Weightless Presence: Original impressionist acrylic Painting on Canvas
Located in Cumming, GA
This original abstract painting evokes a sense of ethereal calm, where soft whites and pale aqua tones drift together like whispers of clouds across the sky. The delicate layers and ...
Canvas, Acrylic
蘭 Orchids in Purple Mists-hand painted Limited Edition #3 of 10-British Artist
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This is a rare hand-painted Limited Edition by contemporary artist Shizico Yi, created on a deluxe matte-finish giclée aluminium panel. Each edition is 90% hand-painted with Shizico’...
Metal
Suspended Organic Mar III Natural Raffia Textile Sculpture by Eliurpi 2026
By Eliurpi
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...
Textile
$10,000
Luminary Nights, Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting by James Hiroshi Suzuki
By James Suzuki
Located in Long Island City, NY
Luminary Nights James Hiroshi Suzuki, Japanese/American (1932) Date: 1960 Oil on Canvas, signed lower right, dated and titled on verso Size: 23 x ...
Canvas, Oil
Judith Brenner, Sophie Dancing 1, Original Figurative Art, Abstract Sketch Art
Located in Deddington, GB
Judith Brenner Sophie Dancing 1 Original Figurative Drawing Acrylic Paint, Pan Pastel, Ink and Watercolour Pencil on Paper Sheet Size: 84.1cm x W 59.4cm x D 0.1cm Sold Unframed Please note that in situ images are purely an indication of how a piece may look. Sophie Dancing 1 is an original nude drawing by Judith Brenner.The figure is continuously moving and the final work is a composition made in an attempt to capture the rhythm of the dance. This abstract-impressionistic work is evocative of Francis Bacon’s style...
Paper, Pastel, Ink, Watercolor, Pen
Red Six IX - Original Lithograph by Lorenzo Indrimi - 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Lorenzo Indrimi , an Italian contemporary artist who drew inspiration from the most primitive human feelings, created this elegant sfumato lithograph Red Six IX in the 1970s. It is ...
Lithograph
Man Ray (1890–1976) - Incompris - Color lithograph on paper - 1962
By Man Ray
Located in Varese, IT
Color lithograph on paper, edited in 1962 Limited edition, numbered in lower left corner. Hand signed by artist in pencil in the lower right corner. Very good conditions. Plate size:...
Lithograph
"Summer Storm" Small Abstract Colorful Landscape, Oil and Acrylic on Wood
Located in Sofia, BG
"Summer Storm" is a colorful abstract landscape painting created with oil, acrylic and pastel on wood panel. Inspired by the atmosphere of a summer storm moving across a blooming la...
Wood, Oil Pastel, Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Micmac I, Abstract Expressionist Screenprint by Dan Christensen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Dan Christensen, American (1942 - 2007) - Micmac I, Year: circa 1981, Medium: Screenprint, signed, titled and numbered in pencil, Edition: 43/100, Image Size: 38.25 x 27 inches, ...
Screen
$3,492Sale Price|30% Off
Pleasure Chasers: Abstract Expressionist Painting on Raw Linen, 2000s
Located in Jönköping, SE
In keeping with my passion of nature, this collection focusses on the movement and structure of nature. I am fascinated in finding things in our environment that often go unnoticed....
Raw Linen
$5,000
Arctic Bloom /// Josef Albers Blue Orange Screenprint Homage to the Square Print
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "Arctic Bloom" Portfolio: Soft Edge - Hard Edge *Unsigned edition Year: 1965 Medium: Original Screenprint on Mohawk Superfine...
Screen
Teté Alurralde Contemporary Abstract Painting in Green and Sage Tones
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, Pigment
Joan Miró, Abstract Color Lithography, Framed, 1969
By Joan Miró
Located in Barcelona, ES
High Quality Fine Art Color Lithography by Joan Miró. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1969. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful pati...
Paper
The Taste of Wild Honey
Located in Zofingen, AG
The Taste of Wild Honey This work is part of the Infinity Map series, dedicated to exploring the inner world and the search for personal answers. Different facets of the inner self ...
Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media
Reconstruction, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Several shades of blue sweep across a lightly textured background. Bits of orange highlight the focal point, adding warmth to the composition. Sections of gray ...
Acrylic
Cintra and Frenetic Diptych. Mixed media Abstract painting on Canvas
By Alec Franco
Located in Miami Beach, FL
" The work resists framing in concepts, it overflows the contours and borders of the rational. It is through the presence of color, combined with an abstraction at times with express...
Canvas, Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$32,286
Marc Chagall (1887–1985) – Sirène au pin – Color lithograph on Arches paper
By Marc Chagall
Located in Varese, IT
Color lithograph on Arches paper, edited in 1967. by Charles Sorlier after Marc Chagall Limited edition, numbered 66/150 in lower left corner. Hand signed in pencil by artist in lowe...
Lithograph
No. 2, Hard-Edge Geometric Painting by Dale Laun 1969
Located in Long Island City, NY
Painting No. 2 by Dale Laun, American (1939–2018) Date: 1968-1969 Acrylic on Canvas, signed upper right on cardboard overlay Size: 44 x 46 in. (111.76 x 116.84 cm)
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled Abstraction
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Abstrraction Gouache, watercolor and pigments on paper, c. 1960 Signed lower right in pencil (see photo) Image: 17 x 22 inches Sheet: 25 1/4 x 29 3/4 inches Frame: 25 1/4 x ...
Watercolor
Mountain High - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Playful Landscape Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Flourishing Fields' features whimsical details and vi...
Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Bark Wall Sculpture, Abstract Geometric, Resin and Pigment
Located in Miami Beach, FL
From the Series Reliefs Aquaresin and Pigment 79 H x 16.5 W in. This striking artwork features three elongated, vertical panels, each uniquely textured with a rugged, charred surf...
Resin, Pigment
Alexander Calder Lithograph Print, Abstract Style, 1968, Derriere le Miroir #173
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Medium: Lithograph Title: Untitled Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Year: 1968 Edition: Unnumbered Signed: Unsigned Sheet Size: 15" x 22" Image Size: 15" x...
Lithograph
$3,404
On Hansen Abstract Mixed Media Painting in Earth Tones with Gestural Marks 2025
By On Hansen
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...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
#64, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
Space and Time: Maximalism Painting Large Original Unique Authentic
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title; Space and Time Modern, Maximalism, Painting, Large, Original, Unique, Authentic, Bold, Statement, One-of-a-kind In this Maximalist and unique piece, I poured energy and emot...
Gesso, Wood, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Sandstill No.3 - abstract mixed media photography, Limited edition of 20
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
Sandstill No.3 London, United Kingdom 2021 From limited edition of 20. The photograph is signed front bottom right corner and comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed dat...
Giclée
Untitled Abstract Print, Embossing on Aluminum, Signed, Edition 32/90
By Hans Richter
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an abstract artwork realized by Hans Richter in 1970 Embossing on alluminum plate printed in 1 color on Umbria paper Hand-signed and dated on the lower right. Numbered...
Color
Le Promenade
Located in Zofingen, AG
La Promenade shipped in roll (Series: Le Jardin Privé / Your Private Paradise) “Some paths are not meant to lead us somewhere, but to bring us back to ourselves.” This work, titled ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Oil on canvas “Abstract Composition”, Yves Frangeul, 1964 France
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing oil on canvas with an abstract and avant-garde theme, by the French painter Yves Frangeul, dated 1964. The work presents a non-figurative scene, seemingly a superimposition o...
Canvas
$3,000
28° 14' 22.942'' N, 114° 6' 4.129'' W-5. Cyanotype photograph of the ocean waves
By Paola Davila
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Water is constant in the artist's visual investigation, for her water is no longer the stage in which the body's memory bursts, but rather the environment and protagonist, constant o...
Cotton, Archival Pigment
Abstract Painting Black Texture Gestural Expressionism Linen Matthew Vanliessum
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Matthew van Liessum (b. 1989, The Netherlands) is an abstract painter based in Antwerp. His practice is rooted in gestural abstraction, where energetic mark-making meets a strong sen...
Linen, Ink, Oil, Acrylic
Sonata - original abstract floral beauty in contemporary hues, modern art
By Minna George
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Linen, Oil
Composition #1
Located in Zofingen, AG
A painting from the «Quite motion» series. Reflects a moment of inner balance — when light and space merge into one breath. In this state, there is no rush or effort — only a gentle ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$3,465Sale Price|30% Off
Cuban 1998 Abstract/ figurative scene
Located in Woodbury, CT
Very Interesting and unique late 20th-century Cuban Abstract scene. Signed top left and inscribed on the reverse the piece has a great impact and presents. Influenced by Picasso with the Bull...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,095Sale Price|20% Off
The Vanguard Series Nr. XXVII: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions
Located in London, GB
"The Vanguard Series Nr. XXVII: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions", oil on board, by unknown artist (circa 1950s–70s). A compelling body of work emerging from the forgott...
Oil, Board
$5,500
Contemporary American Abstract Expressionist Landscape Painting Japanese screen
By Monica Angle
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original mixed media monotype and painting by American contemporary artist Monica Angle. This work was featured in a major exhibition for the artist at the Burchfield Penney Art ...
Canvas, Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor
Bayard Series #12, Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Bruce Porter
By Bruce Porter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bruce Porter, American (1948 - ) - Bayard Series #12, Year: 1999, Medium: Lithograph, signed and dated in pencil, Edition: 100, Image Size: 24 x 16.25 inches, Size: 26.75 x 18.7...
Lithograph
Impasto Geometric Abstraction - Mixed Media in Encaustic and Oil Paint, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Impasto Geometric Abstraction - Mixed Media in Encaustic and Oil Paint, Signed Bold mixed media piece signed by Pat Ellis. This piece combines elements of geometric abstraction and ...
Fiberboard, Oil, Encaustic, Wax Crayon
Abstract Watercolor Painting, 'Design for Light', c. 2000 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
#271, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
$19,500
Art Card: Willem de Kooning and Elaine de Kooning, 1953 (Hand Signed by BOTH)
Located in New York, NY
Art Card: Willem de Kooning and Elaine de Kooning, 1953 (Hand Signed by BOTH Willem de Kooning and Elaine de Kooning) from the Dan Pope collection, 1985 Offset lithograph postcard (S...
Postcard
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
El Gozo de la Tribu, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 204x340cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 19...
Canvas, Acrylic
The Inner Circle
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×120 cm (overall size with stretching 107×130 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled the series "The Inviolable Reserve" "The Inner Circle" (The Invio...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ribbon Dance Female Figure with Blue Ball Oil on Canvas
By Doris Lee
Located in Miami, FL
Pioneering female American Scene painter Doris Lee depicts two figures in a "Ribbon Dance" in her later flat, semi-abstract style. This is a major museum-quality work of large scale...
Canvas, Oil
$2,650
Bold Abstract and Figurative Composition in Blue and red Acrylic on Paper
Located in Soquel, CA
Bold Abstract and Figurative Composition in Blue and red Acrylic on Paper Bright and colorful abstracted figural painting by California-based artist, Ricardo de Silva (American/Bra...
Acrylic, Watercolor, Archival Paper
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Red, Black and Blue Abstract Expressionism
Located in Soquel, CA
Gorgeous abstract expressionist painting by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957), circa 1977. Can be installed either vertically or horizontally. Unsigned. Purchased as ...
Oil, Wood
$2,465Sale Price|20% Off
Large French Expressionist Abstract Oil Painting Armand Rottenberg
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Artist: Armand Rottenberg (French, 1903–2000) Medium: Oil on board Size: 37.5 x 27 inches (framed) Signature: Signed lower corner Condition: Painting in good condition; minor age-rel...
Oil
Homage to the Square - P2, F14, I1 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - Portfolio 2, Folder 14, Image 1" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 origin...
Screen
Belond time, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Emily STARCK
Located in Yardley, PA
Large work of abstraction. Worked in several layers with raw emotions expressed by colors and gesture. Edges are painted in the continuity of the work. Dimensions are for stretched...
Acrylic
$442Sale Price|35% Off
Untitled #535 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #535 by Murray Duncan – Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper Size: 32" x 40" Unframed, signed on the back A striking exploration of form and movement, Untitled #527 by Murray ...
Oil Crayon, Acrylic, Pencil
Untitled - Offset and Lithograph after Willem De Kooning - 1985
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an offset and lithograph print realized on Fabriano Paper after a drawing by Willem De Kooning of 1980. The print suite was realized in 1985 in a limited edition of 2500...
Lithograph, Offset
Zone, vibrant, jewel-like, diaphanous strips of fabric collages
Located in New York, NY
Linda Kamille Schmidt plays with emotional connections and memory in her smaller, framed works. In their encasements, each collage appears as a portal; a...
Fabric, Thread, Plastic, Pins
Machet 1, Abstract Sculpture
By Rodrigo Zuliani Hauck Zampol
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The Ragisména series, which in Greek means cracked, has its materiality manifested through the desire to recreate and make feelings, memories and mythology tangible in the physical w...
Canvas, Paper
Enchanted - Meadow of Abundance, Abstract Floral Painting on Canvas, Unique
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Enchanted - Meadow of Abundance and Stillness - In Pink Floral Flowers Abstract Unique Exclusive One-of-a-kind Striking Abundant Meadow Landscape Nature We all need to feel...
Acrylic