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.
$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
Untitled #1
Located in Zofingen, AG
This work is part of the series “Inside and outside”, which explores the connection between a person’s inner world and what is happening around them. The series speaks about thoughts...
Paper, Mixed Media
Mid-century American Expressionist Painting “Truck Evolution"
Located in San Francisco, CA
This vibrant and dense artwork is a mid-century American expressionist painting steeped in industrial narrative, provenance, and historical context. The painting portrays a crowded, ...
Paper, Oil Pastel
$636Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Framed Original Vintage Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American abstract expressionist painting. OIl on canvas. Framed. Finely painted with wonderful color palette.
Canvas, Oil
Untitled L by Ferle - Large abstract painting, red and black, dark background
By Elvire Ferle
Located in Paris, FR
Untitled L is a unique oil on free-standing canvas painting by contemporary artist Ferle, dimensions are 200 cm × 140 cm (78.7 × 55.1 in). The artwork is signed, sold unframed and co...
Canvas, Oil
Aleksandar Bezinovic Geometric Abstraction Black Grey Contemporary Minimalist
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The piece is signed by the artist on the reverse and includes a Certificate of Authenticity officially stamped by the gallery. At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the h...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
Epiphany
Located in Zofingen, AG
Epiphany From the series “Between States” This work explores a moment of sudden clarity emerging from uncertainty. Rather than depicting a specific landscape, Epiphany evokes an inn...
Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
"Small Wind Disturbing a Bonfire" Bradley Walker Tomlin, Ab-Ex, Blue, White
Located in New York, NY
Bradley Walker Tomlin Small Wind Disturbing a Bonfire, 1949 Signed lower center Oil on canvas 23 x 44 inches Provenance Betty Parsons Gallery, New York Herbert Ferber, New York (acq...
Canvas, Oil
$2,500
Morandi 12 (Abstract Cubist Still Life Painting Inspired by Morandi Bottles)
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract cubist style still life graphite and acrylic painting inspired by Giorgio Morandi's bottle still life paintings "Morandi 12” by Hudson Valley artist, David Dew Bruner, made...
Paper, Graphite
"Birthday Party / Robert Motherwell / January 24. 1975" Robert Motherwell, AbEx
Located in New York, NY
Robert Motherwell Birthday Party / Robert Motherwell / January 24. 1975, 1975 Signed on the reverse Mixed media, lithograph and collage 10 x 24 inches Robert Motherwell was among t...
Mixed Media, Lithograph
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
0314. Abstract Painting on Canvas, Acrylic.
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The process of creating a painting leaves behind a series of elements that become the starting point for a new piece. A mark, a line, color and shape become elements of a new paintin...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
Spring Is Coming
Located in Zofingen, AG
Spring Is Coming From the series “Infinity Map” We all journey through our own inner world. Along the way, we encounter images that cannot be explained literally. They may evoke fea...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Original Drawing on Wood-Breakfast with Cat-British Awarded Artist-Large panel
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This special large drawing on wood board (ready to hang) created by Shizico in early autumn where her Cat and the garden take centre stage. The pictorial language in this series pays...
Wood Panel, Charcoal, Carbon Pencil
$4,750
Changing Moods 8- Floral landscape pink dominant contemporary abstract photo
Located in New York, NY
Belgian photographer Isabelle Menin creates portraits of flowers that are not only gorgeous in form and color, but also uniquely expressive. Fresh blossoms and withering blooms melt ...
Photographic Paper
$1,730
Painting, Modern, Abstract, Colorful, Contemporary, Invest, Artwork, Original
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: The Guardians of Togetherness Painting, Modern, Abstract, Colorful, Contemporary, Invest, Artwork, Original The Guardians of Togetherness opens up the viewer to experience t...
Stretcher Bars, Wood, Gesso, Color Pencil, Acrylic, Spray Paint, Glaze, ...
"Liminal #3" - Acrylic on Canvas
By Kymm Swank
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Kymm Swank is a self-taught artist who works primarily in oils, acrylics and resins. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, she received degrees in theatre, psychology and communicat...
Acrylic, Canvas
Green Composition - Etching by Nino Cordio - 1995
By Nino Cordio
Located in Roma, IT
Image dimensions: 14.7 x 10 cm. Green Composition is an original mixed colored etching realized by Nino Cordio in 1995. Hand signed and dated on the lower right margin. Numbered on the lower left margin. Ed. 57/65. Nino Cordio (Santa Ninfa, 10 July 1937 - Rome, 24 April 2000...
Etching
Bold Contemporary - Abstract Painting, Colorful Texture, Large, Dream
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Interconnected Dream Bold Abstract Contemporary Colorful Masculine Investment Red Yellow Grey Blue Orange Texture Detail This series expresses our unity and our interconnect...
Pastel, Oil, Acrylic, Pencil, Color Pencil, Gesso, Canvas, Stretcher Bars
Tapestry
By Ruth Leaf
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork titled "Tapestry" c.1990, is an original colors etching on Wove paper by noted American artist Ruth Leaf, 1923-2015. It is hand signed, titled and numbered 8/15 in penci...
Etching
$3,000
Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel (Prefatio) Poster /// Bauhaus Josef Albers Art
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: (after) Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel (Prefatio)" Year: 1957 Medium: Original Relief Print (Letterpress), Exhibition Poster on light wove paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel, Kassel, Germany Publisher: Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel, Kassel, Germany Sheet size: 24.75" x 17.63" Image size: 11.75" x 15.63" Condition: A few faint handling creases. Never framed, has been professionally stored away for decades. In excellent condition Extremely rare Notes: Provenance: private collection - Nuremberg, Germany. Poster produced for a special exhibition of Albers' work "Early Pictures from the Twenties and New Works" at the Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel from May 28 - June 8, 1957. The image featured on this poster is Albers' 1942 lithograph edition "Prefatio", (Danilowitz No. 103, page 76), from his 1942 "Graphic Tectonics" series of 9 lithographs, (Danilowitz No. 100-108, page 74-79). Printer's imprint upper right. This is an extremely rare poster being if not the, one of the, earliest documented Josef Albers exhibition...
Paper
American Abstract Expressionist Framed Mid Century New York School Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American abstract expressionist oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Unsigned. Measuring: 31 by 31 inches overall, and 30 by 30 painting alo...
Canvas, Oil
Modernist Inspirations - Giclée Print, Abstract, Signed, Edition of 100
Located in London, GB
Giclée print on Somerset Satin hand-deckled paper with partial gloss silk screen glaze Bears the artist's signature, title annotated, and numbered stamp, lower right on recto Image: ...
Giclée
$26,300
Looking - tall, geometric abstract, powder coated outdoor steel sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
In this intriguing sculpture by Ryan Van Der Hout, a multitude of mirrors reflect the images of sky and land that surround it. Forged from powder-coated steel, each lens is mounted o...
Steel
$750
Composed Calmness: Equestrian Horse Abstract Expressionist Painting, Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Composed Calmness Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I borrowed f...
Gold
Internal Ignition, Expressionist Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2026
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The structural narrative of the work is built on a complex architectural grid. A tapestry of horizontal blocks—consisting of shades of raw sand, muted ochre, and soft cream—is sudden...
Oil
Absence Écrite, Large Textured Abstract Library, Contemporary Oil Painting
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Framing included: the collector may choose a natural wood or black floater frame. The painting is delivered ready to hang. Unframed dimensions: 80 × 80 × 2 cm (31.50 × 31.50 × 0.79 ...
Oil
Abstract Composition, large etching with aquatint
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Abstract Composition." c.1970 in an original color etching and aquatint on Arches paper by noted Polish artist Johnny Friedlaender, 1912-1992. It is hand signed and num...
Aquatint, Etching
Extra Large Black and White Giclée Print of Tranquil Water Patterns, Seascape
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive limited edition black and white giclée print, on 100% cotton Hahnemühle Photo Rag Fine Art matte paper. This series of black and white photographs captures the ...
Rag Paper
Cubist Czech Architecture Cityscape
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Petr Zlamal (b. 1949) Czech Cityscape, 1971. Oil on linen, 20 x 28 inches. Unframed. Signed and dated by artist, lower right. A rare example of Zlamal's earliest mature work.
Linen, Oil
Abstract R 2414 - Large impasto colorful abstract paintin on canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Artist : Alex Senchenko © Title: Abstract R 2414 . Acrylic Paints. The painting was created on 100% cotton 340gsm Canvas made in Italy (Pintura). 2024 • Size of a painting: 2...
Acrylic
$5,500
Serie 2021 #6, Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2021
Located in Miami, FL
Serie 2021 #6, Contemporary Geometric Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2021 Rebeca Mendoza plays with simultaneity, superimposition, and ambiguity in her work as she goes through t...
Oil
$3,400
"Avec Des Épines" (abstract, dark, floral, roses, red, black, antique linen)
Located in Paris, IDF
AVEC DES ÉPINES 2024 Paris, France The French title of the work translates in English to "With Thorns". The painting captures the rose’s mysterious allure, balancing beauty with an...
Linen, Dye
Autumn Beauty, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bold, contrasting colors surround the dominating layers of orange and yellow. Animated marks and stains add energy and texture to the composition. The joyful wa...
Oil
Abstract Expressionism - Oil Painting 2014 by Giorgio Lo Fermo
Located in Roma, IT
Abstract Expressionism is an original artwork realized by Giorgio Lo Fermo in 2014. Oil on canvas applied on hardboard. This contemporary artwork was realized by the artist in 2014...
Oil
$100Sale Price|20% Off
Art Chicago (No Text) Lithograph Print, Abstract, 1981, Unframed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally produced for the 1981 art show at Navy Pier in Chicago, these posters were part of an estimated edition size of about 2,000. The cropped version is particularly rare, as i...
Lithograph
"Inner Space" (FRAMED) Abstract Painting 36 x 36" inch by Yoram Katz
By Yoram Katz
Located in Culver City, CA
"Inner Space" (FRAMED) Abstract Painting 36 x 36" inch by Yoram Katz Medium: Pencil on Paper Size framed: 39 x 39 inch Signed by the artist ABOUT THE ARTIST: Born in Israel. Gradua...
Paper, Pencil
$8,429
Eroded horizon- Large Abstract Painting – Landscape –Contemporary, French art
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
This original oil painting by Sophie Dumont, a French contemporary painter, reflects her distinctive approach to landscape through abstraction, structure, and material depth. Born i...
Canvas, Oil
$450
Bayard Series 13, Signed Abstract Screenprint with Hand Coloring by Bruce Porter
By Bruce Porter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bruce Porter's work addresses epic and mythological themes and juxtaposes them with pop and cartoon elements. Porter’s disparate imagery stems not from a contradictory variety of inf...
Screen
Klänge: Lyrisches, Framed 1913 Woodcut Print on Dutch Laid Paper
Located in Milwaukee, WI
Wassily Kandinsky Woodcut in color on Dutch laid paper Cut from the folio Klänge, conceived 1911-1912, published in 1913 Kandinsky monograph lower right in plate Published by R. Pip...
Woodcut
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
The Flowers Whispered - Original Abstract Mixed Media Painting, 91x122 cm
By Annie King
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...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$796Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Abstract Expressionist New York School Circa 1940 Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract expressionist painting. Oil on board, circa 1940. Image size, 24L x 20H.
Canvas, Oil
$1,821Sale Price|20% Off
1980's French Expressionist Painting Rolling Hills and Valleys Verdant Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) signed oil painting on canvas, unframed inscribed verso dated 85' canvas size: 35 x 46 inches condition: ov...
Canvas, Oil
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Female Modernist Abstract Nature Painting Albright Knox Provenance
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract oil painting by Jane Lapey. Oil on canvas. Exhibition label verso. Framed. Image size, 28L x 22H.
Canvas, Oil
#46, 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
$1,500
Olympische Spiele Muenchen (Foot), Pop Art Screenprint Poster by Tom Wesselmann
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Tom Wesselmann (1931 - 2004) Title: Olympische Spiele Muenchen (Foot) Year: 1972 Medium: Screenprint Poster mounted on linen Edition: 3000 Size: 40 in. x 25 in. (101.6 cm x 6...
Screen
1970s Abstract Expressionist Belgian Gouache on Paper.
Located in Cotignac, FR
1970s abstract expressionist gouache on paper by Belgian artist André Pierard painted in Provence in the south of France. A highly colourful and energetic abstract painting. The st...
Paper, Gouache
$6,070
Prusse Blue H Ultramarine Abstract Painting on Canvas Artist Gabriela Meunie
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
Untitled #11 Two Forms Red Ground Abstract Expressionist Aquatint Etching
By William Brice
Located in Surfside, FL
Untitled #11 (Two Forms, Red Ground), Color soap ground and spit bite aquatints. Image size: 23¾ x 17¾"; paper size: 38 x 30". Edition 15. Published by Crown Point Press and printed...
Etching, Aquatint
Oceanic Blue Fantasy, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Yardley, PA
Original hand-painted painting. This work is from the series of my ocean paintings with an abstract composition and expression. This artwork is an immersion in a great ocean of em...
Acrylic
Joan Miró, "Etoiles En Des Sexes D´Escargot" - 1925 Exhibition Poster
By Joan Miró
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Joan Miró’s Etoiles En Des Sexes D’Escargot, a 90.5 x 70 cm art print on heavy paper after the 1925 original. In good condition, this abstract piece captures Miró’s unique style, per...
Paper
Marina Coast, Abstract Art, Large Size, Original Painting, Ready to Hang
Located in Granada Hills, CA
Abstract in Pearl Modern Art Large Size Original Painting, Ready to Hang Artist: Vahe Yeremyan Work: Original Oil Painting, Handmade Artwork, One of a Kind Medium: Acrylic on Canva...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,224Sale Price|20% Off
Historia - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 30in x 40in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"Historia," serves as a poignant exploration of figurative abstraction, where the artist deftly weaves together elements of memory and collective narrative. The composition is define...
Canvas, Acrylic
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
Personajes en La Noche, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas / Framed 150 x 200 cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escu...
Canvas, Acrylic
Quiet Yard
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll This work draws on personal memories of time spent with family. The image of a rural courtyard, animals, and the surrounding space is not merely a setting, but an i...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,240Sale Price|20% Off
White Lotus Lithograph, Abstract Expressionist, Signed, 1970s, Framed
By Hoi Lebadang
Located in Soquel, CA
White Lotus Lithograph A limited edition lithograph by listed artist Hoi Lebadang, (Vietnamese/French, 1922 – 2015). This print displays an ethereal lotus flower to center, known to ...
Lithograph, Ink, Paper
''Dreams''
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll The “11 PM” series is an artistic exploration of human vulnerability and privacy through the lens of light voyeurism. What do we do when we’re left alone in the dark...
Acrylic
Abstract Composition - Original lithograph poster - Maeght 1956
Located in Paris, IDF
Pierre TAL-COAT Abstract Composition Original vintage lithograph poster On paper 62 x 48 cm (c. 25 x 19 in) Edited for the artist exhibition at Maeght Gallery in 1956 Excellent co...
Lithograph