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.
Original Pencil Signed Color Lithograph. Volume lll, Plate #2
By Joan Miró
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pencil signed and numbered original color lithograph by Joan Miro (1893-1983). Title: Lithographe Volume lll, Plate 2. Created: 1977. Image: 14" H x 11” W. Paper Size: 19 1/4" H x 1...
Paper, Ink
Pink Is The New Black IV (Abstract painting)
Located in London, GB
Pink Is The New Black IV (Abstract painting) Acrylic / mixed media on canvas - Unframed. This work is exclusive to IdeelArt. This artwork will be shipped rolled in a dent-resistant ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$2,780Sale Price|20% Off
Antique American Modernist Signed Female Artist Abstract Expressionist Painting
By Adele Becker
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract oil painting by Adele Becker (1929 - 2021). Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed.
Canvas, Oil
Untitled, 1979 - contemporary, gestural, abstract, acrylic on paper
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract acrylic painting is by Carol Sutton. A flurry of colour and gestural brushstrokes dance across the canvas in this engaging acrylic painting by artist Caro...
Acrylic
#107-19
Located in Los Angeles, CA
According to the artist, "everything in life inspires me, not quite with direct interpretation, but as I see and experience faces, words, gestures, colors and shapes – all of it – I ...
Oil, Wood Panel
Minimalist Abstract Painting with Black Linear Forms by Alicia Gimeno 2025
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, Ink, Acrylic
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Spring Light, Abstract Acrylic Painting, Colorful Landscape, 30x30 Inches
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
I intuitively paint each of my paintings based on my mood of the day or at that moment. I never know what I am going to create until I see the end result. Sometimes it is a colorful,...
Canvas, Acrylic
Chronos - Painting, Oil and acrylic on linen
By J. Carino
Located in London, GB
J. Carino 1988 - Current Chronos, 2023 Oil and acrylic on linen 152.4 x 88.9 cm 60 x 35 in
Linen, Oil, Acrylic
Screen tbd7 (gold metallic abstract grid wood painting contemporary natural)
Located in Quebec, Quebec
In Melisa’s optical and pulsating compositions, the natural world acts as blue-print while she explores the notion of the sublime through blur and precision. The artist develops an a...
Spray Paint, Wood Panel
Turquoise turtle in gold
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting is created in a mixed media technique using gold leaf. The central image of the composition is a sea turtle — a symbol of harmony, wisdom, and tranquility. The turtle’s...
Canvas, Acrylic, Mixed Media
Derriere Le Miroir-No. 190-Page 14-15
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Derriere Le Miroir-No. 190-Page 14-15 Color lithograph, 1971 Unsigned (as issued) From: Derriere Le Miroir, No. 190, 1971 Publisher: Aime Maeght, Paris Printer: L’Imprimerie Arts, Pa...
Lithograph
Elizabeth Murray Abstract Composition, colored pencil and paper collage, Signed
Located in New York, NY
Elizabeth Murray Untitled Abstract Composition, 1990 Graphite, colored pencil and paper collage on paper (frame bears the original Paula Cooper Gallery label) Signed and dated Spring...
Paper, Mixed Media, Color Pencil, Graphite
"Untitled" Elaine Lustig Cohen, Geometric Abstraction, Hard-edged, Modernist
Located in New York, NY
Elaine Lustig Cohen Untitled, circa 1979 Acrylic on canvas 36 x 36 inches Elaine Lustig Cohen was a New York–based, artist, graphic designer, archivist and rare book dealer. At the...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,200
Serene Scape - Large Original Minimalist Contemporary Green Abstract Painting
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Clara Berta’s acrylic and mixed-media paintings blend texture and color to create harmony, mystery, and depth on the painted surface. Her paintings transform spaces into Zen environm...
Canvas, Acrylic
$606Sale Price|37% Off
TOMMASO PRINCIPE (b1942) ITALIAN SIGNED OIL - ELEGANT LADIES IN PARKLAND
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
"Walking in the Park" by Tommaso Principe (Italian b.1942) signed lower corner oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 19.5 x 27.5 inches Beautiful Italian Impressionist oil...
Oil
2106, Mix media on Canvas
Located in Miami Beach, FL
2106, 2022 by Alejandra Quintanilla Mix media on Canvas Image size: 120 cm. H x 160 cm. W One of a Kind Unframed Alejandra Quintanilla graduated with a degree in Arts from the Uni...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
The Desire to Fly - Abstract Oil on Linen Seascape, Signed, 50x100 cm
Located in Silverthorne, CO
A sweeping abstract seascape and sky painting in deep blues, vibrant pinks, and hints of green. A gorgeous jewel-like surface and ever-changing movement. This painting was inspired b...
Linen, Oil
Forces of Nature 17 - Textural Abstract Layered Paint Artwork on Canvas
By Len Klikunas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Len Klikunas paints minimalist artworks to modify experienced reality through visual perception. The Blocks series is a mix of art and architecture, hovering between painting and scu...
Gesso, Canvas, Mixed Media
$1,379
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
Homage to the Square - P2, F17, I2 - Geometric Screenprint by Josef Albers
By Josef Albers
Located in Long Island City, NY
"Homage to the Square - P2, F17, I2" from the portfolio “Formulation: Articulation” created by Josef Albers in 1972. This monumental series consists of 127 original screenprints that...
Screen
$645
Moon Flower Potted Plant - Lively Abstract Colorful Botanical Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Krisanne Souter weaves together elements of nature and ancient feminine archetypes, such as the Mother and the Mystic. Botanical themes, playful elements, and unexpected surprises ar...
Paper, Ink, Acrylic, Watercolor, Color Pencil
$7,926
What's Seldom Is Wonderful, Joan Mitchell, Poons, expressionism, contemporary
Located in Jönköping, SE
This painting is part of the collection titled Contemplation and Introspection. In this series I am exploring the profound relationship between nature and the human experience. The c...
Acrylic
Untitled 16, Abstract Screenprint by Raymond Parker
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Raymond Parker, American (1922 - 1990) Title: Untitled 16 Year: 1980 Medium: Silkscreen, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 70 Image Size: 31 x 36 inches Size: 32 x 37.5 ...
Screen
Paolo Buggiani Mid Century Modern Abstract
By Paolo Buggiani
Located in San Francisco, CA
magnificent abstract, painting by the well listed Italian artist Paolo Buggiani relationship relationship. Born in Italy in 1933, but worked in America from the 1950s. He has auction...
Oil
Jack Youngerman, October 1, from Betty Parsons Gallery, India ink, Signed Framed
Located in New York, NY
Jack Youngerman October 1, from Betty Parsons Gallery, 1964 India ink on paper, with original Betty Parsons Gallery label Pencil signed and dated '64 on the front; also signed, title...
India Ink, Gouache
Revolving House - Geometric Abstract Gouache Piece after Paul Klee
By Paul Klee
Located in Soquel, CA
Revolving House - Geometric Abstract Gouache Piece after Paul Klee Colorful expressionist piece inspired by Paul Klee's "Revolving House" by an unknown artist. This piece takes the ...
Paper, Gouache
$4,203
Sepia Library, Contemporary oil painting, Textured Abstract Library, warm tones
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Bibliothèque Sépia (Sepia Library) exemplifies Sophie Dumont’s celebrated series of abstract libraries — compositions that merge geometry, color, and reflection. In this piece, the a...
Oil
Geometric Line Study C - 6 by Murray Duncan Mix Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Geometric Line Studies C-6 is an original mixed-media work on paper by Toronto artist Murray Duncan, part of his ongoing exploration of gestural geometry, spatial rhythm, and atmosph...
Paint, Paper, Ink, Pencil
The Birds
Located in Paris, FR
Engraving Handsigned by the artist in pencil and annotated EA Artist proof 91.00 cm. x 63.00 cm. 35.83 in. x 24.8 in. (paper) 76.50 cm. x 58.50 cm. 30.12 in. x 23.03 in. (image) Th...
Engraving
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Sidera (Honeymoon) -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract Expression, Flower Love
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Sidera reflects that kind of radiant intimacy, the soul's longing to chart constellations in another person, to navigate the galaxies of their experiences, and to leave behind light,...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
Reflections, Mid-Century Abstract Painting, Cleveland School Artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Sigmund Shawkey (American, 1914-2000) Reflections, c. 1960 Tempera on paper Signed lower right 18.5 x 24.75 inches 25.75 x 29.25 inches, framed Exhibited: The 42nd Annual May Show,...
Tempera
$304Sale Price|20% Off
Open door - line drawing figure
By Mila Akopova
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Interior design paintings. The artwork was done with white pen on black watercolor paper 360g. The works are 11,5 by 16,5 inches in size, framed (black) with a styrene face on a mat board in black and white with sizes 16 by 20 in. Mila Akopova is New York artist. She graduated from Moscow State University with a degree in History and Theory of Art. Her Artwork got 3rd place at the 2020 American Art Awards, juried by 25 best galleries and museums in America, with artist from 63 countries, in category: minimalism. Also, several works took part in exhibitions of the All-Russian Decorative Art Museum and in the Cube Moscow exhibition space . It was published as the catalog: “The game of tic tac toe, or creating a collection in one year”. Several works by Mila Akopva were created specifically for the collaboration with Vintage Dream...
Paper, Felt Pen
$990Sale Price|44% Off
Des Ongles et Du Bec (abstract female portrait)
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Artist Georges Rouault (1871, France - 1958, France) Main title "Des ongles et du bec" Etching and aquatint on wove paper. Creation date 1926 / 1948 Publisher: Etoile Filante, P...
Etching, Aquatint
EXPLOSION
Located in Zofingen, AG
That moment when everything inside refuses to stay quiet. Color, feeling, energy — breaking out like a flash. It’s not destruction. It’s becoming. That’s how Midnight Swim begins. ...
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary abstract expressionist nature on canvas "Beneath the summer skies"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
"Beneath the Summer Skies" is a dynamic, contemporary abstract landscape by the French artist Natalya Mougenot, part of her Nature series, where she delves into the natural world thr...
Canvas, Acrylic
$18,000
Black - large, yellow, green, blue, geometric abstraction, acrylic on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
A narrative of hard edged orthogonal shapes in sapphire blue, bright yellow and crimson unfolds across a background grid of washed charcoal black rectangles. The black ground is made more powerful by the size of the six foot tall canvas...
Canvas, Acrylic
$480
Abstract
Located in Genève, GE
Work on cardboard
Acrylic
Flowers Before the Sun - Large Scale Abstract Oil on Canvas, 1989
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Flowers Before the Sun, a monumental 1989 oil on canvas by James Rosenquist, stands out as a pinnacle of his 1980s floral series, weaving vibrant botanical forms with faint human tra...
Canvas, Oil
Forces of Nature 26 - Textural Abstract Minimalist Artwork on Canvas
By Len Klikunas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Len Klikunas paints minimalist artworks to modify experienced reality through visual perception. The Blocks series is a mix of art and architecture, hovering between painting and scu...
Gesso, Canvas, Mixed Media
Seymour Lipton - Maquette for Laureate (unique sculpture) Christie's/Marlborough
Located in New York, NY
Seymour Lipton Maquette for Laureate, ca. 1968-1969 Nickel silver on monel metal Unique 18 × 8 1/2 × 7 inches Marlborough-Gerson Gallery, New York Acquired from the above by the pre...
Metal, Silver
Ruz INDULGENCIA acrylic canvas painting
By Rafael Ruz
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
. Ruz. acrylic canvas painting Original artwork by Spanish artist Rafael Ruz. Acrylic on canvas in perfect condition. While contemplating the painting of Ruz, we are inclined to tal...
Acrylic
Contemporary Large Minimalist Abstract Painting Earth Tones by Emma Labattaglia
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. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of...
Linen, Charcoal, Cotton Canvas, Oil
Painting Animal Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Peaceful
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Blue - Trail of Tranquility Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue Nature Flora One-of-a-kind Unique This painting forms part of...
Gold
Zen Circle of Togetherness No. 2
Located in Bozeman, MT
This is an unframed original painting on paper. Rocky Hawkins was born in 1950 in Seattle, Washington and grew up in small towns near the Cascades Mountains. His interest in the myst...
Mixed Media, Archival Paper
Naturea's Duality, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This abstract painting captures the striking contrast between a restless sky and the quiet strength of the land below. Storm clouds churn in layered blues and...
Oil
$1,876Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract 2411
Located in Zofingen, AG
""There’s something different about the homes of creative people. They like to surround themselves with inspiring things, from unique tablecloths to the incredible paintings on the w...
Acrylic
Blue Rythms (Agerup 188) after the 1966 painting, Peinture.
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Blue Ruthms (Agerup 188) after the 1966 painting, Peinture. Etching with aquatint, 1968 Signed, dated and numbered in pencil (see photos) Edition: 95 (74/95) Plate: 17 1/2 x 21 1/2" ...
Aquatint
![Bagdad [9]](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/gerhard-richter-prints-works-on-paper-bagdad-9-for-sale/a_237/a_74496321611864120191/cropped_rich1_master.jpg?width=240)
![Bagdad [9]](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/gerhard-richter-prints-works-on-paper-bagdad-9-for-sale-picture-2/a_237/a_74496321611864121456/DTR_PB_PHOTOS_57_of_93_master.jpeg?width=240)
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Bagdad [9]
Located in Boston, MA
Artist: Richter, Gerhard Title: Bagdad [9] Series: Facsimile Objects Date: 2014 Medium: Chromographic colour print, mounted on aluminium Unframed Dimensions: 19.625" x 14.5" Fr...
Mixed Media
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Sonderlust -21st Century, Contemporary, Abstract, Pop Culture, Anxiety, People
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
All of us can change the past. We cannot take back what has happened, who we love, what we have done. Just like we cannot change our current situation. I think life is a funny thing,...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
Vintage American Thick Impasto Framed Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American abstract oil painting. Oil on board. Measuring: 14 by 15 inches overall and 12 x 13 inches painting alone. Framed in a white molding. Excellent condition, ready to...
Oil, Board
$1,800
Düsseldorf (German Cities) by Dieter Roth monuments vintage postcard light blue
By Dieter Roth
Located in New York, NY
Düsseldorf (German Cities), 1970 24 x 33.8 in. / 61 x 86 cm Screen print in one color on offset lithograph, black on white card. “for Paul” written in pencil lower middle. Signed and...
Lithograph, Screen
$1,441
"Garden of Light" impressionistic painting, colorful flowers on linen canvas
Located in Zofingen, AG
“Look at the flowers. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are.” — Osho Garden of Light is a contemporary floral painting inspired by the energy of nature. Slender branches m...
Canvas, Linen, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Tone Overtone, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Pale, neutral tones blend with darker, earthy hues, creating a subtle tone-on-tone effect. A loosely defined grid anchors circles of varying sizes, allowing the...
Mixed Media
Abstract Composition II
Located in San Francisco, CA
This artwork "Abstract Composition II." c.1970 in an original color etching and aquatint on Arches paper by noted Polish artist Johnny Friedlaender, 191...
Etching, Aquatint
$7,100
avp_1012 - Colorful Textured Original Contemporary Abstract Painting on Linen
By Alex Voinea
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The colorful abstract artworks of Romanian artist Alex Voinea are inspired by experiments with paint poured over vibrating surfaces, such as speakers at full volume. Alex Voinea coll...
Acrylic, Linen
#126, 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
ABSTRACT Contemporary Earth Flora Oil Painting Emma Labattaglia 2025
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection includes a Certificate of Authe...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Contemplation in Violet - Screenprint by Hsiao Chin - 1969
By Hsiao Chin
Located in Roma, IT
Color screenprint, featuring a bold geometric composition dominated by a deep violet diagonal form set against a pale ground, punctuated by a dynamic linear accent in red and blue. T...
Screen
$6,500
Interconnections - colorful, contemporary, geometric abstract, paper collage
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This bold contemporary composition by Yvonne Lammerich is an intriguing exploration of colour and form. Origami-like folded shapes inter-connected by fine lines dance across this col...
Mixed Media, Archival Paper, Gouache, Color Pencil
$30,400Sale Price|20% Off
"Upper Street" Manierre Dawson, Cubism, Abstract Pastels, Cityscape
By Manierre Dawson
Located in New York, NY
Manierre Dawson Upper Street, 1912 Oil on board 10 x 15 inches Provenance: The artist Estate of the artist Private Collection (gift of Lillian Dawson, widow of the artist) Hollis Ta...
Oil, Board