Abstract Art
ABSTRACT STYLE
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.
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Style: Abstract
Period: 1950s
Untitled
By Paul Brach
Located in Austin, TX
Oil on canvas. Signed and dated lower right.
41.75 x 61 in.
44 x 63 in. (framed)
Custom framed in a hardwood floater with a matte white finish.
Provenance
Estate of the artist
Eri...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Yellow"
By Rex Ashlock
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Jim’s of Lambertville is proud to offer this artwork by:
Rex Ashlock (1918 – 1999)
Born in Spokane, Washington in 1918 Rex Ashlock was known for his abstract, figurative expression...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Antique American Signed Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted mid century abstract expressionist painting. Framed in a silver modernist molding. Signed lower right.
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Unité
Located in Miami, FL
Auguste HERBIN (1882-1960)
Unité, c.1959 - Denise Rene Editeur (with blindstamp)
Lithograph in colors on heavy paper
25.6 x 19.7 inches / 65 x 50 cm (Plate)
Signed lower right and nu...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Lithograph
Untitled abstract expressionist mid-century painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
Richard Andres
American, 1927-2013
Untitled, c. 1950
oil on masonite
8 x 10 inches
Richard Andres was born in Buffalo, New York in 1927. A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil
Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Painting -- San Francisco Shore Birds
By Honora Berg
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid Century Abstract Expressionist Painting of San Francisco Bay Shorebirds at Surf's Edge
1950's abstract expressionist painting of shorebirds at water's edge by San Francisco arti...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil, Rice Paper, Watercolor
Untitled abstract expressionist oil painting by Cleveland School artist
Located in Beachwood, OH
RICHARD ANDRES
American, 1927–2013
Untitled, c. 1950
oil on canvas
signed lower left
10 x 7 inches
Richard Andres was born in Buffalo, New York in 1927. A graduate of the Clevelan...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil
Ancient Landscape II (Ancient City)
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Signed and titled in pencil by the artist;
Annotated: "E130 A/1" in pencil lower right
Estate stamp verso
Edition: 20
Provenance:
Estate of the Artist (Foundation sta...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Vintage American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Framed Cubist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed.
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Important and Large Antique American Abstract Expressionist Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted mid century abstract oil painting by Ken Munowitz. Oil on canvas. Framed.
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Verte de Orange
Located in Paris, FR
Etching and aquatint, 1957
Handsigned by the artist in pencil
Edition : 50 + 10 E.A.
Publisher : Marcel Fiorini
Printer : Jahresgabe der Kertner-Gesellschaft, Hanovre
50.50 cm. x 66...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
Pablo Picasso 'Motif spiralé' (A. R. 404) Motif Spiral Madoura Plate 1957
Located in Miami, FL
PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973)
Motif spiralé (A. R. 404)
Terre de faïence plate, 1957, numbered 71/500, with the workshop numbering, incised 'Edition Picasso' and 'Madoura', partially p...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware
original lithograph
By Joan Miró
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Catalogue reference: Mourlot 223. Printed in 1956 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 87-88-89) and published in Paris by Maeght. Size: 15...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Lithograph
The Stairs L’escalier - Chinese Abstract
By Zao Wou-Ki
Located in London, GB
This original etching in colours is hand signed in pencil in Chinese and Pinyin at the lower right margin. It is also dated in pencil next to the signature ‘51’ [1955].
It is hand nu...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Etching
Fusees 9
By Joan Miró
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Joan Miro
Title: Fusees 9
Portfolio: Fusees
Medium: Etching and aquatint
Date: 1959
Edition: 4/50
Frame Size: 19" x 23"
Sheet Size: 11" x 15"
Image Size: 5" x 7"
Signature: H...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Etching, Aquatint
Anemone Pool Abstraction
Located in Lawrence, NY
Casein on paper
Like many of his compatriots of the time, Shulman transitioned from representation to abstraction in the post-WWII period as he studied with Hans Hoffman. Yet, his wo...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Casein
Abstract Judaica Enamel Mounted Wall Panel Plaque Artwork by George Welch
Located in Atlanta, GA
George F. Welch (1926 - 2003) designed this lovely Mid-Century modernist enamel on copper artwork. The large square enameled plaque is wall-mounted and framed. The artwork boasts an ...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Preliminary drawing for a sculpture
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Preliminary drawing for a sculpture
Black crayon on paper, 1959
Signed and dated middle right (see photo)
A rare 1950's AbEx drawing.
Provenance:
Estate of the artist
Michael and Ala...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Crayon
White Landscape, Abstract Expressiont Collage by Keith Morrow Martin 1959
Located in Long Island City, NY
An abstract collage on wood by Kenneth Morrow Martin, American (1911-1983). Exhibited: 1st Knoxville Art Center National Exhibtion, 1961
White Landscape by Keith Morrow Martin, Amer...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Masonite, Varnish, Magazine Paper
ABSTRACT American Woman Abstract Non-objective Mid 20th Century Modern Drawing
Located in New York, NY
ABSTRACT American Woman Abstract Non-objective Mid 20th Century Modern Drawing
Irene Rice Pereira (1902-1971)
Abstract
12 x 6 1/2 inches
Watercolor, gouache, and ink on black paper
...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
La Partie de Campagne
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1952 After Fernand Léger
Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 7/75
Publisher : Maeght (Paris)
Printer : Mourlot (Paris)
Catalog : [Saphire E14]
37.00 cm. x 55....
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Lithograph
Large blue bird
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 1956
Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 26/95
Publisher : Maeght (Paris)
Catalog : [Maeght n.1016 Vallier p.293]
55.00 cm. x 112.50 cm. 21.65 in. x 44.29 in...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Lithograph
original lithograph
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1959 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 116) and published in Paris by the Maeght atelier. Size: 15 x 22 inches (377 x 560 mm)...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Lithograph
Guinovart. 13 painting cardboard
Located in CORAL GABLES - MIAMI, FL
Guinovart.
Josep Guinovart i Bertran (Barcelona 1927-2007) was a painter, draftsman and engraver from Catalonia, Spain.
After studying at the School of the Lonja and the Promotion ...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Acrylic
Anemone Pool Abstraction
Located in Lawrence, NY
Casein on paper
Like many of his compatriots of the time, Shulman transitioned from representation to abstraction in the post-WWII period as he studied with Hans Hoffman. Yet, his wo...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Casein
L'Aigrette
By Joan Miró
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Joan Miro
Title: L'Aigrette
Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir: 10 Ans d'Edition
Medium: Etching
Date: 1956
Edition: Unnumbered
Frame Size: 14 1/2" x 13 1/2"
Image Size: 4 3/4" x ...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Etching
Modernist Spanish Abstract Impressionist Oil Canvas Still Life Painting 1950
By Juan Guillermo
Located in Portland, OR
A good Spanish Modernist Abstract Impressionist painting by Juan Guillermo Rodriguez Baez (1916-1968), still life oil on canvas, circa 1950.
The painting depicts a table with a brigh...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil, Canvas
Surface CP/869 Steel
Located in Roma, RM
SURFACE CP/869
Steel
1951
Tempera, pencil on twelve paper tiles, on sheet
Tempera, pencil on twelve layers of paper, on sheet
cm 31 x 24 (sheet) 15 x 20 (panel)
EXHIBITONS
F.R. Mor...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Paper, Mixed Media, Tempera
Incredible Mid Century Abstract Artist Interior Studio View Signed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very impressive mid 20th century modernist interior view. So well painted with great color and bold expressive strokes. Signed illegibly. Housed in a period modernist frame. Oil ...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Thalassa
Located in Paris, FR
Etching, 1959
Handsigned by the artist in pencil and numbered 49/60
Publisher : Maeght (Paris)
Printer : Crommelynck et Dutrou (Paris)
Catalog : Vallier 139
47.00 cm. x 36.00 cm. 18...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Etching
Untitled Abstract Expressionist
By Sandro von Lorsch
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Expressionist Abstract Composition
Canvas size 24"x32" gold leaf frame 27"x35", signed lower right corner.
Sandro von Lorsch German painter born 1921-1993. Very dynamic and expressi...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Untitled
Located in New York, NY
Untitled, 1950
Ink on paper
10 1/4 x 13 3/8 in. (26 x 34 cm)
Unique
Signed and dated
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Paper, Ink
Mid Century Bay Area Abstract Expressionist - Cats & Birds
By Honora Berg
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid Century Bay Area Abstract Expressionist Cats and Birds Composition in Acrylic on Paper
How many cats and birds do you see? This striking painting by San Francisco's Bay Area abs...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Large Mid Century Modern Abstract Expressionist Flower Still Life Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted mid century abstract expressionist oil painting. Titled in verso, "The Dragonfly and the Flower". Great color and composition. Framed in a simple white wood moderni...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Untitled, 1952
By John Stephan
Located in Columbia, MO
John Walter Stephan was an early member of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism. He was born in Chicago and studied art at the University of Illinois and the Art Institute o...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
Abstract Expressionist Mixed Media Figures signed and dated 1951
Located in Hoddesdon, GB
An early American Abstract Mixed media / Ink on woven paper of four abstract figures . American abstract artist Lester Epstein (1919 -1963 ) signed and dated 1951 .
Professionally ...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Mixed Media
Untitled Biomorphic
Located in Lawrence, NY
Pastel on paper
Collection of Samuel Esses, then by descent in the family
Never afraid of trying new styles, curious and opinionated, constantly engaged with the world around him, R...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Gouache
Exhibited Abstract Expressionist Framed Modernist Street Scene Signed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Nicely painted mid century abstract expressionist oil painting by Erwin Wending (1914 - 1993). Great color and composition. Framed. Signed. Exhibition and museum labels verso.
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Untitled
By Peter Busa
Located in Provincetown, MA
This abstract smaller work bursting with the effects of light which contrast with and relieve the deftly applied impasto, is dynamic for Busa. The painting was completed in 1955 duri...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil
Astres et Danseurs
By Joan Miró
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Joan Miro
Title: Astres et Danseurs
Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir: 10 Ans d'Edition
Medium: Etching with aquatint printed in colors
Date: 1956
Edition: Unnumbered
Frame Size:...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Etching
Framed American Modernist Abstract Expressionist Fauvist Landscape Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American abstract landscape oil painting. Oil on canvas. Signed. Framed.
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Antique American School Female Artist Abstract Expressionist Cubist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique modernist abstract painting by Elsie Orfuss (Born 1913). Oil on canvas. Signed on verso. Nicely framed.
`
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Moonlit Landscape, signed "Douvos"
Located in New Orleans, LA
Abstract Moonlit Landscape, signed and dated "Douvos"
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Untitled (The Opening), Abstraction by American Female Modernist
Located in Doylestown, PA
"Untitled (The Opening)" is a 36 x 30 inches, oil on canvas painting by American modernist and surrealist, female artist Peter Miller. The work is estate stamped #202157 on verso. Th...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
The Library
Located in Paris, FR
Silksreen, 1959
Handsigned by the artist in pencil
Edition : 250 + 50 EA
Publisher : Kestner Gesellschaft (Hanovre)
Printer : Lurdes Castro et René Bertholo (Paris)
Catalog : [Rivi...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Silk
"La Sirène" Chagall wood engraving pencil signed from Estampes Robert Rey 1950
Located in Paonia, CO
La Sirène after Marc Chagall is bursting with bold colors depicting a mermaid in gold with long black hair topped by a crown and her lover in blue with a bunch of red roses between them in a green background. It is one of 12 wood engravings from the portfolio Estampes by Robert Rey...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Woodcut, Archival Paper
Antique American School Female Artist Abstract Expressionist Cubist Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique modernist abstract painting by Elsie Orfuss (Born 1913). Oil on canvas. Signed on verso. Nicely framed.
`
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Motif aus Improvisation 25: The Garden of Love" - Original woodcut
Located in Paris, FR
Vassily KANDINSKY
Woodcut print
Second edition for 'XXe Siecle' the first edition was done in 1938
Printed signature (monogram) in the plate
On vellum 31 x 24 cm (c. 12.5 x 10 inc...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Woodcut
Joan Miro (Plate 4)
By Joan Miró
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Joan Miro
Title: Joan Miro (Plate 4)
Portfolio: Joan Miro
Medium: Original lithograph
Year: 1956
Edition: Unnumbered
Frame Size: 15 1/2" x 14 1/4"
Sheet Size: 9" x 7 1/2"
Ima...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Lithograph
Pont
Located in Lawrence, NY
Amaranth Ehrenhalt was a multifaceted artist best known for her paintings. She was
part of the second generation of Abstract Expressionists, working first in New York in
the early 19...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil, Canvas
White Claw
Located in New York, NY
Walter Rogalski
White Claw, 1952
Engraving on antique-white laid Homere paper
Hand signed, numbered 6/25, dated and titled on lower front ; affixed to original matting
Publisher
The ...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Laid Paper, Engraving, Pencil
Untitled, Tidal Pool Abstraction
Located in Lawrence, NY
Like many of his compatriots of the time, Shulman transitioned from representation to abstraction in the post-WWII period as he studied with Hans Hoffman. Yet, his work, whether or a...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Casein
Bird
Located in Paris, FR
Etching, 1958
Signed on the plate
Publisher : Maeght (Paris)
18.00 cm. x 21.50 cm. 7.09 in. x 8.46 in. (paper)
11.00 cm. x 13.00 cm. 4.33 in. x 5.12 in. (image)
Original Etchin
Ne...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Etching
Sidonia
Located in Lawrence, NY
Amaranth Ehrenhalt was a multifaceted artist best known for her paintings. She was
part of the second generation of Abstract Expressionists, working first in New York in
the early 19...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Watercolor
Cordell
Located in Lawrence, NY
Amaranth Ehrenhalt was a multifaceted artist best known for her paintings. She was
part of the second generation of Abstract Expressionists, working first in New York in
the early 19...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Watercolor
Untitled Mid Century Abstract Oil Painting New York Artist
By John Opper
Located in Beachwood, OH
John Opper (American, 1908 - 1994)
Untitled, 1959
Oil on board
Signed and dated lower right
14.75 in. h x 18 in. w.
20 in. h. x 24.5 in. w., as framed
John Opper described the 1930s...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Oil
Magnificent Jungle Cats
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Magnificent Jungle Cats
Etching, drypoint and monoprint inking of the plate
Printed by the artist at Atelier 17, New York
Annotated 1/5 in pencil
Estate stamp and number, verso
Editi...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Etching
Landschap
Located in BLARICUM, NL
QUIRIJN VAN TIEL
Rotterdam 1900-1967 Rhoon
LANDSCAPE
1956
Gouache on paper
46,5 x 37 cm.
Signed and dated: lower right ‘Quirijn 56’
Provenance: Pri...
Category
1950s Abstract Art
Materials
Gouache
Abstract art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Abstract art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Sumit Mehndiratta, Giorgio Lo Fermo, Francisco Nicolás, and Dadodu . Frequently made by artists working with Paint, and Synthetic Resin Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Abstract art, so small editions measuring 0.02 inches across are also available.
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