The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
Watercolor on Paper Depicting a Still Life by Evelyne Luez, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Watercolor on paper depicting a still life by Evelyne Luez, 20th century. 20th-century watercolor depicting a still life with a watermelon by Evelyne Luez, framed. H: 31 cm, W: 40 c...
Canvas
Large Drawing on Canvas by Evelyne Luez, Depicting a Young Woman Wearing a Hat.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Large drawing on canvas by Evelyne Luez, depicting a young woman wearing a hat. 20th-century drawing on canvas, depicting a young woman wearing a hat by Evelyne Luez. H: 100 cm, W: ...
Canvas
French Mid-Century Modern Framed Architectural Rendering
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French vintage (circa 1980) hand-drawn and colored rendering of a proposed cultural center with pedestrian plaza. The modern/postmodern style is a visually exciting series of archite...
Paper
Contemporary artwork Watercolour #02 by Edi Dubien
Located in Paddington, NSW
Edi Dubien (b. 1963, Issy-les-Moulineaux) is a French self-taught artist renowned for his evocative works that explore themes of identity, childhood, and the relationship between hum...
Paper
View of Central Park Watercolor by John Vander Bilt C1935
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Nice original watercolor of a footbridge over a pond in Central Park NYC. Skyscrapers of the day in the background. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, needs a new mat....
Paint, Paper, Glass, Hardwood
Henri Matisse Pencil Nude Etude From Matisse Estate
Located in Dallas, TX
Henri Matisse Original Pencil On Paper Study Of A Nude Pencil on paper Unsigned. Sheet: 8.85 x 13.75 Inches Framed: 25.5 x 21.75 Inches The ...
Paper
Robert Freiman, 1956, "Third Avenue at 57th Street"
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A wonderful Robert Freiman watercolor, from 1956, entitled " Third Avenue at 57th Street". Robert J Freiman (b. 1917 - d. 1991), deaf from birth, was born in New York City and attended the Lexington School for the Deaf. He studied art at the National Academy of Design, Pratt Institute, the Art Students League, the Parsons School of Design, and, in Paris, at the Ecole des Beaux Arts. Freiman’s spectrum of styles evolved considerably over the course of his long career, ranging from early portraiture and realistic landscape to mixed-media works using watercolor, acrylic, and pen. He was a regular exhibitor at the Sidewalk Art...
Watercolor
Lithograph, EA, Artist’s Proof, by Michel Modde, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Lithograph, EA, artist’s proof, by Michel Modde, 20th century. 20th-century lithograph by Michel Modde, “Les Poissons” (The Fish), E.A., artist’s proof. H: 39.5 cm, W: 51.5 cm, D: 0...
Paper
Vollmondergänzung Mixed Media, Figural-Symbolic Style, 2001, Attersee, Austria
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Christian Ludwig Attersee (1940*), "Vollmondergänzung", mixed media on paper, 2001 Christian Ludwig Attersees works are defined by a figural-symbolic style, bright colours and a dyn...
Paper
Amphoras and Mugs Watercolor, Modern Style, Signed, Italy, 1965
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
ST/724 - "Amphoras and mugs" : a modern taste for this beautiful unusual Italian watercolor signed ...Scribani and dated April 1965.
Paper
Drawing by Manuel Viana, Lithography in Black and White, Limited Edition 1970s
By Manuel Viana
Located in Salzburg, AT
Drawing by Manuel Viana, lithography in black and white, limited edition 135/300 signed Handcrafted wooden frame with white gilt decoration, non-reflecting glass Biography: The art...
Glass, Wood, Crayon
$1,850 / item
Horse Pastel Painting by Leslie Charlotte Benenson
Located in Downingtown, PA
The Equestrian Eye: Original Pastel of a Stallion by Leslie Charlotte Benenson Dated May 16, 1986 This beautifully rendered original pastel is another remarkable addition from our c...
Paper
Shiryu Morita 'Ki-Return' Sumi Ink on Paper Calligraphic Drawing
By Shiryu Morita
Located in Sharon, CT
Important work by this founding member of the Bokujin group. Signed lower right with the artists seal. Measures: 21" x 14".
Paper
Italian modern leather sheet with hand drawing, 1950-1990s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern leather sheet with hand drawing, 1950-1990s Rectangular brown leather sheet, engraved with a hand and lines for reading the hand. Second half of the 20th century. Fair...
Leather
Pair of Abstract Collagen Brown-Black Monogrammed and Dated Norbert Krabbe, 1997
Located in Salzburg, AT
Pair of collages monogrammed and dated Norbert Krabbe 1997. Handmade frame, mounted as in the showcase. Norbert Krabbe (1951 Demmin, lives since 2005 in Koserow) is an artistic aut...
Wood, Paper, Glass
Vintage Irish Dexter Cow Proof, English, Framed Artist's Sketch, Barry Driscoll
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage artist's proof sketch of the Irish Dexter cow. An English, framed original illustration for British Post Office stamps by Barry Driscoll, dating to the late 20th ce...
Glass, Paper
Large Original Drawing by Gio Ponti, 1952, Created for Touring Carrozzeria Milan
By Gio Ponti
Located in Dronten, NL
This large original drawing from 1952 highlights the creative brilliance of Gio Ponti, one of the most important figures in 20th-century design and architecture. Ponti’s hand is imme...
Paper
Vintage Highland Cow Artist's Proof, English, Framed, Stamp Art, Barry Driscoll
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage artist's proof sketch of the Highland Cow. An English, framed original illustration for British Post Office stamps by Barry Driscoll, dating to the late 20th centur...
Glass, Paper
Vintage Hereford Bull Sketch, English, Framed Art, Stamp Proof, Barry Driscoll
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage artist's proof sketch of the Hereford Bull. An English, framed original illustration for British Post Office stamps by Barry Driscoll, dating to the late 20th centu...
Glass, Paper
Artist's Proof Sketch, English, Framed Drawing, Barry Driscoll, Chillingham Bull
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage artist's proof sketch. An English, framed original illustration for British Post Office stamps by Barry Driscoll, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. Barr...
Glass, Paper
Al Lostetter ‘Untitled (Ledger)’, 2001, Framed Mixed Media Native American Motif
Located in Morristown, NJ
Title: Untitled (Ledger) Artist: Al (Alvern) Lostetter (American, b. 1941) Date: 2001 Medium: Watercolor and colored pencil on paper (mixed media) A visually dynamic and symbolicall...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Wayne Benter Jung, Fashion Sketch of Josephine Baker, Post WWII
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Wayne Benter Jung, Fashion Sketch of Josephine Baker, Post WWII Gouache and ink on paper, 7.5" x 9.5" (sight), silver lacquered frame 11" x 9", circa late 1940s This vibrant fashion illustration represents Josephine Baker, the American-born dancer, singer, and actress whose international fame made her one of the most recognizable icons of the 20th century. Although often associated with her Parisian rise during the 1920s Jazz Age, Baker continued to embody glamour and modernity well into the 1940s and beyond, performing throughout wartime Europe, assisting the French Resistance, and reinventing her stage image for postwar audiences. The sketch, executed by Wayne Benter Jung (1919–2003), reflects this later phase of Baker’s career. Jung, a Wisconsin-born artist who studied at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee and served in WWII, turned to fashion and theatrical design during his early postwar years. His work often balanced fine art, interior decoration, and fashion, situating him within the larger mid-century American dialogue between commercial design and artistic practice. Fashion Analysis The gown depicted here is emblematic of late 1940s fashion sensibilities: Silhouette: The tightly belted waist and elongated column form anticipate the couture revolution inaugurated by Christian Dior’s New Look...
Paper, Lacquer
Scandinavian artist. Chalk on board. Geometric abstract composition. 1960s/70s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Scandinavian artist Geometric abstract composition. Chalk on board, behind glass. A geometric-abstract work executed in colored chalk, where clear fields of blue, red, purple, and b...
Other
Jörn Stender, Danish artist. Pastel on paper. Two country scenes with houses
Located in København, Copenhagen
Jörn Stender, Danish artist. Pastel on paper. Two country scenes with houses from the Faroe Islands. June 1996. Signed and dated in pencil. Perfect condition. Dimensions for each: 19...
Other
1999 Framed Pastel of New York Street Scene, Tim Folzenlogen
Located in Morristown, NJ
Tim Folzenlogen (American, b. 1952), "New Beginning", pastel drawing of New York streetscape, signed Tim Folzenlogen and dated '99 at lower right. A g...
Wood, Paper
Figurative Composition with Mechanical Motifs, Pencil on Paper by Dusan Gakovic
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a highly intricate pencil drawing by Serbian artist Dušan Gaković, presenting a surreal and technically charged composition in which the human figure is...
Wood, Paper
Van Day Truex Ink Wash and Watercolor Self-Portrait, circa 1945
By Van Day Truex
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A unique and original circa 1945 self-portrait by the legendary designer Van Day Truex painted in black ink, ink wash, and watercolor on celadon green wa...
Plexiglass, Wood, Paint, Paper
Framed Tempera on Paper Picapedrero Signed Diego Rivera with Paperwork
By Diego Rivera
Located in Atlanta, GA
Artist: Diego Rivera (Mexican; 1886-1957) Title: Picapedrero Medium: Temera on Paper Year: 1946 Image size: 15.25" x 10.75" Presented in a black carved wood frame. A framed drawing o...
Paper, Wood
Original Ink & Watercolor Architectural Painting by Louis De Moll
Located in West Chester, PA
Original Ink Drawing & Watercolor Architectural Painting by American Architect Louis De Moll of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Matted to approximately 37.5” wide x 14” tall Wear to fram...
Metal
Landscape Drawing by Paul de Pignol, Charcoal on Paper, 2022
Located in PARIS, FR
Born in Toulouse in 1965, Paul de Pignol studied at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris in the painting studio of Pierre Carron. He lives and works between Paris a...
Paper, Crayon
1990s Abstract Modern Color Art on Paper signed
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modern abstract art signed color artwork on Paper Preowned vintage condition art. See images please 8 x 22 art 4 x 19.
Paper
Mary Jane Bigler (American 1909 - 1995) Sumi Ink Drawing of a Rooster
Located in Litchfield, CT
Mary Jane Bigler (American - mid 20th century) sumi brush ink drawing of a rooster or cockerel 1964. Beautifully framed and matted under glass. Expressive composition in striking b...
Paper
Mexican Art Ink Drawing Eiffel Tower Oaxaca Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vibrant modern Mexican art drawing 7 Eiffel Tower Oaxacan artist signed. Ink on paper drawing, Original Art, Custom made paper. Inspiration Sergio H...
Paper
Still Life, Pastel on Paper, Carl Gunnar von Gegerfelt ( 1926 - 2012)
Located in Surbiton, GB
A still life, pastel on paper by Swedish artist Carl Gunnar von Gegerfelt ( 1926 - 2012), depicting a pair on decanters on a garden table. Mounted and framed in white washed wood. ...
Paper
2011 Original Modern Art Black & Red Ink Drawing Custom Paper Oaxaca, Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
2011 Original Modern Art Oaxaca black & red ink drawing 3 custom paper Mexico. Black and red ink on paper drawing 3, original Art, signed. Custom made ...
Paper
René Leroy, French Artist, Pastel on Paper, Dated 1989
Located in København, Copenhagen
René Leroy (b. 1931), French artist. Pastel on paper. Dated 1989. Visible dimensions: 15 x 10 cm. Total dimensions: 24 x 18 cm. In excellent condition. Signed and dated.
Paper
Original Pen & Pencil Drawing Finn Juhl, 1952
By Finn Juhl
Located in London, GB
This is an example of a hand-drawn scaled drawing of the ‘Top of New Dining Table (DRW.79)’, 17th December 1952. The drawings depicts the top view of what seems to be a ‘simplified’ version of Finn Juhl’s Silver Table, or more commonly known as the ‘Judas Table...
Paper
Abstract Ballpen Ink Drawing Signed Louise Bourgeois
Located in Atlanta, GA
A ball pen abstract drawing on paper with its original mat (no frame) that is signed LB lower right and noted on the back with an attribution to Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010) and date...
Paper
Gerda Åkesson, Swedish artist. Oil pastel on paper. Ballerina. Ca 1960
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gerda Åkesson (1909-1992), Swedish artist. Oil pastel on paper. Ballerina. Modernist style. Approximately from the 1960s. Signed. In perfect condition. V...
Paper
Drawing on Paper Depicting the Face of a Young Woman, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper depicting the face of a young woman, 20th century. Drawing on paper, 20th century, depicting the face of a young woman. H: 50 cm, W: 70 cm, D: 0.2 cm Please contac...
Paper
Drawing on Paper Depicting the Face of a Young Woman, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper depicting the face of a young woman, 20th century. Drawing on paper, 20th century, depicting the face of a young woman. H: 65 cm, W: 50 cm, D: 0.2 cm Please contac...
Paper
$500Sale Price|32% Off
Pencil Sketch of Figure on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Sketch of Figure on Paper
Paper
A Portrait Of A Lady Of Quality, Oil On Canvas, 18th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
A Portrait Of A Lady Of Quality, Oil On Canvas, 18th Century
Canvas
Drawing on Paper Depicting a Man’s Face by Evelyne Luez, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper depicting a man’s face by Evelyne Luez, 20th century. Drawing on paper by Evelyne Luez, 20th century, depicting a man’s face. H: 65 cm, W: 50 cm, D: 0.2 cm Please...
Paper
Drawing on Paper, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper, 20th century. Drawing on paper, 20th century, depicting a sketch of a man. H: 56 cm, W: 76 cm, D: 0.2 cm Please contact us before placing an order to confirm the ...
Paper
Drawing on Paper, Double-Sided, Depicting a Man’s Face, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper, double-sided, depicting a man’s face, 20th century. Drawing on paper, double-sided, 20th century, depicting a man’s face. H: 51 cm, W: 36 cm, D: 0.2 cm Please con...
Paper
RUDOLPH BAUER Original abstract pencil drawing, 1930s
By Rudolf Bauer
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A drawing of quiet defiance — Rudolf Bauer, a founding figure of European abstraction, working in secret with a stub of pencil on scavenged brown wrapping paper while held in a Gesta...
Paper
Charcoal Drawing on Paper Depicting a Female Guitarist, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Charcoal drawing on paper depicting a female guitarist, 20th century. Charcoal drawing on paper, 20th century, depicting a female guitarist. H: 65 cm, W: 50 cm, D: 0.2 cm Please co...
Paper
Watercolor on Paper Depicting the Face of a Young Woman, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Watercolor on paper depicting the face of a young woman, 20th century. Watercolor on paper, 20th century, depicting the face of a young woman. H: 65 cm, W: 50 cm, D: 0.2 cm Please ...
Paper
Drawing, Double-Sided, a Young Woman on One Side and Children on the Other.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Drawing on paper, double-sided, depicting a young woman on one side and children on the other, 20th century. Double-sided drawing on paper, 20th century, depicting a young woman on ...
Paper
Watercolor and Drawing on Paper Depicting Musicians, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Watercolor and drawing on paper depicting musicians, 20th century. Watercolor and drawing on paper, 20th century, depicting musicians. H: 55 cm, W: 75 cm, D: 0.2 cm Please contact ...
Paper
Untitled Late 20th C. Charron Abstract Illustration, Signed and Dated
Located in Dekalb, IL
Artist: Frédéric Charron (b. 1962) Date: 1999 Medium: Pastel and pencil on paper Style/Movement: Abstract Dimensions: 11.5" W x 15.5" H Additional Details: Rear translation: "For Bo...
Paper
$300Sale Price|60% Off
Pencil Sketch of Bull in the Ring on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Sketch of Bull in the Ring on Paper
Paper
René Leroy, French Artist, Pastel on Paper, 1980s
Located in København, Copenhagen
René Leroy (b. 1931), French artist. Pastel on paper. 1980s. Visible dimensions: 15 x 10 cm. Total dimensions: 24 x 18 cm. In excellent condition. Signed.
Paper
Loló Soldevilla Signed Mixed Media on Paper, Framed
Located in Sarasota, FL
Original abstract mixed media. Triangles, circles and elongated rectangles in primary colors and black are arranged with a sense of movement or gears, set against a simple brown back...
Wood, Paper
$4,400 / set
Pair of 17th Century Pineapple Engravings
Located in Hawthorne, CA
Artist unknown for this pair of pineapple paintings from 17th century. Beautifully gilt-framed and matted.
Paper
Framed Drawing by Mexican Artist José Luis Cuevas
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pencil drawing on paper by José Luis Cuevas (Mexican, b.1934). Entitled "La Esperanza". The work is signed right center and dated 20 Dic. 60 lower right, Silvan Simon Gallery label and inscribed title verso. Sight is 11" by 8.5". With frame is 15" by 19". José Luis Cuevas was a prominent member of the Generación de la Ruptura (Breakaway Generation), who first challenged the then dominant Mexican muralism movement. He remains a distinguished and controversial artist who is known for depicting the darker side of life and the debasement of the human society with often shocking images. He is also known for being an advocate against creating art purely for commercial gain. Provenance: this group of the work on paper by Cuevas is from a collection purchased in 60s from Silvan Simone Gallery, Los Angles, CA. The The Silvan Simone Gallery was founded in 1958 by Silvan Simone, an former co-owner of the Florentine Gallery in Pacific Palisades. Between 1959 and 1967, the gallery showed artists such as Lee Mullican, Gordon Wagner...
Paper
Vintage Framed Pastel on Paper, Lyn Diefenbach Hyper-realistic Roses Composition
Located in Morristown, NJ
Lyn Diefenbach, Australian, b. 1957, "Pretty In Pink", signed "L. Dief" at lower right. A mesmerizing pastel painting by Lyn Diefenbach, celebrated for her masterful floral realis...
Glass, Wood, Paper
Untitled Ink Drawing on Paper, 1974, by Mark di Suvero
Located in Dallas, TX
This 1974 ink drawing on paper is by American sculptor Mark di Suvero (b. 1933). Early in his artistic career, working part time in construction, he was inspired by the raw material ...
Paper
Rive, Drawing by Paul de Pignol, Charcoal on Paper, Contemporary, 2018
Located in PARIS, FR
"Rive" is a pencil drawing by Paul de Pignol made in 2018. Through precise work of line and nuances, the artist constructs a composition inspired by the...
Paper, Crayon