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Italian Reverse-Painted Glass Wall Plaque, signed “Pachini”
Italian Reverse-Painted Glass Wall Plaque, signed “Pachini”

Italian Reverse-Painted Glass Wall Plaque, signed “Pachini”

Located in Bilzen, BE

elegance with mid-century fashion illustration influence, set against a richly textured ground of gold

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Art Glass

Wayne Benter Jung, Fashion Sketch of Josephine Baker,  Post WWII
Wayne Benter Jung, Fashion Sketch of Josephine Baker,  Post WWII

Wayne Benter Jung, Fashion Sketch of Josephine Baker, Post WWII

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

work of mid-century fashion illustration, this piece is not simply a costume sketch—it is an artifact

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper, Lacquer

Vintage Boho 70s Original Louis Feraud Sketch
Vintage Boho 70s Original Louis Feraud Sketch

Vintage Boho 70s Original Louis Feraud Sketch

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

embody the spirited luxury of mid-century fashion illustration, providing an authentic, soulful narrative

Category

Late 20th Century French Hollywood Regency Prints

Materials

Other

Tarantula 1955 US 1 Sheet Film Poster, Reynold Brown
Tarantula 1955 US 1 Sheet Film Poster, Reynold Brown

Tarantula 1955 US 1 Sheet Film Poster, Reynold Brown

Located in Bath, Somerset

‑fi and horror posters, his legacy remains a touchstone for mid‑century American illustration

Category

20th Century American Posters

Materials

Linen, Paper

Jean Yves Noblet 'Urban Landscape #41' 2026- Signed
Jean Yves Noblet 'Urban Landscape #41' 2026- Signed

Jean Yves Noblet 'Urban Landscape #41' 2026- Signed

Located in Brooklyn, NY

, mid-century-style illustration of a young girl—an archetype drawn from vintage commercial imagery

Category

2010s Contemporary Prints and Multiples

Materials

Giclée

1940's Set of Gil Elvgren Pin Up Girl Playing Cards by Brown & Bigelow in Box
1940's Set of Gil Elvgren Pin Up Girl Playing Cards by Brown & Bigelow in Box

1940's Set of Gil Elvgren Pin Up Girl Playing Cards by Brown & Bigelow in Box

By Gil Elvgren, Brown & Bigelow

Located in Red Lion, PA

collectors of: Vintage pin-up art, Brown & Bigelow memorabilia, Mid-century American illustration, World War

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Games

Materials

Paper

Vintage Bjorn Wiinblad Tivoli Gardens Poster Copenhagen, Denmark, 1981
Vintage Bjorn Wiinblad Tivoli Gardens Poster Copenhagen, Denmark, 1981

Vintage Bjorn Wiinblad Tivoli Gardens Poster Copenhagen, Denmark, 1981

By Bjørn Wiinblad, Bjorn Wiinblad

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

professionally framed and ready to hang. DIMENSIONS: 24.25ʺW × 1ʺD × 33.5ʺH. Figurative Illustration Mid-Century

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Entomological Elegance: An Original Antique Catalogue of Beetles, 1845
Entomological Elegance: An Original Antique Catalogue of Beetles, 1845

Entomological Elegance: An Original Antique Catalogue of Beetles, 1845

Located in Langweer, NL

, likely hand-colored after printing, which was the style of the mid-19th century scientific illustrations

Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Mid Century Ojai Spring Cottage Landscape
Mid Century Ojai Spring Cottage Landscape

Mid Century Ojai Spring Cottage Landscape

Located in Soquel, CA

Wonderful mid century landscape of Ojai, California with charming stucco cottage and almond trees

Category

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Illustration Board

Artist at the Easel
Artist at the Easel

Artist at the Easel, c. 1950s

$1,080Sale Price|20% Off

Artist at the Easel

Located in Soquel, CA

Century). Dresses in a white smock, an artist works at an easel. The background is partially filled in

Category

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Illustration Board, Oil

Out to Sea
Out to Sea

Out to Sea

Located in Portland, ME

/monochromatic art; a mid-century illustration style

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Art

Materials

Birch, Acrylic, Panel

Perfect Day
Perfect Day

Perfect Day

Located in Portland, ME

-century illustration style. I added the Firesid

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Art

Materials

Acrylic, Panel, Birch

Daybreak
Daybreak

Daybreak

Located in Portland, ME

/monochromatic art; a mid-century illustration style.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Art

Materials

Birch, Acrylic, Panel

Twilight Dock
Twilight Dock

Twilight Dock

Located in Portland, ME

-century illustration style. I added the Fireside Cook Boo

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Art

Materials

Birch, Acrylic, Panel

Sir Norman Hartnell, Mid-20th Century Fashion Illustration

Sir Norman Hartnell, Mid-20th Century Fashion Illustration

Located in London, GB

A mid-1960s fashion illustration: Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-1979), H.M. Queen Elizabeth's Couturier

Category

Mid-20th Century English Drawings

Sir Norman Hartnellm Mid-20th Century Fashion Illustration

Sir Norman Hartnellm Mid-20th Century Fashion Illustration

Located in London, GB

A mid-1960s fashion illustration: Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-1979), H.M. Queen Elizabeth's Couturier

Category

Mid-20th Century English Drawings

Sir Norman Hartnell, A Mid-20th Century Fashion Illustration

Sir Norman Hartnell, A Mid-20th Century Fashion Illustration

Located in London, GB

A mid-1960s fashion illustration: Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-1979), H.M. Queen Elizabeth's Couturier

Category

Mid-20th Century English Drawings

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Mid Century Illustrations For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of mid century illustrations available on 1stDibs. There are many Impressionist, Modern and Art Deco versions of these works for sale. These items have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Mid century illustrations available on 1stDibs span a range of colors that includes gray, beige, brown, red and more. There have been many well-done artworks of this subject over the years, but those made by Marjorie Ullberg, Calvin Anderson, Clyde F. Seavey Sr., George Wachsteter and René Genis are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Frequently made by artists working in paint, watercolor and gouache, all of these available pieces are unique and have attracted attention over the years.

How Much are Mid Century Illustrations?

Mid century illustrations can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price for items in our inventory is $922, while the lowest priced sells for $99 and the highest can go for as much as $50,000.
Questions About Mid Century Illustrations
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple. 

    Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller

    Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

    Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

    Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.