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Mid Century Surrealism

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'Together' — Mid-Century Surrealism, Atelier 17
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Ian Hugo, 'Together', from the portfolio 'Ten Engravings'. engraving, 1946, edition 50. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered '22/50' in pencil. A fine impression, with delicate overa...
Category

1940s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Engraving

'Encircled' — Mid-Century Surrealism, Atelier 17
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Ian Hugo, 'Encircled', engraving, 1946, edition 50. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered '5/50' in pencil. With the blind stamp 'madeleine-claude jobrack EDITIONS', in the bottom rig...
Category

1940s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Engraving

'On Stage' — Mid-Century Surrealism, Atelier 17
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Ian Hugo, 'On Stage', from the portfolio 'Ten Engravings'. engraving, 1946, edition 50. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered '22/50' in pencil. A fine impression, with delicate overa...
Category

1940s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Engraving

'Early Marshes' — Mid-Century Surrealism, Atelier 17
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Ian Hugo, 'Early Marshes', from the portfolio 'Ten Engravings'. engraving, 1943, edition 50. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered '37/50' in pencil. A fine impression, with delicate ...
Category

1940s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Engraving

'Forest Woman' — Mid-Century Surrealism, Atelier 17
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Ian Hugo, 'Forest Woman', engraving, 1945, edition 50. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered '5/50' in pencil. With the blind stamp 'madeleine-claude jobrack EDITIONS', in the bottom ...
Category

1940s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Engraving

Arbre-Homme (Tree-Man) —Mid-Century Surrealism
By Ferdinand Springer
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Ferdinand Springer, 'Arbre-Homme', engraving, 1945, edition 23. Signed and numbered '23/20' in pencil. A fine, richly-inked impression, on heavy, buff wove paper, the full sheet wit...
Category

1940s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Engraving

'Mother of All' – Mid-Century Surrealism, Atelier 17
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Ian Hugo, 'Mother of All', engraving, 1945, edition 50. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered '48/50' in pencil. With the blind stamp 'madeleine-claude jobrack EDITIONS', in the botto...
Category

1940s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Engraving

'Evening' —Mid-Century American Surrealism
By Edward August Landon
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Edward Landon, 'Evening', color serigraph, 1958, edition 25, Ryan 71. Signed, titled, and annotated 'Ed. 25' in pencil. A fine impression, with fresh colors, on cream wove paper; the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Abstract Prints

Materials

Screen

'Bullfight'— Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Expressionism, Surrealism, and Indian Space Painting, with a humorous, often satiric bent—perhaps serving the
Category

1940s Surrealist Abstract Prints

Materials

Woodcut

'Kindergarten' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
sophisticated blend of Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Indian Space Painting, with a humorous, often
Category

1940s Surrealist Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

'Cheerleader' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Expressionism, Surrealism, and Indian Space Painting, with a humorous, often satiric bent—perhaps serving the
Category

1940s Surrealist Abstract Prints

Materials

Woodcut

'Bird Dog' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Indian Space Painting, with a humorous, often satiric bent—perhaps
Category

1940s Surrealist Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

'Sylvan Maze' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
visionary graphics from the 1940s are a sophisticated blend of Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and
Category

1940s American Modern Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

'Dialogue Erudite' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
are a sophisticated blend of Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Indian Space Painting, with a
Category

1940s American Modern Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

'Easter Sunday' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
graphics from the 1940s are a sophisticated blend of Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Indian Space
Category

1940s American Modern Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

'Salient in February' — Mid 20th-Century Surrealism
By Edward August Landon
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Edward Landon 'Salient in February', color serigraph, 1945, edition 40, Ryan 166. Signed in pencil. Titled, dated, and annotated 'ED. 40' in pencil. A fine impression, with fresh col...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Abstract Prints

Materials

Screen

'Petrouchka's Predicament' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Expressionism, Surrealism, and Indian Space Painting, with a humorous, often satiric bent—perhaps serving the
Category

1940s American Modern Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

'Kaf With' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
are a sophisticated blend of Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Indian Space Painting, with a
Category

1940s American Modern Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

'European Landscape' —Mid-century American Surrealism
By Lawrence Kupferman
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Lawrence Kupferman, 'European Landscape', drypoint, edition 50, 1942. Signed, dated, titled, and numbered '7/50' in pencil. A superb, finely nuanced impression, on cream wove paper; ...
Category

1940s Surrealist Abstract Prints

Materials

Drypoint

Tanks & Trees — Mid-century American Surrealism
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Karl Eugene Fortess, 'Tanks & Trees', lithograph, c. 1940, edition 100. Signed, titled, and numbered '100/P' in pencil. Inscribed 'For Usui - K.' in the bottom left margin. A fine, r...
Category

1940s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

'Hold that Tiger' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Expressionism, Surrealism, and Indian Space Painting, with a humorous, often satiric bent—perhaps serving the
Category

1940s Surrealist Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

'Going My Way?' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Robert Vale Faro
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
are a sophisticated blend of Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism, and Indian Space Painting, with a
Category

1940s American Modern Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

'Fantasia Americana - 1880' — Mid-Century American Surrealism
By Lawrence Kupferman
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Lawrence Kupferman, 'Fantasia Americana – 1880', drypoint etching with sandground, 1943. Signed, titled, and annotated 'Series A, 1971 2/6' in pencil. A superb, richly-inked impressi...
Category

1940s Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Drypoint, Etching

"Shattered" WPA Mid 20th Century Modernism American Scene Surrealism Figurative
By Leon Bibel
Located in New York, NY
"Shattered" WPA Mid 20th Century Modernism American Scene Surrealism Figurative Estate stamp on
Category

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

'I'll Be What I Choose' — Mid-century American Surrealism
By Benton Murdoch Spruance
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
-century printmakers. Born in Philadelphia, he first took architectural classes at the University of
Category

1940s American Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

"Drama Teacher" 1938 WPA Mid 20th Century American Theatre Surrealism Modernism
By Leon Bibel
Located in New York, NY
"Drama Teacher" 1938 WPA Mid 20th Century American Theatre Surrealism Modernism. 30 x 24 inches
Category

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Tapies Mid-Century Dau al Set Dada Spain Abstract Surrealism Dark Monster Signed
By Antoni Tàpies
Located in Milwaukee, WI
dark mid-century abstract painting. There is a monstrous figure barely visible on the left side of the
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Alexander Cañedo, Dancing Man, Surrealistic O/C Painting, ca. 1950’s
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Surrealism Alexander Cañedo Dancing Man Oil on Canvas ca. 1950’s PAINTING DIMENSIONS
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Surrealism Sculptural Hand Table Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning hand and foot table design and made by Mexican Surrealism artist Pedro Friedeberg in his
Category

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Mahogany

1970s Bronze Chair Sculpture Modern Surrealism Mexico
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Bronze Chair Sculpture Modern Surrealism Mexico Unmarked, after Pedro Friedeberg. 12.5 tall x
Category

Late 20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

René Magritte - LA VALSE HESITATION. Limited Surrealism French Contemporary
By (after) René Magritte
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LA VALSE HESITATION, 1950 (THE HESITATION WALTZ) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 131/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: New,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

René Magritte - LA VALSE HESITATION. Limited Surrealism French Contemporary
By (after) René Magritte
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LA VALSE HESITATION, 1950 (THE HESITATION WALTZ) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 131/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: New,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

René Magritte - LE SEIZE SEPTEMBRE - Limited Surrealism French Contemporary
By (after) René Magritte
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LE SEIZE SEPTEMBRE, 1956 (THE SIXTEENTH OF SEPTEMBER) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 147/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition:...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

René Magritte - DÉCALCOMANIE, 1966 Limited ed. Lithograph. Surrealism French
By (after) René Magritte
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - DÉCALCOMANIE, 1966 (DECALCOMANIA) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 141/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: In mint conditions...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

René Magritte - LES AMANTS Limited Surrealism French Art Contemporary
By (after) René Magritte
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LES AMANTS, 1928 (THE LOVERS) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 143/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: New, in mint condition ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Abstract Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Large Italian Surrealism Painting Colorful Scarecrow Clown, Surrealist Landscape
Located in Surfside, FL
painting influenced by Surrealism. He was a contemporary of Lazzaro Donati and Jean Calogero. This work
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paint, Board

"Antique Toys" Priscilla Roberts, Magic Realism, Surrealism, Still Life
Located in New York, NY
Priscilla Roberts Antique Toys Signed lower left; identified through gallery label affixed to backing Oil on board 20 x 24 inches Provenance: Grand Central Galleries, New York Pris...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Lithograph Belgian American Surrealism WPA Modernist Karl Fortess Surrealist Art
Located in Surfside, FL
“the American Scene.” His work bears the influence of Surrealism, Russsian Constructivist art and
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Lithograph Belgian American Surrealism WPA Modernist Karl Fortess Surrealist Art
Located in Surfside, FL
“the American Scene.” His work bears the influence of Surrealism, Russsian Constructivist art and
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

René Magritte - LE BEAU MONDE- Limited Lithograph Surrealism French Contemporary
By (after) René Magritte
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LE BEAU MONDE, 1962 (THE BEAUTIFUL WORLD) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 154/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: In very goo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Pair French Mid-Century Neo-Baroque Gilt Terracotta Sconces
By Jean-Charles Moreux
Located in New York, NY
Two Rare and exotic pairs of French Mid-century Modern gilt terracotta wall lights attributed to
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Plaster, Terracotta

René Magritte - LE DOMAINE D'ARNHEIM Limited Surrealism French Contemporary
By (after) René Magritte
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LE DOMAINE D'ARNHEIM, 1962 (THE DOMAIN OF ARNHEIM) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 155/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: Ne...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Lithograph Belgian American Surrealism WPA Modernist Karl Fortess Surrealist Art
Located in Surfside, FL
“the American Scene.” His work bears the influence of Surrealism, Russsian Constructivist art and
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Lithograph Belgian American Surrealism WPA Modernist Karl Fortess Surrealist Art
Located in Surfside, FL
“the American Scene.” His work bears the influence of Surrealism, Russsian Constructivist art and
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Lithograph Belgian American Surrealism WPA Modernist Karl Fortess Surrealist Art
Located in Surfside, FL
“the American Scene.” His work bears the influence of Surrealism, Russsian Constructivist art and
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Lithograph Belgian American Surrealism WPA Modernist Karl Fortess Surrealist Art
Located in Surfside, FL
“the American Scene.” His work bears the influence of Surrealism, Russsian Constructivist art and
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Landscape Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Marcel Delmotte, Oil on Panel Painting "L'automne", 1979, Surrealism
By Marcel Delmotte
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Marcel Delmotte, oil on panel painting "L'automne", 1979 Marcel Delmotte is a Belgian and surrealist Walloon painter born in Charleroi in 1901 and died to Mont-sur-Marchienne on Nov...
Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

"At the Crossroads, " Masterpiece of French Surrealism by Delmotte, 1956
By Marcel Delmotte
Located in Philadelphia, PA
In our opinion, the masterpiece of Marcel Delmotte's long artistic career, this highly-finished surreal painting depicts four semi-nude female figures, one very pale and ghostly in t...
Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

René Magritte - LE CHEF D'OEUVRE OU... Limited Surrealism French Contemporary
By (after) René Magritte
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LE CHEF D'OEUVRE OU LES MYSTÈRES DE L'HORIZON, 1965 Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 131/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: N...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Abstract Composition - Lithograph by J. Mirò - Mid-20th Century
By Joan Miró
Located in Roma, IT
Palma in 1981. Earning international acclaim, his work has been interpreted as Surrealism but with a
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Abstract Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Aquarius - Original Etching by Albert Decaris - Mid 20th century
By Albert Decaris
Located in Roma, IT
in 1943. Decaris was the best and most notorious French engravers of the 20th century, with a strange
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Etching

Untitled - Drawing by L. B. Saint-André - Mid 20th Century
By Louis Berthomme Saint-Andre
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled  is a drawing, realized in  Mid 20th Century,  by the French post-impressionist painter
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pencil

1950s Coppola e Toppo Sculpted Crystal Collar Necklace Smokey Red Surrealism
By Coppola e Toppo
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Statement Collar Necklace, with an intricate design of Smokey Crystal Beads with Shades of Deep Blood Red & Bright Red Crystal Beads Woven into a Sculpted Design. Coppola e Toppo Sig...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Crystal

German Surrealist Hans Bellmer Etching Engraving Print Cecile Reims Surrealism
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Surfside, FL
produced in the mid-1930s. Historians of art and photography also consider him a Surrealist photographer
Category

20th Century Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching

German Surrealist Hans Bellmer Etching Engraving Print Cecile Reims Surrealism
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Surfside, FL
l’œil, and the life-sized female sculpture mannequin dolls he produced in the mid-1930s. Historians of
Category

20th Century Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching

German Surrealist Hans Bellmer Etching Engraving Print Cecile Reims Surrealism
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Surfside, FL
l’œil, and the life-sized female sculpture mannequin dolls he produced in the mid-1930s. Historians of
Category

20th Century Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching

German Surrealist Hans Bellmer Etching Engraving Print Cecile Reims Surrealism
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Surfside, FL
l’œil, and the life-sized female sculpture mannequin dolls he produced in the mid-1930s. Historians of
Category

20th Century Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching

German Surrealist Hans Bellmer Etching Engraving Print Cecile Reims Surrealism
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Surfside, FL
produced in the mid-1930s. Historians of art and photography also consider him a Surrealist photographer
Category

20th Century Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching

German Surrealist Hans Bellmer Etching Engraving Print Cecile Reims Surrealism
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Surfside, FL
l’œil, and the life-sized female sculpture mannequin dolls he produced in the mid-1930s. Historians of
Category

20th Century Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching

German Surrealist Hans Bellmer Etching Engraving Print Cecile Reims Surrealism
By Hans Bellmer
Located in Surfside, FL
produced in the mid-1930s. Historians of art and photography also consider him a Surrealist photographer
Category

20th Century Abstract Prints

Materials

Etching

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Mid Century Surrealism For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the mid century surrealism you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each mid century surrealism for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using fabric, wool and paper. If you’re shopping for a mid century surrealism, we have 851 options in-stock, while there are 292 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect mid century surrealism — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. A mid century surrealism, designed in the mid-century modern, modern or Art Deco style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one mid century surrealism that is appealing in its simplicity, but Berber Tribes of Morocco, Beni M'Guild and Joan Miró produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Mid Century Surrealism?

The average selling price for a mid century surrealism at 1stDibs is $3,034, while they’re typically $71 on the low end and $689,000 for the highest priced.
Questions About Mid Century Surrealism
  • 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs 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.