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Proto Modern

French Empire Style Mirror
French Empire Style Mirror

French Empire Style Mirror

$6,750

H 55 in W 34 in D 3 in

French Empire Style Mirror

Located in Los Angeles, CA

wood frame. Its design embodies a restrained architectural elegance with a proto-Modern sensibility

Category

Antique 1820s French Empire Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Wood

Four French Early Modernist Wood Dining Chairs with Inlaid Brass Grid Back
Four French Early Modernist Wood Dining Chairs with Inlaid Brass Grid Back

Four French Early Modernist Wood Dining Chairs with Inlaid Brass Grid Back

Located in New York, NY

Set of four French Early Modern dining chairs. The chairs have a sober, Proto- Modern sensibility

Category

Early 20th Century French Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Proto Bauhaus Hammered Silver & Copper Vase or Wine Cooler by Hutscheneruther
Proto Bauhaus Hammered Silver & Copper Vase or Wine Cooler by Hutscheneruther

Proto Bauhaus Hammered Silver & Copper Vase or Wine Cooler by Hutscheneruther

By Lorenz Hutschenreuther

Located in New York, NY

Elegant early German modern (Proto Bauhaus) handcrafted vase or wine & champagne cooler in hammered

Category

Early 20th Century German Modern Wine Coolers

Materials

Silver, Bronze, Copper

George J. Hunzinger American Aesthetic Movement Side Chair, Circa 1880–1895
George J. Hunzinger American Aesthetic Movement Side Chair, Circa 1880–1895

George J. Hunzinger American Aesthetic Movement Side Chair, Circa 1880–1895

By George Hunzinger

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

designers. This chair stands as a rare surviving example of American proto-modern design, uniting

Category

Antique 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Leather

Planete
Planete

Paul Van HoeydonckPlanete

$22,000

H 48 in W 48 in D 1.5 in

Planete

Located in San Francisco, CA

, Belgium.(GE) "Proto-Astros", Studio Modern Art, Milano, Italy.(OMS) "Gioielli di artisti belgi dal 1900 al

Category

1960s Mixed Media

Materials

Masonite, Paint, Mixed Media

Recent Sales

Moonrise York Harbor, Maine
Moonrise York Harbor, Maine

Moonrise York Harbor, Maine

By Lockwood de Forest

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

economy of means that gives these small gems a “proto-modern” quality. These were works done without much

Category

Early 1900s American Realist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil

Palm Springs
Palm Springs

Palm Springs

By Lockwood de Forest

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

up paint, and an economy of means that gives these small gems a “proto-modern” quality. These were

Category

Early 1900s American Realist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Archival Paper, Oil

Proto Floor Lamp, Brushed Aluminum, Polished and Brushed Brass, Blackened Steel
Proto Floor Lamp, Brushed Aluminum, Polished and Brushed Brass, Blackened Steel

Proto Floor Lamp, Brushed Aluminum, Polished and Brushed Brass, Blackened Steel

By Javier Robles

Located in NEW YORK, NY

JAVIER ROBLES 1ST EDITION Inspired by primordial life forms, the proto lighting collection is a

Category

2010s American Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Proto Table Lamp - red powder coated aluminum, mirror polished and brushed brass
Proto Table Lamp - red powder coated aluminum, mirror polished and brushed brass

Proto Table Lamp - red powder coated aluminum, mirror polished and brushed brass

By Javier Robles

Located in NEW YORK, NY

JAVIER ROBLES 1ST EDITION Inspired by primordial life forms, the Proto lighting collection is a

Category

2010s American Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

1900s French Plaster Sculpture
1900s French Plaster Sculpture

1900s French Plaster Sculpture

Sold

H 14.6 in W 9.4 in D 5.9 in

1900s French Plaster Sculpture

Located in High Point, NC

A black plaster sculpture produced in France, circa early 1900s. A proto-modern plaster sculpture

Category

Antique Early 1900s French French Provincial Busts

Materials

Plaster

Late 19th Century French Bleached Oak Chest of Drawers
Late 19th Century French Bleached Oak Chest of Drawers

Late 19th Century French Bleached Oak Chest of Drawers

Located in High Point, NC

proto-modern.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French French Provincial Commodes and Chests o...

Materials

Oak

Proto-Modern Style Plant Stand
Proto-Modern Style Plant Stand

Proto-Modern Style Plant Stand

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H 60 in Dm 29 in

Proto-Modern Style Plant Stand

Located in Katonah, NY

A cast-iron plant stand of stylized, proto-modern form, with one large lower tier and multiple

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Other Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Iron

Swedish Plant Stand
Swedish Plant Stand

Swedish Plant Stand

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H 60 in Dm 29 in

Swedish Plant Stand

Located in Katonah, NY

A cast-iron plant stand of stylized, proto-modern form, with one large lower tier and multiple

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Pedestals

early 20th century mechanical recliner
early 20th century mechanical recliner

early 20th century mechanical recliner

Sold

H 41 in W 55 in D 24 in

early 20th century mechanical recliner

Located in Hudson, NY

hinged arm. Mohair velvet upholstery.Extremely comfortable and great for reading. Wonderful proto modern

Category

Early 20th Century French Chaise Longues

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Set of 10 Fine French Art Deco Mahogany dining chairs (8 side and 2 arm)
Set of 10 Fine French Art Deco Mahogany dining chairs (8 side and 2 arm)

Set of 10 Fine French Art Deco Mahogany dining chairs (8 side and 2 arm)

Located in Long Island City, NY

A set of ten fine French Art Deco mahogany dining chairs (8 side + 2 arm) Dimensions: Side H 32”1/2 x W 18”1/8 x D 19”5/8 Arm H 32”7/8 x W 22”7/8 x D 21”1/2. Seat height 18 1/8" for ...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Mahogany, Faux Leather

Wim Wilson Floating Credenza for Castelijn – 1964, Model D242
Wim Wilson Floating Credenza for Castelijn – 1964, Model D242

Wim Wilson Floating Credenza for Castelijn – 1964, Model D242

By Castelijn, Wim Wilson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A refined example of Dutch Mid-Century design, this floating credenza, Model D242, was thoughtfully designed by Wim Wilson for Castelijn in 1964. This elegant piece embodies the era'...

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps
Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps

Pair of 70s Style Italian Bamboo and Brass Table Lamps

Located in New York, NY

Monumental size Bamboo lamps. Crafted in Italy and made to order, these lamps are modern and chic. Production lead time 2-4 weeks. Base diameter 8 inches, hat diameter 20 inches, he...

Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

TRACCIA “Bird Leg” Surreal Gold Leaf and Bronze End Table, Italy
TRACCIA “Bird Leg” Surreal Gold Leaf and Bronze End Table, Italy

TRACCIA “Bird Leg” Surreal Gold Leaf and Bronze End Table, Italy

By Meret Oppenheim

Located in Tinton Falls, NJ

* Please Note: This Table Offered Is From The Original SIMON International Production (1975-1980) / It is the True VINTAGE Version, not the contemporary reproduction!! Actua...

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Organic Modern Side Tables

Materials

Bronze, Gold Leaf

Pair of Tall Tiffany Studios Bronze Candlesticks, Early 1900's
Pair of Tall Tiffany Studios Bronze Candlesticks, Early 1900's

Pair of Tall Tiffany Studios Bronze Candlesticks, Early 1900's

$3,850 / set

H 18.75 in W 5.65 in D 5.65 in

Pair of Tall Tiffany Studios Bronze Candlesticks, Early 1900's

By Tiffany Studios

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

A beautiful matched pair of tall Tiffany Studios patinated bronze candlesticks. The candlesticks are both signed TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 1213. These are an early pair and have the o...

Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

Italian Mid-Century Natural Leather Space Age Armchairs, 1970s
Italian Mid-Century Natural Leather Space Age Armchairs, 1970s

Italian Mid-Century Natural Leather Space Age Armchairs, 1970s

$7,259 / set

H 31.11 in W 43.31 in D 40.56 in

Italian Mid-Century Natural Leather Space Age Armchairs, 1970s

Located in Traversetolo, IT

A stunning pair of armchairs made in Italy in the 1970s. The seat is very comfortable and supportive. The pads are still original and in very good condition. Original natural leather...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Dutch Design RAAK Opal Wall Lights
Dutch Design RAAK Opal Wall Lights

Dutch Design RAAK Opal Wall Lights

$483Sale Price / item|20% Off

H 7.09 in W 5.91 in D 7.09 in

Dutch Design RAAK Opal Wall Lights

By RAAK

Located in Antwerp, BE

Exceptional constructivist design in Bauhaus style. Opaline glass in a mold formed with a bakelite suspension, labeled RAAK.

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Opaline Glass, Bakelite

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase
Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase

$1,200Sale Price|40% Off

H 8.75 in Dm 4 in

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

A rare elegant Japanese vase cast of metal, possibly brass, featuring a baluster shaped body and a wide short neck. The surface is decorated with a delicate image of a thistle flowe...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Metal

Petite Classic Knoll Credenza in Walnut and Cream Ca' 1950's
Petite Classic Knoll Credenza in Walnut and Cream Ca' 1950's

Petite Classic Knoll Credenza in Walnut and Cream Ca' 1950's

By Florence Knoll

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A Classic Florence Knoll for Knoll petite scale (36"W) credenza. Walnut with nice rich patina, cream colored, original fronts and leather tabs. Vintage circa 1950s with original Knol...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Wood

Icy Blue Dunbar-Style Sofa with Walnut Base + Legs
Icy Blue Dunbar-Style Sofa with Walnut Base + Legs

Icy Blue Dunbar-Style Sofa with Walnut Base + Legs

By Dunbar Furniture, Paul McCobb, Jonathan Adler, Knoll, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Round Top, TX

Midcentury Modern long icy sky blue velvet/velour sofa in low, long and lean proportions. A solid walnut stretcher and six legs, in conjunction with the color keeps this feeling ligh...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Textile

Milo Baughman Dowel Bench for Glenn of California
Milo Baughman Dowel Bench for Glenn of California

Milo Baughman Dowel Bench for Glenn of California

By Milo Baughman, Glenn of California

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A multifunctional piece designed in the 1950s by Milo Baughman for Glenn of California. Most commonly seen as a bench, the piece has a walnut frame that tapers towards each end with ...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Birch, Walnut

1960s Woven Wicker Single Headboard Rattan Midcentury Rustic Provence
1960s Woven Wicker Single Headboard Rattan Midcentury Rustic Provence

1960s Woven Wicker Single Headboard Rattan Midcentury Rustic Provence

Located in London, GB

A single woven wicker headboard from Provence, with integrated circular bedside tables. French, c. 1960s. Between bedsides 100cm.

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wicker

Fine Pair of Biedermeier Mirrors
Fine Pair of Biedermeier Mirrors

Fine Pair of Biedermeier Mirrors

$8,000Sale Price|50% Off

H 37.25 in W 27.25 in D 1 in

Fine Pair of Biedermeier Mirrors

Located in New York, NY

A pair of Biedermeier mirrors. Walnut with ebonized sides..

Category

Antique 1820s German Biedermeier Wall Mirrors

Materials

Walnut

Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Walnut Swivel Chair
Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Walnut Swivel Chair

Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates Midcentury Walnut Swivel Chair

By Craft Associates, Adrian Pearsall

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Adrian Pearsall for Craft Associates midcentury walnut swivel chair. This chair measures: 25.25 wide x 25.75 deep x 31.5 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair cleara...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Metal

Set of 6 Prouve Style Red Teak Toned Industrial Stacking Chairs w/ Compass Legs
Set of 6 Prouve Style Red Teak Toned Industrial Stacking Chairs w/ Compass Legs

Set of 6 Prouve Style Red Teak Toned Industrial Stacking Chairs w/ Compass Legs

By Jean Prouvé

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Set of 6 red teak toned stacking chairs with light gray enameled metal frames. One of our faves! Creative linking to make rows of seating. Good original condition. Similar chairs als...

Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Bench in Braided Straw and Blond Wood
Bench in Braided Straw and Blond Wood

Bench in Braided Straw and Blond Wood

$2,450

H 31.89 in W 45.28 in D 24.61 in

Bench in Braided Straw and Blond Wood

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Bench, beech, braided straw, Italy, 1940s A well-executed design that features a frame in wood with a border that is meticulously adorned with braided straw. The elegantly bent fra...

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Straw, Beech

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Proto Modern For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact proto modern you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Find abstract versions now, or shop for abstract creations for a more modern example of these cherished works. Making the right choice when shopping for a proto modern may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century. On 1stDibs, the right proto modern is waiting for you and the choices span a range of colors that includes gray, beige, black and blue. Creating a proto modern has been a part of the legacy of many artists, but those crafted by (after) Pablo Picasso, Dimitar Mitov - Komshin, Lucien Clergue, Victor Vasarely and Pablo Picasso are consistently popular. Frequently made by artists working in lithograph, paint and oil paint, these artworks are unique and have attracted attention over the years.

How Much is a Proto Modern?

The average selling price for a proto modern we offer is $2,750, while they’re typically $20 on the low end and $85,000 for the highest priced.