The first decades of the 20th century were a period of artistic upheaval, with modern art movements including Cubism, Surrealism, Futurism and Dadaism questioning centuries of traditional views of what art should be. Using abstraction, experimental forms and interdisciplinary techniques, painters, sculptors, photographers, printmakers and performance artists all pushed the boundaries of creative expression.
Major exhibitions, like the 1913 Armory Show in New York City — also known as the “International Exhibition of Modern Art,” in which works like the radically angular Nude Descending a Staircase by Marcel Duchamp caused a sensation — challenged the perspective of viewers and critics and heralded the arrival of modern art in the United States. But the movement’s revolutionary spirit took shape in the 19th century.
The Industrial Revolution, which ushered in new technology and cultural conditions across the world, transformed art from something mostly commissioned by the wealthy or the church to work that responded to personal experiences. The Impressionist style emerged in 1860s France with artists like Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne and Edgar Degas quickly painting works that captured moments of light and urban life. Around the same time in England, the Pre-Raphaelites, like Edward Burne-Jones and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, borrowed from late medieval and early Renaissance art to imbue their art with symbolism and modern ideas of beauty.
Emerging from this disruption of the artistic status quo, modern art went further in rejecting conventions and embracing innovation. The bold legacy of leading modern artists Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Marc Chagall, Piet Mondrian and many others continues to inform visual culture today.
Find a collection of modern paintings, sculptures, prints and other fine art on 1stDibs.
Two Colourful Boats At Sea Mounted In Frame Modernist British Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Boats at Sea by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil paintings on artist paper mounted in a frame Glass covering overall framed: 11.5 x 9 inches Top painting: 3 x 4.5 inches Bottom pai...
Oil
The Window 348 - Modern Shiny Resin Minimalist Brown & Yellow Dual Tone Artwork
By Ricky Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ricky Hunt’s mixed media minimalist wall art is influenced by his tumultuous past that led to a paradigm shift in creativity and life. He covers the wood panel with layers of acrylic...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Hidden Portraits III
Located in London, GB
'Hidden Portraits III', acrylic on canvas mounted on board, Florentine School (circa 1980s-90s). This gallery has acquired a number of paintings through an intermediary of an ageing ...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,005
Double Vision 75 - Modern Shiny Resin Minimalist Yellow White Dual Tone Artwork
By Ricky Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ricky Hunt’s mixed media minimalist wall art is influenced by his tumultuous past that led to a paradigm shift in creativity and life. He covers the wood panel with layers of acrylic...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Nude Female Portrait Laying Down 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Topless Woman by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century 22.5 x 22 inches oil on un stretched canvas, unframed condition: very good and ready to enjoy with small creases to th...
Oil
Nude Man Posed On Stall In Red Interior French Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Nude Male Portrait by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century 19.75 x 25.5 inches oil on artist paper, unframed condition: very good and ready to enjoy provenance: from a pri...
Oil
Floating Frames - contemporary, abstract, three dimensional, wall art
By Lucy Maki
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract acrylic painting consists of green geometric shapes. An intuitive artist, Lucy Maki’s unique artwork is often both a painting and a sculptural piece. With...
Wood, Oil
Figures in Small Boats Misty Harbour & Fortified Castle Town Large Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Misty Harbour Landscape with ancient Castle W. Farr ( British School) Dated 1986 signed oil on canvas, framed framed: 29 x 42 inches canvas: 24 x 36 inches Provenance: private collec...
Oil
Red and Orange Cottages In Woodland Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ve...
Pastel
$165
Red Roof Cottage Surrounded By Greenery British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ve...
Pastel
$172
Portrait of a Female Deep In Thought British Modernist Pencil Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Female Portrait by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pencil sketch on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condit...
Pencil
$136
Bright and Colourful Valley Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel sketch on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 4.5 x 3.75 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condit...
Pastel
$2,657
"Morris’s lover 2" Original nude oil painting on wood .Nudes across mediums
Located in Oslo, NO
This artwork presents a masterful blend of human form and intricate botanical patterns, creating a striking visual contrast. Dominating the piece, a reclining female nude is rendered...
Wood, Oil
Figures Stood In Hay bail Corn Field British Modernist Pastel and Pencil Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel and pencil sketch on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 4.5 x 3.75 inches provenance: private collection, Cotsw...
Pastel, Pencil
The Window 352 - Contemporary Shiny Resin Minimalist Brown Dual Tone Artwork
By Ricky Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ricky Hunt’s mixed media minimalist wall art is influenced by his tumultuous past that led to a paradigm shift in creativity and life. He covers the wood panel with layers of acrylic...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Yellow Flowers in Yellow in a Terracotta Pot British Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Yellow Flowers by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on artist paper, unframed size: 6.5 x 5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very good Irina Ha...
Oil
White Houses In Bright Blue Sky Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel sketch on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 4.5 x 3.75 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condit...
Pastel, Pencil
1960's British Modernist Painting Crayon Sketch Two Long Horned Cattle
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Long Horn Cattle by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil crayon drawing on brown artist paper stuck on A4 artist paper, unframed overall size: 8.5 x 12.5 inches drawing: 4 x 4.5 inches...
Oil Crayon
Double Vision 76 - Modern Shiny Resin Minimalist Red Orange Dual Tone Artwork
By Ricky Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ricky Hunt’s mixed media minimalist wall art is influenced by his tumultuous past that led to a paradigm shift in creativity and life. He covers the wood panel with layers of acrylic...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
The Window 354 - Modern Shiny Resin Minimalist Purple & Yellow Two Tone Artwork
By Ricky Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ricky Hunt’s mixed media minimalist wall art is influenced by his tumultuous past that led to a paradigm shift in creativity and life. He covers the wood panel with layers of acrylic...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Horse In The River Valley Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel sketch on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condit...
Pastel
Bell Tower and Buildings In Blue Sky Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel sketch on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 4.5 x 3.75 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condit...
Pastel, Pencil
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Designs for Women's Active Wear
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring elegant designs for women's active wear by Hattie Carnegie. Inscription reads: Left - White jersey slack suit Red gaberdine jacke...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
1930's Modernist Oil Painting Paris Rooftops Hazel Guggenheim Mckinley Fauvist
By Hazel Guggenheim McKinley
Located in Surfside, FL
Hazel Guggenheim King-Farlow McKinley (American, London, New Orleans, 1903-1995), "Paris Rooftops" c. 1930 Oil paint on wood panel Attributed, dated and titled verso (I am not sure ...
Oil, Panel
Light Pastel Colour Abstract 20th Century Watercolour Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Abstract signed by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century size: 14.75 x 20 inches watercolour on artist paper, mounted in card frame condition: very good and ready to...
Watercolor
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Design for Women's Clothing & Accessories
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring elegant designs for women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches. Archivally matted to 16 x 12 inches...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
Nude Male Portrait Study 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Male Nude Figure by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century 25.5 x 19.75 inches oil on artist paper, unframed condition: very good and ready to enjoy with a small tear top lef...
Oil
Wacky Valley Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ve...
Pastel
New York City Skyline, Mid Century Oil on Canvas by Nobel Laureate
Located in Cotignac, FR
Mid century French oil on canvas view of the New York City skyline by André Lwoff a noted Nobel prize winning chemist and later artist. The painting is signed bottom right and presen...
Canvas, Oil
The Window 338 - Modern Resin Minimalist Blue Two Tone Color Field Abstract Art
By Ricky Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ricky Hunt’s mixed media minimalist wall art is influenced by his tumultuous past that led to a paradigm shift in creativity and life. He covers the wood panel with layers of acrylic...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
1930s Mexican City Scene by Chicago Artist Francis Chapin, City Plaza, Guaymas
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming, vibrant, 1930s Modern Mexican city street scene by famed Chicago Modern artist Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Depicting a picturesque view of a quiet square in the hist...
Oil, Canvas
The Vanguard Series Nr. XIX: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions
Located in London, GB
"The Vanguard Series Nr. XIX: A Collection of Postwar European Abstractions", oil on board, by unknown artist (circa 1950s–70s). A compelling body of work emerging from the forgotten...
Oil, Board
India Bangladesh Indistinctly signed in Bengal 1979 Watercolour Fisherman Dacca
Located in Norfolk, GB
Indistinctly signed in Bengali, dated ‘79 Bangladesh/Indian Indistinctly signed in Bengali and dated ‘79 Untitled - Fishermen 1979 Watercolour on paper Paper size: 34 x 53 cm Frame Size: 46 x 62.5 cm Provenance: From a private UK family A fabulously evocative watercolour painting showing fisherman, struggling against the elements. This is Bangladesh, 1979, not long after Independence, when the focus was on the working classes, the everyday struggle to make a living and when the artists depicting these times were concurrently exploring and establishing a new aesthetic. The painting combines naturalism with the wash method of watercolour painting and a reduced palette which allows for a rich harmony of shadow and light. Although appearing to simply utilize monotone colours, closer inspection reveals splashes of quite vivid colours; the yellow on the horizon, a deep crimson on the trousers of one of the figures, blue in the nets etc. The colour is subtle but adds a richness to the overall composition implying that this artist has received an academic training; knowing how to get the most from the materials. Add to this the beautiful watery effect from the wash on the paper and we can immediately see references to Bengal school art techniques. It is not surprising that the artist employs this medium. Neuroarthistory points to the rich heritage of Bengal school painters and the fascination with wash technique emanating from their connection to the water which provides the backbone for the region. From supplying food; fish and seafood, to transportation, agriculture and festivities. Bengal and Bangladesh live and die with the water. Some of the leading protagonists of the mid 20th century Bengal school of painters were equally captivated by the same subject and ideology. D P Roy Choudhury was a leading figure in the academic art institutions in the first half of the 20th century. He was also a great experimenter of style. In the image shown,, we can see Choudhury’s treatment of the same subject and how he to chose the monotone palette. It is through observing the similarities and differences that we begin to learn more about the times these artists were painting in and in the case of the Bangladeshi artists how they were approaching the political traumas of the time. The label to the back of the frame tells its own story;. Saju Arts & Crafts, Dacca-12. “Saju was born in 1944 in Ramu, Cox's Bazar. At one point, he became friends with Shamsul Islam Nizami, one of the veteran painters of Bangladesh. At that time, Nizami was a teacher of the Institute of Fine Arts (now Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka). Nizami introduced Saju to all the notable painters in the contemporary art scenario -- from master painters like Zainul Abedin, Quamrul Hassan...
Paper, Watercolor
The Window 342 - Modern Resin Minimalist Blue Two Tone Color Field Abstract Art
By Ricky Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ricky Hunt’s mixed media minimalist wall art is influenced by his tumultuous past that led to a paradigm shift in creativity and life. He covers the wood panel with layers of acrylic...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Bare Trees In a Colourful Forest British Modernist Pastel and Pencil Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel and pencil sketch on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotsw...
Pastel, Pencil
Farm in Berlin Heights, Ohio, Vibrant Field Landscape
Located in Beachwood, OH
August Frederick Biehle (1885-1979) Farm in Berlin Heights, c. 1930 Oil on masonite Signed lower right 22 x 30 inches 27.75 x 36 inches, framed A versatile painter who worked in a v...
Oil
$587
Young Girl Sitting with Her Doll Interior Scene Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Young Girl Interior Scene by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on board, unframed size: 10.5 x 8.25 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very good I...
Oil
A Quiet, 1950s American Scene Country Landscape Painting, Farm in Late Autumn
Located in Chicago, IL
A Quiet, Picturesque 1930s American Scene Country Landscape Painting of a Wisconsin or Michigan Farm in Late Autumn by Famed Chicago Modern Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A...
Masonite, Oil
A Charming, Modern 1950s Martha's Vineyard Street Scene, "New England Village"
Located in Chicago, IL
A large, delightful, Mid-Century Modern 1950s Martha's Vineyard street scene painting by famed Chicago artist, Francis Chapin. Depicting a picturesque view of the historic Main Stre...
Masonite, Oil
$200
Wacky Wild Tree In Blue Quirky Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ve...
Pastel
Vintage Pennsylvania Modernist Oil on Canvas 1967 - Colorful Landscape
Located in Baltimore, MD
If you have any association with Pennsylvania or the mid-Atlantic, this colorful mid century modern oil on canvas might be fitting for your walls or collection. Created in 1967, the ...
Oil
The Window 333 - Modern Resin Minimalist Red Two Tone Color Field Abstract Art
By Ricky Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ricky Hunt’s mixed media minimalist wall art is influenced by his tumultuous past that led to a paradigm shift in creativity and life. He covers the wood panel with layers of acrylic...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
A Bigger Time Zone - Abstract Contemporary Colorful Geometric Resin Artwork
By Ricky Hunt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ricky Hunt’s mixed media minimalist wall art is influenced by his tumultuous past that led to a paradigm shift in creativity and life. He covers the wood panel with layers of acrylic...
Resin, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Tall Trees In Blue Mountain Valley Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ve...
Pastel
Echoes of the Atelier III (circa 1980s-90s)
Located in London, GB
Echoes of the Atelier III, acrylic on canvas mounted on board, Florentine School (circa 1980s-90s). This gallery has acquired a number of paintings through an intermediary of an agei...
Canvas, Acrylic, Board
Figure In Blue Sky Gated Town Under Turquoise Umbrella British Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Turquoise Skies by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on board , framed framed: 9.5 x 12 inches board: 6.5 x 9 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ve...
Oil
Vase and Fruit In Abstract Light Interior Modernist 20th Century Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Interior Abstract signed initials by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century size: 18 x 15.5 inches oil on artist paper, mounted in card frame condition: very good and ready t...
Oil
A Colorful, 1930s Summer Harbor Scene of Saugatuck, Michigan by Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A colorful , blustery painting of a summer harbor in Saugatuck, Michigan by famed Chicago Modern artist, Francis Chapin. Dating circa 1935, oil on Masonite, the painting depicts a v...
Oil, Masonite
A Bustling, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Summer Harbor Scene of Martha's Vineyard
Located in Chicago, IL
A Bustling 1950s Mid-Century Modern Harbor Scene of Martha's Vineyard by Famed Chicago Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A busy harbor scene of sandy shoreline, docks and boat...
Canvas, Oil
$850
A Captivating 1930s Modern Portrait of a Young Woman by Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A captivating, 1930s portrait painting of a young woman by famed Chicago artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A sensitive, skilled portrait of a young female model, most likely h...
Masonite, Oil
A Captivating 1930s Modern Portrait of a Seated Young Woman by Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A captivating, Modern 1930s portrait painting of a young woman in a black sweater by famed Chicago artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A skilled and expressive portrait of a sty...
Oil, Board
Monumental Vintage American Modernist Woman with Flowers Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist portrait oil painting. Oil on board. Signed. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Measuring: 48 by 50 inches overall. Handsomely framed in...
Oil
Vintage American Modernist Framed Abstract Expressionist MCM Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on board. Framed. Provenance from a Sag Harbor, NY collection. Handsomely framed in minimal molding. Excellent condition, rea...
Oil
Stormig natt (Stormy Night) (1978)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bruno Wiklund (1937-2011) Sweden Stormig natt (Stormy Night) (1978) medium: pastel signed and dated unframed 52 × 41.5 cm (approx. 20.5 × 16.3 in) framed 59 × 48 cm (approx. 23.2 ×...
Pastel
$38,500
Mother and child, Signed painting on paper (unique), Hammer Galleries, Framed
By Gloria Vanderbilt
Located in New York, NY
Gloria Vanderbilt Untitled mother and child painting Gouache on paper Signed by the artist on the front Frame included A poignant painting of a mother and child from the 1960s. Whi...
Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Permanent Marker
20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting Nude Woman Seated
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Seated Nude Woman by Jacqueline Boisselot, French late 20th century 11 x 7.5 inches oil on canvas, unframed condition: very good and ready to enjoy provenance: from a private collect...
Oil
$546
Lady in Yellow Shawl Portrait In Green Landscape Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Lady in Yellow Shawl signed initials by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on board unframed size: 5 x 4 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very goo...
Oil
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Design for Women's Lounge Wear & Pajamas
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring a colorful design for women's lounge wear & pajamas. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/4 inches. Archivally matted to 16 x 12 inches. Prov...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
$179
Red Roof Hut Nestled In Forest Landscape British Modernist Pastel Sketch
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Pastel Landscape by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) pastel on brown artist tracing paper , unframed painting: 3.75 x 4.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: ve...
Pastel
$1,520
Large Mid 20th Century French Modernist Figurative Oil Painting Bathers
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Bathers by Jacques Courtade (French 1923-1994) studio stamped verso oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 26 x 32 inches Provenance: private collection, Paris Condition: very good cond...
Oil