Widely considered the grandfather of Op art, the French-Hungarian painter Victor Vasarely (1906–97) created eye-popping geometric abstractions that play with the viewer’s perception of depth, perspective and motion. A classic example is the 1937 Zebra, which consists of undulating black and white stripes that suggest the form of the titular animal through optical trickery. The work is often credited as the earliest Op art painting.
Such illusions were more than pleasing tricks for Vasarely, who insisted that “pure form and pure color can signify the world.” He wanted to “democratize” art by producing works in large editions at reasonable prices that were understandable across national and cultural boundaries. In the 1960s, he developed an alphabet plastique, or fine art alphabet, consisting of elementary visual building blocks that could be used in endless combinations to create original compositions. By employing this universal visual vocabulary and stripping away topical references, he sought to create what he called a “Planetary Folklore.”
Embodying Vasarely’s singular belief that art should serve a social function, accessible to all, these innovations may perhaps be his greatest contribution to 20th-century art.
Find a collection of Victor Vasarely prints, paintings, sculptures and other art on 1stDibs.
Victor Vasarely, Space age Op art metal tray, Limited ed. Metalgraf Italy 1970s
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Firenze, IT
Space age Op art metal tray Victor Vasarely, Metalgraf for Italsider Italy 1970s Limited edition Metal H 2 cm - 45 × 45 cm Conditions: very good consistent with age and use.
Metal
$1,149
H 2.96 in W 20.87 in D 13 in
Willy Rizzo Large Tortoiseshell Lucite & Brass Serving Tray, Italy, 1970s
By Christian Dior, Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large mid-century tray in tortoiseshell lucite and solid brass. This incredibly stylish and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and is attributed to Willy R...
Brass
$497
H 1.38 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Dior Style Octagonal Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite Serving Tray, Italy, 1970s
By Guzzini
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning mid-century octagonal serving tray entirely crafted from a single piece of tortoiseshell-effect lucite. This elegant and unique piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s ...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
1970s Space Age Graphic Serving Tray Glass Metal Wood Europe
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
This European Space Age serving tray from the 1970s combines functional design with a strong graphic identity, reflecting the period’s interest in geometry, contrast, and visual comp...
Metal
1970s Sensational Rosewood Service Tray
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Exotic Rosewood Sleek Service Tray Clean modern lines 17.88 long x 7.75 w x .63 h Preowned vintage Refer to images
Rosewood
Rattan and Brass Italian Centerpiece Tray Basket, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Mid-Century Modern brass and rattan round tray basket or centerpiece. It has a brass trim covering the top and brass handles at both sides. Handcraft...
Brass
$1,065
H 2.37 in W 18.51 in D 15.56 in
Willy Rizzo Tortoiseshell Lucite & Brass Italian Serving Tray, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century tray in a single piece of curved tortoiseshell-effect lucite and solid brass. This incredibly stylish piece was produced in Italy during the 1970s and its desig...
Brass
$857Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.78 in W 23.63 in D 13.78 in
Christian Dior Midcentury Tortoiseshell Effect Lucite Italian Serving Tray 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Christian Dior
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning midcentury serving tray in a beautiful tortoiseshell effect lucite with burl wood handles. Produced in Italy during the 1970s for a Dior Home production with a design attri...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass, Burl
$829
H 12.8 in W 16.74 in D 1.19 in
Midcentury Tortoiseshell Plexiglass Italian Serving Tray after Willy Rizzo 1970s
By Christian Dior, Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful midcentury piece of serveware, produced in Italy during the 1970s. It is a rectangular design attributed to Willy Rizzo for a Christian Dior production. It is iconic tor...
Metal
Solid Italian Brass 1970s Rectangular Tray with Bamboo Frame
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Solid Italian Brass 1970s Rectangular Tray with Bamboo Frame
Brass
$119Sale Price|54% Off
Mid-Century Christian Dior Lucite and Metal Tray - 1970s Designer Piece, France
Located in Manzano, IT
Mid-Century Christian Dior Lucite and Metal Tray - 1970s Designer Piece, France This stunning large tray, designed by Christian Dior for Dior Home in the 1970s, is a timeless statem...
Brass
$615
H 0.99 in W 13.39 in D 9.45 in
Serving Tray Lucite Tortoiseshell & Chrome Christian Dior Style, Italy, 1970s
By Willy Rizzo, Christian Dior
Located in Rome, IT
1970s Rectangular serving tray centerpiece in tortoiseshell-effect lucite and chrome borders in the style of Christian Dior Home, made in Italy 1970s.
Metal, Chrome
Italian space age round chromed metal ashtray, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Round ashtray, entirely in chromed steel, with fabric padding on the support part. Good conditions. 1970s Measurements in cm 13p x 2h Beautiful ashtray with a rounded shape, with a b...
Metal
Lacquer Tray by Victor Vasarely
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Victor Vasarely. VP Cheyt Tray (based on work from 1975.) Black lacquered wood with digital print. Measures: 2 H x 12 x 15 inches. Unlimited. Designed in collaboration with th...
Lacquer