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.
Mediterranean Forest Landscape Oil Painting Post Impressionist Spanish Woodland
By Ramon Perez Barril
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Ramón Pérez Barril (Barcelona, 1950) Title: Mediterranean Forest Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 65 × 50 cm (25.6 × 19.7 in) Signature: Signed lower right Period: Contempor...
Oil
20th Century French Oil Painting Figures Seated in French Park on Chairs
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Figures in the Park by Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024) pupil of André LHOTE oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 13 x 22 inches Provenance: all the paintings we have by this artist ...
Oil
$2,024
Flowers in Blue Vase, Signed Oil on Canvas, Framed, Mid-20th Century French
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Interior Scene with Flowers in Blue Vase French, mid 20th century signed oil on canvas, framed framed: 36 x 31 inches canvas: 29 x 24 inches Provenance: private collection, France Co...
Oil
Tall Sunspot 48 - Modern Resin Minimalist Green & Beige Tone Abstract 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
Casino de Monte Carlo Monaco Original Vintage French Signed Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Casino de Monte-Carlo, Monaco French, mid 20th century signed oil on canvas, framed inscribed verso framed: 20 x 23.5 inches canvas: 18 x 22 inches Provenance: private collection, Fr...
Oil
$884
Las Ramblas Barcelona Flower Market Street Scene Painting Urban Impressionist
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Scenes of Las Ramblas in Barcelona remain among the most recognizable urban subjects in European painting and are highly sought after by collectors and interior designers worldwide. ...
Oil
Marine
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Claude Venard (1913-1999) France Our composition is an early work that features an abstract presentation of a harbor scene with Venard’s signature color palette of bright and earthy ...
Oil
A Large, Colorful 1950s Mid-Century Modern Martha's Vineyard Summer Harbor Scene
Located in Chicago, IL
A vibrant, colorful Mid-Century Modern abstract harbor scene of Martha's Vineyard by notable Chicago artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Depicting a bustling harbor scene with n...
Canvas, Oil
Bright Three Flowers In Vases Oil Paintings of Mounted In Frame
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Three Flower Oils singed initials by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil paintings on artist paper mounted in a frame Glass covering Inscribed Veso overall framed: 13.75 x 22 inches L...
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
Portrait of a Lady in Blue Carrying a Sheef of Wheat British Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of A Lady in Blue by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on board , framed framed: 14 x 12 inches board: 12 x 10 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds co...
Oil
A Large, Compelling 1950s Mid-Century Modern Portrait of a Standing Male Model
Located in Chicago, IL
A Large, Compelling 1950s Mid-Century Modern Portrait of a Standing Male Nude Model by John Warren Ekstrom (Am. 1929-2020). A unique and well executed studio figurative painting by ...
Oil, Masonite
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
A Large, Captivating 1930s Modern Portrait of a Jamaican Man in a Linen Suit
Located in Chicago, IL
A Large, Captivating 1930s Modern Portrait of a Jamaican Man in a Linen Suit by famed Chicago artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A skilled and colorful portrait of a black man...
Oil, Canvas
Hidden Portraits X
Located in London, GB
'Hidden Portraits X', 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 ar...
Canvas, Acrylic
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
$1,882
Huge 1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Oil Painting Christ after the Crucifixion
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Deposition of Christ French School, mid 20th century oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 28.5 x 42 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: very good condition For more any...
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
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
Vintage Latin American School Blue & Black Abstract Monotype, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Vintage Latin American School Blue & Black Abstract Monotype by Ricardo de Silva Abstract Monotype by Ricardo (Richard) de Silva ( Rick De Silva) (Brazil/American, 20th C), 198...
Paper, Watercolor
Hidden Portraits VII
Located in London, GB
'Hidden Portraits VII', 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
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 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
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
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
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
$161
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
$168
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
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
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
Landscape by H. Ackerman - Oil on Canvas - 130x75 cm
Located in Geneva, CH
Signed by the artist but he is unknown from the gallery Probably a Swiss artist and Swiss landscape Artwork sold without frame
Canvas, 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
$215
Green Forest Trees In Valleys Landscape British Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Green Valleys by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on artist paper , unframed painting: 5.25 x 8 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very good Irin...
Oil
Seated Female Nude Oil Painting – Spanish Figurative Expressionist 20th Century
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Francisco Abad Doblas (Spain, b. 1933) Title: Seated Female Nude Date: 1975 Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 65 × 81 cm (25.6 × 31.9 in) Signature: Signed upper right Framin...
Oil
Wild Flowers In White Vase In Green Interior British Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Wild Flowers by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on thick artist paper, unframed size: 8.5 x 6.5 inches provenance: private collection, Cotswolds condition: very good Iri...
Oil
$2,573
"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
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
A Quiet, Sunlit 1940s Vintage Mexican City Scene, Archway, San Miguel de Allende
Located in Chicago, IL
A quiet, sunlit, vintage 1940s Mexican city street scene (Archway) by famed Chicago Modern artist Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Depicting a picturesque view of a colorful plaza ar...
Masonite, Oil
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
Wiggle Room 24 - Modern Resin Minimalist Red Tone Gradient Abstract 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 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
A Colorful, 1930s American Scene Country Mountain Landscape, Summer in Vermont
Located in Chicago, IL
A Colorful, Picturesque 1930s American Scene Country Mountain Landscape Painting of a Summer Pasture in Vermont by Famed Chicago Modern Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A vib...
Masonite, Oil
Tall Sunspot 49 - Modern Resin Minimalist Colorful Striped Abstract 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
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
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
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
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
$935Sale Price|33% Off
Seated Woman in Blue Oil on Canvas, Modern Volumetric Style, Signed
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Artist: Sanz Title: Seated Woman in Blue Date: Late 20th Century Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 91 × 61 cm (35.8 × 24 in) Frame: Unframed Signature: Signed Sanz lower left Conditi...
Oil
$16,963
Early Modernist Nude Painting School of Paris Figurative Oil by Picasso family
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Large Modernist Seated Nude, 1941 Oil Painting, School of Paris Figurative Work by Picasso’s Nephew Artist: Javier Vilató Ruiz Title: Seated Nude Date: 1941 Medium: Oil on canvas ...
Oil
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
The Window 376 - Modern Shiny Resin Minimalist Burgundy Beige 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
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
A Stylish Vintage 1940s Fashion Study, Design for a Woman's Hat and Coat
Located in Chicago, IL
A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring an elegant design for a woman's hat and coat. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/4 inches. Archivally matted to 16 x 12 inches. Provenance:...
Paper, Watercolor, Pencil
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
Echoes of the Atelier IV
Located in London, GB
Echoes of the Atelier IV, acrylic on canvas mounted on board, Florentine School (circa 1980s-90s). This gallery has acquired a number of paintings through an intermediary of an agein...
Canvas, Acrylic, Board
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
$1,200
A Fabulous 1950s Mid-Century Modern Painting, Male Nudes, Hammering, Circus Tent
Located in Chicago, IL
A Uniquely Fabulous 1950s Mid-Century Modern Oil Painting of Male Nude Figures Hammering the Tent Supports of a Circus Big Top by Notable Chicago Artist, Harold Haydon (Am. 1909-1994...
Masonite, Oil
Nude Male Study 20th Century French Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Nude Male Study 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 private...
Oil
$398
Deep Colour Flowers Round Case in Blue Interior Modernist Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Deep Flowers signed initials by Irina Hale (British 1932-2022) oil painting on card stuck on paper, unframed inscribed verso overall size: 11 x 8.5 inches painting: 6.5 x 6 inches pr...
Oil
Sunspot 126 - Tall Modern Shiny Resin Minimalist Vibrant Yellow 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