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Modern Paintings

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
A Oil Paiting on Canvas Titled "Encounters" signed Ashwini Sirur 2004
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An oil painting on canvas features 15 female nudes in the cubist style in erotic positions on a background of cubist shapes. All the images blend nicely in shades of grey, white, re...
Category

Early 2000s North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Untitled # 115 by Murray Duncan, mix media on paper, abstract, framed
Located in Toronto, CA
Untitled #115 by Murray Duncan Mix media on paper Framed, wood/glass 33" w x 41" tall x 1.25" depth Murray Duncan, b. 1966, is a self taught creator. He is one of the founders and t...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

"Woman and Her Cat" Mixed Media Artwork by Rupert Picott
By Rupert Picott
Located in Pasadena, CA
The work is a lively portrayal of an African nude woman in her bedroom. Under the bed, a discontent cat harbors grudges against its owner robbing its yellow cushion. The painting is ...
Category

Late 20th Century Senegalese Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

"Art is a Criminal Action" by Ulrike Rosenbach, Edition 2/10, Germany, 1969
Located in New York City, NY
Hand-signed by artist; frame included. "Art is a Criminal Action" by Ulrike Rosenbach, Silkscreen on Canvas, Edition 2/10, Germany, 1969
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Evermore by Murray Duncan, mix media on canvas, framed
Located in Toronto, CA
'Evermore by artist Murray Duncan, 2023 Mix media on canvas, mounted in a floating black frame Size: 57" tall x 72" wide x 2" depth, overall size Signed on the back
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Antique Still life Oil painting Champagne Bottle Strawberries - John Michaux
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful still life oil painting, made by the Belgian artists John Michaux. It is a colorful scene with strawberries and cherries in a blue and white ceramic bowl and a champagne bottle, against the background of a house interior. Oil on canvas in a nice wooden frame, which is original and from the same period. John Michaux is quite a well known Belgian artist, he has his own wiki page. Dimensions frame: 67 x 72 cm Dimensions canvas: 55 x 59 cm Free shipping worldwide About John Michaux, from 'Belgian Artist from the 19th and 20th Century by Paul Piron' MICHAUX, John (Antwerp, 1876 - Brussels, 1956) Painter. Educated at the Higher Institute in Antwerp and student of Frans Hens...
Category

1920s Belgian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Wood, Canvas

Contemporary Framed Watercolor Portrait - Unsigned - Canada - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Contemporary watercolor portrait of a young boy - unsigned - custom silk matte and gilt frame with glass - hanger to the back - Canada - late 20th century. Excellent condition - bri...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint, Paper

Untitled #135 by Murray Duncan, mix media on paper, abstract
Located in Toronto, CA
Untitled #135 by Murray Duncan Mix media on paper Framed, wood/glass Murray Duncan, b. 1966, is a self taught creator. He is one of the founders and the creative director for Morga...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Original Modern Contemporary Black and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame
Located in Houston, TX
Original Modern Contemporary Black and White Painting in Antique Gilt Frame by Shannon Weir, a distinguished artist based in Houston, Texas. Weir's...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Peinture à l'huile de Yuri Gorbachev "Winter Outside St Petersburg" USA 2001
By Yuri Gorbachev
Located in AIX-LES-BAINS, FR
Youri Gorbatchev (né le 29 décembre 1948 en URSS ) est un peintre et sculpteur russe . Sa carrière a atteint le plus haut niveau de l'art international. Yuri Gorbatchev a créé sa pro...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Gold

Monumental Vintage Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting with Rich Colors
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental Vintage Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting with Rich Colors Offered for sale is a very large abstract oil painting on canvas. The canvas is stretched on wood and has rich d...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

First Light by Murray Duncan, mix media on canvas, abstract, modern, framed
Located in Toronto, CA
' First Light ' by Murray Duncan Mix media on canvas Size: 36" x 36" x 2" Framed in a white floating frame/wood Murray Duncan is a self taught contemporary artist and designer, work...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

California Plein Aire Landscape, Jason Situ (B. 1949)
Located in Pasadena, CA
This is a charming small impressionist painting of Occidental Hill, a location in Southern California. The painting was exhibited at "Nature's Palette: Garden Views, Visions and Fant...
Category

Early 2000s Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Wood

Leif Knudsen, Swedish artist. Mixed media on paper. Abstract composition.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Leif Knudsen (1928-1975), Swedish artist. Mixed media on paper. Abstract composition. Signed and dated '57. In perfect condition. Total dimensions: 44.0 cm x 33.0 cm. Image dimensio...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Oil-Painting by Jean Thomas (1923- 2019): 'A Religious Life: Tower of Babel'
Located in NICE, FR
Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lyon, Jean Thomas began exhibiting his works as early as 1946. Following in the footsteps of the great painters of modernity, his early paintin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

' Cake ' by artist Murray Duncan, mix media on board, glided vintage frame
Located in Toronto, CA
' Cake ' by artist Murray Duncan Mix media on board - paint, oil stick and pencil Size of artwork is 20" x 30" Size of framed artwork - 31" x 41" x 4" The artwork is framed in a ant...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

5 Times A Charm by Murray Duncan, mix media on artist board, abstract
Located in Toronto, CA
5 Times A Charm 'by Murray Duncan Mix media on artist board, abstract geometric The size is 60" wide x 48" tall x 2" depth Unframed. Murray Duncan is a self-taught creative visiona...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Oil-Painting by Jean Thomas (1923- 2019): 'An Isolated Farm; Verdon Canyon'
Located in NICE, FR
Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lyon, Jean Thomas began exhibiting his works as early as 1946. Following in the footsteps of the great painters of modernity, his early paintin...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Large Contemporary Hand Embellished Color Giclee on Canvas signed FABRICE
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning contemporary piece of decorative artwork by Fabrice. Mixed media giclee on canvas with embellishments by Fabrice using oil paint and a fine brush. Hand signed lower righ...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Large Vintage Lee Reynolds Abstract Butterfly Painting, Framed
Located in Miami, FL
Large Vintage Lee Reynolds Abstract Butterfly Painting, Framed Offered for sale is a large late 20th-century framed abstract painting of a butterfly by the American artist Lee Reyno...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wire

Oil-Painting by Jean Thomas (1923- 2019): 'the Viaduct of Caramel'
Located in NICE, FR
Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lyon, Jean Thomas began exhibiting his works as early as 1946. Following in the footsteps of the great painters of modernity, his early paintin...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

' No Reason ' by Murray Duncan, mix media on board, abstract, geometric, modern
Located in Toronto, CA
No Reason 'by Murray Duncan Mix media on artist board Size is 48" x 60" x 1.5" The artwork is unframed Murray Duncan is a self-taught creative visionary. Know for his large-scale, e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Abstract Color Study Painting
Located in west palm beach, FL
A fantastic vintage abstract original oil painting on canvas. A chic color study in brilliant clear colors. Signed by the artist. Acquired at a Palm Beach estate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Metal

Superb Modern Surrealist Painting on Wood
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Superb Modern Surrealist Painting on Wood. From the private collection of a renowned Beverly Hills modern art collector. Unsigned.
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Vintage Japanese Abstract Oil on Canvas c1960s
Located in Oakland, CA
Beautiful vintage Japanese abstract oil on canvas c1960s with wonderful texture by unknown Japanese artist. Framed in walnut. Acquired in Japan.
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Svän Grandin, Swedish artist. Mixed media on paper. Floral still life.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Svän Grandin (1906-1982), Swedish artist. Mixed media on paper. Floral still life in a modernist style. 1960s. Perfect condition. Image dimensions: 36.0 c...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Other

Vintage Japanese Abstract Oil on Canvas c1960s
Located in Oakland, CA
Beautiful vintage Japanese abstract oil on canvas c1960s with thick impasto texture by unknown Japanese artist. Framed in walnut. Acquired in Japan.
Category

1960s Japanese Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Hopscotch by Murray Duncan, mix media on canvas, abstract, modern artwork
Located in Toronto, CA
'Hopscotch' by Murray Duncan, 2024 Mix media on canvas. New work, geometric abstract, modern. The size is 84" wide x 48" tall x 2.25 depth. The artwork is unframed Murray Duncan is ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Oil-Painting 'Rhône Valley: Chapel and Keep of Mornas Castle' by Jean Thomas
Located in NICE, FR
Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lyon, Jean Thomas began exhibiting his works as early as 1946. Following in the footsteps of the great painters of modernity, his early paintin...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Large Hand Embellished Color Giclee on Canvas "Titled "Conversation", Signed
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning contemporary piece of decorative artwork by FABRICE. Mixed media giclee on canvas with embellishments by FABRICE using oil paint and a fine brush. Hand signed lower right...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Helmer Wallin, listed Swedish artist. Acrylic on paper. Modern landscape
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Helmer Wallin (1906-2004), listed Swedish artist. Acrylic on paper. Abstract landscape. 1960s. Signed. In perfect condition. Total dimensions: 26.5 cm x 21.5 cm. Image dimensions: 1...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Oil-Painting by Jean Thomas (1923-2019) 'The Paillon Valley seen from Peillon'
Located in NICE, FR
Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lyon, Jean Thomas began exhibiting his works as early as 1946. Following in the footsteps of the great painters of modernity, his early paintin...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Monumental Mixed Media Painting Bill and Hilary Clinton "Sweet Embrace"
Located in Miami, FL
Monumental Mixed Media Painting Bill and Hilary Clinton "Sweet Embrace" Offered for sale is a monumental mixed media collage of Bill and Hillary Clinton as photographed on a beach d...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paper

Oil-Painting by Jean Thomas (1923-2019) 'Arrival at the village of Soleils'
Located in NICE, FR
Trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Lyon, Jean Thomas began exhibiting his works as early as 1946. Following in the footsteps of the great painters of modernity, his early paintin...
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Blue Still Life Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in west palm beach, FL
Vintage unsigned blue hue still life featuring yellow flowers with teal vase and beautiful shadow work. The piece has a modern element with almost a monochromatic story featuring sev...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Maria Astadjov Modern Abstract Painting "The Island of Souls", 2019
Located in Montreal, QC
Modern abstract, mixed-media on White Aluminum painting; titled “The Island of Souls” by Maria Astadjov, a conceptual fine artist. Signed on front botto...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Aluminum

Les Simonnet unique pieces diptych paint on lucite framed 1996
Located in Paris, IDF
This unique composition, conceived by Les Simonnet, dates back to 1996. Crafted on lucite, the two paintings are nestled within painted wooden shadow boxes. The abstract forms are mi...
Category

1990s French Modern Paintings

Materials

Lucite

Painting by Ron Veasey, Untitled, 2014
Located in New York City, NY
Painting by Ron Veasey, Untitled, 2014
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Harley Francis Abstract Oil on Canvas c1970s
Located in Oakland, CA
Beautiful geometric abstract oil on canvas by American artist, Harley Francis (1940-2017). Francis was an incredibly prolific artist, painter, set designer, and ceramicist. Francis w...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

“Il Desiderio Espresso “ Italian Mid-Century Painting
Located in Austin, TX
Mix media on canvas from mid-century Italy. This piece is signed by the artist and is titled “Il Desiderio Espresso”, translating to “The Expressed Desire.” The painting has beautifu...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Harley Francis Abstract Painting Triptych c1970s
Located in Oakland, CA
Incredible triptych abstract oil on canvas by American artist, Harley Francis c1979. These can be arranged in any order, all three pieces are signed. Francis (1940-2017) was an inc...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

1970s Hard Edge Abstract Geometric Painting on Canvas, Signed
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Hard Edge Abstract Geometric Painting on Canvas, Signed Offered for sale is a 1970s hand-painted acrylic hard-edge abstract painting created on the diagonal. The geometri...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Wire

“Di Stelle Cadenti” Italian Mid-Century Painting
Located in Austin, TX
Mixed media on canvas from mid-century Italy. This piece is signed by the artist, attributed to Danilo Pacchiotti’s entourage. It is titled “Di Stelle Cadenti”; translating to “Of Sh...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Mort Carl Abstract Painting c1970s
Located in Oakland, CA
Mort Carl (1905-1985) American Fantastic large-scale abstract oil on canvas painting c1971. Most likely painted during the artists later years in the Bay Area. Originally from New Yo...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Madeline Weiss Geometric Jewels Original Oil Signed
Located in west palm beach, FL
Fantastic original oil by Madeline Weiss. Signed. Brilliantly colored large geometric jewels floating on a background of tone on tone jewels.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Modern Abstract Oil Painting of a Nun
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Modern Abstract Oil Painting of a Nun. Unsigned. From the private art collection of renowned modern art collector Rosette Delug.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Abstract Cobra Composition - Small Danish Oil Painting, 1977
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small abstract oil composition executed with putty and hands/fingers on canvas. It bears its title to its back 'Heidi' and is dated 1977. Its a portrait of an unknown female called H...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

'Training Drills' by Solomon Samsonovich Boim, 1950, Soviet Neorealism
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
'Training Drills' by Solomon Samsonovich Boim, Russian (1899–1988) Russia, dated 1950 "Training Drills" by Solomon Samsonovich Boim, a distinguished Russian artist (1899–1978), is a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Russian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Jules Schyl, Still Life
Located in Kastrup, DK
Jules Schyl (Swedish 1893-1977) Painting. Arrangement / still life: Fruit bowl and bust head. Oil on canvas. Dimensions without frame: 43 x 37 cm. Signed: Schyl
Category

20th Century Swedish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Vintage Late 20th Century Abstract Art- Signed
Located in west palm beach, FL
Celestial Symphony: A masterful manifestation of late 20th-century abstract art, signed with enigmatic grace. This transcendent piece beckons viewers into a mesmerizing dance of colo...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings

Materials

Zebra Wood

Vintage Russell Christoffersen Abstract On Canvas In Yellow & Pink- Signed
Located in west palm beach, FL
Step into the warm embrace of "Sunset Serenity," a vintage Russell Christoffersen abstract on canvas adorned in mesmerizing shades of yellow and pink. Each stroke bears the signature...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Wood

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s “Cat Cay” Abstract Landscape Acrylic Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s abstract acrylic on paper landscape painting titled, "Cat Cay," by American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Gestural lines come together to create a v...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

James L. Bruch Abstract Acrylic on Canvas Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
An acrylic on canvas by the American artist James L. Bruch (1942-2023). This abstract work has a dimensional orange background intersected with monochromatic animal shapes. Two colorful and conversational abstract characters are depicted to the lower portion of the composition. The painting is displayed in a black wooden frame and is estate stamped verso. Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, James Bruch...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Large Oil-on-Canvas Painting by Pham Luan, Vietnam
Located in NICE, FR
About the artist: Pham Luan was born in 1954 in Hanoi, Vietnam. He graduated from Hanoi Teacher's Training College and is self-taught in visual arts. Pham L...
Category

Late 20th Century Vietnamese Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Vintage Boho Monumental Abstract Swirl Painting
Located in west palm beach, FL
A stunning vintage Original oil on canvas. A chic abstract design in a neutral color palette. Monumental in size and drama. Signed by the artist. Acquired from a NY estate.
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

21st Century Abstract Expressionist Fine Art THE SPACE IN BETWEEN by Troy Smith
Located in Paris, FR
The Space in Between is the spontaneous interpretation and materialization of the positive flows of energies that govern the relationships between two loving beings and more particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Abstract Orange Blue Spheres Painting by Bruce Clements
Located in Seguin, TX
Oil on canvas board abstract orange and blue spheres by Bruce W. Clements (1936-2008) Mass. Unsigned from the artists estate. Unframed.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Harry Hilson Signed 1980s “Desert Spring” Abstract Landscape Acrylic Painting
Located in Indianapolis, IN
A 1980s abstract acrylic on paper mountainous landscape painting titled, "Desert Spring," by American artist Harry Hilson (1935-2004). Gestural lines come together to create a green,...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Paper

Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern paintings for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage paintings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, folk art, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, canvas and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern paintings made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paintings, popular names associated with this style include Richard A. Hirsch, Harry Hilson, Cecilia Setterdahl, and Peter Keil. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for paintings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $25 and tops out at $166,872 while the average work can sell for $2,187.

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