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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Ivy Lysdal, Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Modernist Painting, Dated 2007
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting. Colorful palette. Dated 2007. Signed. Canvas measures: 60 x 60 cm. Provenance: ...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Pascale Taurua Painting, Oil on Canvas, 2013
Located in Florence, IT
Pascale Taurua painting, oil on canvas. Taurua's paintings are as beautifully and as aggressively painted as they are sensually erotic. Her girls have ...
Category

2010s French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"Topography 3, " 2020 Large Framed Abstract Oil Painting by Kathi Robinson Frank
Located in New York, NY
"Topography 3," 2020 is a large framed abstract oil painting by Kathi Robinson Frank. This mixed-media painting incorporates oil, acrylic, charcoal, and metallic paint in shades of b...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Looming Relic, Christopher Windle, 2016
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Powerful, contemporary urban realism by local Philadelphia artist, Christopher Windle. Oil on canvas, 2016. Measures: 35" x 48".
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Ivy Lysdal, Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Modernist Painting, Dated 1997
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting. Dated 1997. Signed. Canvas measures: 61 x 55 cm. Provenance: The artist's own...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Brent Shegog (Australian), Impressionist Oil on Canvas, Man and Boat
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
Brent Shegog oil on canvas 'Man and Boat' signed verso. This dramatic scene depicts a man with his beached boat in a bleak frozen mountainous landscape, the sky streaked with ominous...
Category

Early 2000s Australian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Painting "White Flower" 2014 Modern Yellow Black Grey by Cecilia Setterdahl
Located in Dubai, Dubai
About the painting “White Flower” This painting has been inspired as art for the floor. It is available in "White Flower" Carpet too! About th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emirian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Andrew Plum Spring’s Slowly Returning Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2018
Located in Montreal, QC
“Spring’s Slowly Returning” is an original, one of a kind, orange, yellow, green, blue, red, cream, white, black, contemporary, mixed-media on canvas abstract painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmony to create this unique, contemporary work of art by Andrew...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Alexander Gore Modern Art "Libertine Form"
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Artist: Alexander Gore Title: "Libertine Form" Medium: Oil on paper Provenance: Signed and dated on lower right 2011. Certificate of authenticity included. condition: Fra...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Rudolf Baranik 'Gingko Leaves In The Fall' Oil/Canvas
Located in Sharon, CT
Atypical early work. Annotated and signed on the back.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Andrew Plum Castillos de Helado Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2020
Located in Montreal, QC
“Castillos de Helado” (Ice Cream castles) is an original, one of a kind abstract painting. Pink, blue, yellow, white, black, purple, contemporary, mixed media on wood panel, abstract...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Ivy Lysdal, Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Modernist Painting, Dated 2007
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting. Colorful palette. Dated 2007. Signed. Canvas measures: 60 x 60 cm. Provenance: ...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Maria Astadjov Modern Abstract Painting "Saddened By the Distance", 2019
Located in Montreal, QC
Modern abstract, mixed-media paintings; titled “Saddened By the Distance” by Maria Astadjov, a conceptual fine artist; two panels of mixed-media on Alum...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Aluminum

"Honeymoon" by Frank Struthers 1984 Abstract Modern Shapes Oil Painting
Located in Dayton, OH
"Honeymoon" by Frank Struthers 1984 abstract modern shapes oil painting The perfect addition to any contemporary or modern space. Frank Struthers "Honey...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Vintage Modern Abstract Oil 'Sorrow' Painting of Woman Crying by R. Macleod
By R. Macleod
Located in Wilmington, DE
Offered is a vintage modern abstract oil painting of a woman crying with a hand on her head, as well as floral and knife details on paper. Titled 'Sorrow'...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Glass, Paint, Paper

Ivy Lysdal, Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Modernist Painting, Dated 1997
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting. Colorful palette. Dated 1997. Signed on the back. Canvas measures: 64 x 55 cm. ...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"Gathering, " 2021 Large Framed Mixed-Media Abstract Oil by Kathi Robinson Frank
Located in New York, NY
2021 is a large framed abstract oil painting by Kathi Robinson Frank. This mixed-media painting incorporates oil, acrylic, charcoal, and metallic paint in shades of black, white, gra...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Ivy Lysdal, Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Modernist Painting, Dated 2007
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting. Colourful palette. Dated 2007 Signed. Canvas measures: 85 x 65 cm. Provenance...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Painting from the 1940s, Red, Blue and Yellow Color, MidCentury Art, New Frame
Located in New York, NY
Decorative painting from the 1940s. Red, blue and yellow. Children playing on a bicycle. Framed in a beautiful gold frame with a linen liner.
Category

1940s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Andrew Plum Sea Sprites Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2018
Located in Montreal, QC
“Sea Sprites” is an original, one-of-a-kind, pink, purple, orange, gray, white, blue, yellow, contemporary, acrylic on canvas, abstract painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmon...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Pair of Vintage Watercolor Winter Landscape Paintings by Dorothy M. Reece Kordas
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome pair of watercolor paintings each depicting a different winter landscape by Dorothy M. Reece Kordash. They are in wonderful vintage condition and in their original frames. Please see photos, circa 1970s-1980s. Wow! We are proud to be able to offer this gorgeous pair of winter landscapes by Dorothy Kordash. The one on the left in our photograph is titled Designs of Winter and depicts a lovely snowy landscape with bare trees and snow-covered grasses in beautiful translucent steel blues and grays and white. It is signed, matted and framed. The watercolor on the right is titled Treescape and depicts an icy blue winter wonderland of bare trees, evergreens, and grasses. These came from a home filled with incredible mid-century modern furnishings and art. They collected many Kansas and Arizona artists work including these by Dorothy Kordash. Dorothy M. Reece Kordash was born in 1927 in Prairie Village, Kansas. She continued to live, and work in the Kansas City area. However, after retiring, she spent quite a bit of time in Scottsdale, Arizona where she passed in 2010. Her works are in private collections all over the United States. Her obituary states she was one of America’s top cutting-edge artists in the field of contemporary conceptual art and painted in a wide variety of media. She was a member of many organizations including the Kansas Watercolor Society and International Society of Experimental Artists to name just two. She was part of many, many art exhibits nationwide and attended workshops in Canada and Great Brittan. You need these beautiful examples of American watercolor winter...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Deceptive Vessels 4 stencil painting on paper by Peter Woodward
By Peter Woodward
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Stencil painting by Peter Woodward stenciled acrylic paint on handmade recycled paper presented in UV resistant Perspex box frames Each painting is a unique piece by British contemp...
Category

2010s British Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Minimal Abstract Paintings "Bull's Eye" by Bill Kuypers, Antwerp, Belgium
Located in Bergen op Zoom, NL
Minimal Abstract Painting "Bull's Eye" by Bill Kuypers (1954-present), Antwerp Belgium, acrylic on canvas Bill Kuypers had a vibrant career as midcen...
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Canvas

Ivy Lysdal, Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Modernist Painting, Dated 2006
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting. Dated 2006. Signed. Canvas measures: 97 x 73 cm. Provenance: The artist's own s...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Ivy Lysdal, Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Modernist Painting, Late 20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting, late 20th century Canvas measures: 97 x 73 cm. Provenance: The artist's own stud...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Ivy Lysdal, b. 1937. Acrylic on Canvas. Abstract Modernist Painting, Dated 2003
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting. Dated 2003. Signed. Canvas measures: 97 x 73 cm. Provenance: The artist's own s...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Ivy Lysdal, Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Modernist Painting, Late 20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting. Signed. Late 20th century. Canvas measures: 97 x 73 cm. Provenance: The artist'...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Abstract Painting On Canvas
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting on canvas. Yellow, blue, green tones. If you look hard enough, you can spot an umbrella and a duck!
Category

20th Century North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Wood

Ivy Lysdal, Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Modernist Painting, 1997
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting. Signed. Dated 1997. Canvas measures: 97 x 73 cm. Prov...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Andy Wing " Summer Icon ", 1966-1979
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Andy Wing " Summer Icon " 1966-1979.
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

"Lullaby of Birdland, " 2021 Large Framed Abstract Oil by Kathi Robinson Frank
Located in New York, NY
"Lullaby of Birdland," 2021 is a large framed abstract oil and mixed-media painting by Kathi Robinson Frank with pastel, graphite oil stick and charcoal in diaphanous shades of white...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Jeff Leonard Abstract Resin Panel in Aqua Greens and Blues
By Jeff Leonard
Located in Dallas, TX
Abstract painter Jeff Leonard is passionate about extending optical and luminous colors using resins as his media. His clear, tactile paintings are a choreography of overlapping gest...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Resin, Wood, Paint

Ivy Lysdal, Acrylic on Canvas, Abstract Modernist Painting, Dated 2008
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ivy Lysdal, b 1937. Danish ceramist and painter. Acrylic on canvas. Abstract modernist painting. Dated 2008 Signed. Canvas measures: 95 x 66 cm. Provenance: The artist's own st...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"Figure in Blue", Oil on Canvas, Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully framed oil on canvas representing a blue figure. Size: 13 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches canvas, 22 1/8 x 18 1/2 inches frame.
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

A Gouache on Paper by Robert Freiman, 1960
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A striking gouache on paper by Robert Freiman, signed and dated 1957. Robert J Freiman (b. 1917 - d. 1991), deaf from birth, was born in New York City and attended the Lexington Sch...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Signed Original David Schluss "Abstract Reflections"
By David Schluss
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Signed original David Schluss "Abstract Reflections" mixed-media on canvas. This beautiful work of art is from David's "Abstract Meditation Series...
Category

2010s Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

"Concrete" Art Painting, Signed by Vilhelm Christian Serber
By Vilhelm Christian Serber
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
"Concrete" art painting, signed by Vilhelm Christian Serber.
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Flying Carpet circa 1978 dancing figures on a black and red background
Located in Miami, FL
Jean Sanglar was born in France in 1926. He draws with taste and talent from an early age, however, his family will only consider this a mere hobby. After studying law, he later took...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paint

California Modern Style Floral Original Painting
Located in Palm Springs, CA
This beautiful modern painting came from a very upscale Palm Springs area estate. Very large, and bright vibrant colors. Nice original ready to hang. "Impatiens IV" Signed by Artist:...
Category

1990s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Modern Green Oil Fibreboard Painting, Austria, 1993
Located in Vienna, AT
Modern green oil on fibreboard painting executed in Austria 1993. This modern interpretation from an ancient Roman soldier was dated 1993. The composition in green and yellow color i...
Category

1990s Austrian Modern Paintings

Materials

Natural Fiber

J.J. McVicker Painting "Hard Edge" Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
J.J. McVicker painting "Hard Edge" painting "Black/Red Intersection", 1970. Jesse Jay McVicker (b.1911-d.2004) American painter, printmaker and scu...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Jazz Music in Red, Orange, Yellow, Green and Black Background
Located in Miami, FL
Jean Sanglar was born in France in 1926. He draws with taste and talent from an early age, however, his family will only consider this a mere hobby. After studying law, he later took...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paint

Holger Jansson, Sweden, Abstract Composition, Oil on Canvas, Dated 1996
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Holger Jansson, Sweden. Abstract composition. Oil on canvas. Dated 1996. Canvas measures: 65 x 54 cm. Signed. In excellent condition.
Category

1990s Swedish Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Andy Wing "The In House Fortune Wheel", 1986
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Andy wing "The In House Fortune Wheel" 1986.
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Steel

Metaphysical Painting by Roger Hullaert, Belgium, 1932-1988
By Roger Hullaert
Located in New York, NY
Painting in oil Signed R. Hullaert. Painted from an architectural perspective with a stairway leading into, the painting references a surrealist / metaphysical theme of accessing ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Paintings

Ernest Briggs Abstract Expressionist Oil on Paper
By Ernest Briggs
Located in Sharon, CT
Small oil by this important 'second generation' Abstract Expressionist painter. Entire sheet is 11.5" x 16", matted area is 9.5" x 14.5".
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Still Live Painting of Butterflies by Bridget Orlando
Located in London, GB
Still Life of butterflies painted on canvas by Bridget Orlando in Photo-Realistic style. The inspiration for this painting came from an early twentieth century collection of butterflies from all over the world mounted with pins in boxes. Bridget became fascinated by the ephemeral beauty and fragility of butterflies, the intricacies of their patterned wings which require close scrutiny. On a large scale they become a blaze of color and texture, easily seen from a distance. They have a surreal element of something being larger than it should be, like a scene from Gulliver Travels...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Canvas

Andrew Plum Winter Vortex Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2020
Located in Montreal, QC
“Winter Vortex” is an original, one of a kind, white, yellow, black, gray, red, blue contemporary, acrylic on canvas abstract painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmony to create this unique, contemporary work of art by Andrew...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Contemporary Wooden Sculpture-Painting in Light Greige by Christofer Kochs
Located in Salzburg, AT
Contemporary wooden sculpture-painting created by circular sawing, greige-grey-black painted on white-stuff. Signed by hand Christofer Kochs, 2012 CHRISTOFER KOCHS Biographie: 1969...
Category

2010s German Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Modern Nude by Kessler
Located in North Miami, FL
Large modern nude painting by Larry Kessler. Has beautiful texture and brush mark. Signed LK and dated 03.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Moon Lit Oil Painting on Canvas by Luther Van Gorder
Located in Toledo, OH
Moon lit illuminated oil painted image of a thatched roof house on canvas by Luther Van Gorder. Original gallery tag on the back. Signed lower right. Very good condition. Image size ...
Category

20th Century North American Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Acrylic Painting by David Svensson, Sweden, 2002, Blue, geometic, woven
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painting by David Svensson, Sweden, 2002. Mixed-media on board.
Category

Early 2000s Swedish Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Paul Ackerman Composition Oil on Canvas
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Paul Ackerman (1908-1981) composition oil on canvas. Wear the stamp of the signature at the bottom left. 73 x 92 cm.
Category

1960s French Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Fusion 2 Dark Blue, Gold Leaf
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Fusion is a collection of handcrafted unique pieces blending the three dimensional objects with their background, combining functionality and free forms, sculpture and painting. In f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Fusion 1 White
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Fusion is a collection of handcrafted unique pieces blending the three dimensional objects with their background, combining functionality and free forms, sculpture and painting. In F...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Painting by Sven Hansson, Sweden. 1983
Located in Stockholm, SE
Oil on board. Dated and signed. Measurements: H: 71 cm/ 2' 4 1/2'' W: 120 cm/ 3' 11 3/4''. Working in a purely geometric, non-figurative style, Sven Hansson was a Swedish painter...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Abstract Colorful Blue Modernist Cubist Portrait Painting after Picasso
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Modernist lovers unite! This beautiful piece will be the icing on the cake to any savvy art collector's collection. Stretched on wood canvas, this piece depicts a postmodern portrait...
Category

2010s American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Contemporary Painting on Canvas by Cuban-American Artist Juan A. Navarrete
Located in Miami, FL
Contemporary Painting on Canvas by Cuban-American Artist Juan A. Navarrete Oil on canvas titled "Sunset" by Cuban-American artist Juan A.Juan. . Navarrete was born in Havana, Cuba, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

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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