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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chair — crafted 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.
Picture Frame Enamel two-tone ruby red and emerald green Salimbeni.
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular photo frame in gold-plated 925/1000 sterling silver, with translucent fired enamel stripes on guilloche, two-tone ruby red and emerald green, in a modern contemporary sty...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Picture Frame Silver Rectangular Emerald Green Enamel modern style Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Mid-Century Elegance: Rectangular Guilloché Enamel Frame by Renato Salimbeni This refined rectangular photo frame is an exquisite example of the Salimbeni atelier’s mastery, blendin...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Small Picture Frame Rounded Round English style, early 1900s. Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small rounded round frame in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloche, English style, early 1900s. External diameter 7 cm, internal 5 cm. Weigh...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$511 / item
Morpho Helenor with Frame
Located in Roma, IT
Morpho anassibia is a stuffed embalmed butterfly in a frame. Species Morpho anassibia blue. 19.5 x 25 cm. Very good conditions!
Animal Skin
Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Yellow and ivory shagreen leather and 24 karate gold-plated photo frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 i...
Gold
Contemporary Photo Frame in 24kt Gold plated Brass and Handmade Blue Crystal
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
24 kt gold plated brass photo frame. The frame is embellished with entirely handmade blue glass. Each crystal is set into the metal seat individually with extreme care and attention....
Gold, Brass
$1,250 / item
Red Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Red shagreen leather and 24 karat gold-plated photo frame with presentation red leather box by Fabio Ltd Height: 13 inches / Width: 11.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo Size: 8 inches ...
Gold Plate
1980s Italian Stuffed Butterfly Display Frame with Modern Design
Located in Roma, IT
Three species of stuffed butterflies : Appias Drusilla, Graphium doson, Troides Helena. Dedication on the back with the date 8 November 1980. 39 x...
Animal Skin
Gucci Green Enamel and Silver-Plated Picture Frame, Italy, 1970s
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive Gucci picture frame from the 1970s, finished in deep green enamel and accented with silver-plated equestrian horsebit details—an iconic signature of the house. The square...
Metal
Vintage Gucci Silver and Gilt Metal Picture Frame with Interlocking GG
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant vintage Gucci picture frame crafted in silver-tone metal with gilt bamboo-inspired detailing along the inner border. The design is accented with the iconic interlocking GG...
Metal
Morpho Anassibia Butterfly Frame, Mid-20th Century, Modern Italy
Located in Roma, IT
Morpho anassibia is a stuffed embalmed butterfly in a frame. Species Morpho anassibia blue. 19.5 x 25 cm. Very good conditions!
Animal Skin
Small Picture Frame Round English style, early 1900s. Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Small round frame with flat edge in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloche, English style, early 1900s. External diameter cm. 7.2, internal c...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$2,293 / item
Amuneal’s Modern Easels (Large)
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s modern easels offer a sculptural display system for your favorite artwork and photos. Our blackened steel and aluminum supports clamp your images between two sheets of ?” t...
Aluminum, Steel
Antique English Sterling Silver Sitting Kitty Cat Picture Frame, 1924
Located in New York, NY
George V sterling silver picture frame. Made by William Neale in Birmingham in 1924. Rectangular window in plain and flat surround. In lower left corner sits a kitty cat with stiffen...
Sterling Silver
Shagreen with Multi-Color Stones Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ivory shagreen leather with multi-color stone inserts and gold-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 10.5 inches, width 8.5 inches, depth 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by ...
Stone, Gold
Spherical frame for 2 portrait translucent fire enamel on guilloché Salimbeni.
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Spherical frame for 2 hinged photographs in 925/1000 sterling silver goldplated with translucent fire enamel on guilloché. Modern contemporary style. Sphere diameter cm. 7.5. Weight ...
Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Christofle Silver-Plated and Brass Picture Frame
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant picture frame produced by Christofle in France during the 1970s, featuring a refined composition of silver-plated metal accented by polished brass bands. The clean geometric ...
Silver Plate
Italian Malachite and Brass Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian picture frame from the 1970s, crafted with a polished malachite veneer and accented by a gilt brass border. The vivid green malachite showcases natural banded pattern...
Malachite
Pair of Argentinian Silver Plate 8 x 10 with Twisted Cable Rope in Two Colors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A handsome pair of picture frames featuring elegant twisted Cable borders accented by richly corner panels with Silver Plate . Whether executed in Twisted Cable or Silver plate tech...
Steel
Signed Sterling 3.5 x 5.5 Hammered Picture Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully handcrafted sterling silver picture frame with an elegant hand-hammered finish that highlights the artistry of its construction. Marked **.925 sterling silver**, the fr...
Sterling Silver
Murano Glass Photo Frame by Tommaso Barbi, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural Italian photo frame designed by Tommaso Barbi and produced in Italy during the 1970s. The frame features a richly textured Murano glass body with diagonal ribbing, forming...
Art Glass
Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and 24 karat gold-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 13.5 inches, width 11.5 inches, depth 1 inch Photo size: 8 inches by 10 inches LAST ...
Gold
Gucci Sterling Silver Horse Harness Frame for Portrait or Landscape Picture
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver picture frame, ca 1970. Wide and flat rectangular surround. Applied wraparound horse harness strap with corner snaps. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back ...
Sterling Silver
Gold-Plated Metal Photo Frame, Contemporary Design.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gold-plated metal photo frame, contemporary design. Contemporary gold-plated metal photo frame, 21st century. Frame: H: 33 cm, W: 29 cm, D: 2 cm Photo: H: 24.5 cm, W: 19 cm Please ...
Gold Plate
Antique George V Sterling Silver Photo Frame by E.F. Braham Ltd, 1911
By E.F. Braham Ltd
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver photograph frame; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional antique George V sterling silver photograph frame has a rounded rectangular form with an incurved, domed upper portion and a plain rectangular internal window. The surface of this George V silver photo frame is plain and embellished with a paralleling embossed decorated border to the rim. This antique silver photograph frame...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Small-Sized Photo Frame with White Border, in Silver Metal and Blue Enamel.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Elephant photo frame with white border, in silver metal and blue enamel, small size model. Cherish happy times spent with your little ones in this adorable elephant-shaped family ph...
Metal
Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and 24 karat gold-plated photo frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 in stoc...
Gold
Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and nickel-plated photo frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 in stock in Lo...
Nickel
Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and 24-karat gold-plated photo frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 8 inches / Width: 6 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 4 inches by 6 inches LAST 1 in stock in ...
Gold
Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black, yellow, and ivory shagreen leather and 24-karat gold-plated photo frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches L...
Gold
$924Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany Modern Sterling Silver & Enamel Jack-in-the-Box Picture Frame
Located in New York, NY
Modern sterling silver picture frame. Rectangular window in wide and flat surround. Applied to upper-left corner is silver and enamel figure of Jack springing out of the box. With gl...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Christofle Selection Silver-Plated Photo Frame with Brass Accents
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant vintage photo frame by Christofle Selection, featuring a refined silver-plated surface with subtle diagonal detailing and a warm brass-toned inner and outer border. The combi...
Metal
$5,729 / item
Acerbis Gigiona by Olimpia Zagnoli
By Acerbis
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Seductive yet naïve, Gigiona is a modular and ever-changing piece, to be observed and reassembled each time with fresh eyes. Made from Murano glass, it consists of six coloured and t...
Murano Glass
$1,882 / set
Set of 4 Photo Frames, Contemporary Design.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This photo frame offers a captivating blend of art and craftsmanship. It features a unique geometric pattern that inspires sophistication and depth. Its contemporary design creates a...
Wood
Italian Leather Picture Frame with Gilt Metal Corner Accents, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Refined Italian picture frame from the 1970s, crafted in dark green leather with contrasting brown leather trim and visible saddle-style stitching. Each corner is finished with polis...
Leather
$1,510 / set
Set of Two Brass and Smoked Glass Picture Frame
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
The antique brass picture frame featuring smoked glass offers a sophisticated way to display your memories, blending warm metallic tones w...
Brass
Italian Polished Brass Geometric Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian picture frame from the 1970s, crafted in solid polished brass with a bold, architectural presence. The design features a stepped geometric composition, with layered r...
Brass
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Very Large Asprey Modern Frame for Portrait or Landscape Picture, 1916
By Asprey International Limited
Located in New York, NY
George V sterling silver frame. Made by Asprey in London in 1916. Flat and plain rectangular surround. With glass, silk lining, and velvet back and hinged easel support for portrait ...
Sterling Silver
$499 / item
Gilded Metal Heart Photo Frame, Small Model.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilded metal heart photo frame, small model. Show off your favourite photos in this heart-shaped photo frame. The heart collection is based on the simple yet universal symbol of lov...
Metal
Turquoise Murano Glass Picture Frame with Brass Accents, 1960s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a striking vintage picture frame, crafted with a bold combination of twisted turquoise Murano glass and brass detailing. Its design reflects the luxurious craftsmanship and a...
Art Glass
$1,077 / item
Amuneal’s Modern Easels (Small)
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal’s modern easels offer a sculptural display system for your favorite artwork and photos. Our blackened steel and aluminum supports clamp your images between two sheets of 3/8”...
Aluminum, Steel
Medium-Sized Photo Frame with Savannah Animal Decorations
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Medium-sized photo frame with savannah animal decorations in silver metal and enamel. Share adventurous moments with your loved ones in this captivating animal photo frame. Made fr...
Silver
Shagreen Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color shagreen leather and 24 karat gold-plated photo frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 in stoc...
Gold
Frame with Ginkgo and Butterfly Motifs in Oxidised and Gilded Metal.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Contemporary frame with ginkgo and butterfly motifs in high-quality oxidised and gilded metal. Add a touch of botanical beauty to your home decor with this exquisitely designed phot...
Metal
Medium-Sized Photo Frame with Savannah Animal Decorations
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Savannah animal photo frame with pink border, silver-plated and enamelled, medium-sized model. Share adventurous moments with friends and family with this captivating animal photo fr...
Metal
Contemporary Olive Branch Photo Frame in Gold-Tone Metal.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Contemporary olive branch photo frame in gold-tone metal. This beautiful, gold-toned photo frame, with its delicately detailed design of olive branches and leaves, offers a unique b...
Metal
Vintage Style Photo Frame, Decorated with Black Nickel-Plated Metal Orchids.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Vintage style photo frame, antique nickel-plated metal with oxidised white enamel finish, decorated with black nickel-plated metal orchids and gol...
Nickel
Brown and Black Chevron Striped Horn-Style Photo Frame
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This brown and black chevron striped photo frame exudes warmth and sophistication with its handcrafted, horn-inspired design. The diagonal pattern alternates between glossy brown and...
Acrylic
Vintage Style Photo Frame, Decorated with Orchids and Gold Leaves.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Vintage style photo frame, antique nickel colour with oxidised white enamel finish, decorated with orchids and black nickel, antique gold leaves. ...
Nickel
$3,324 / item
Multiple Impression Wall Tile by Jennifer Midoz
By Mydriaz
Located in Geneve, CH
Multiple Impression Tile by Jennifer Midoz Dimensions: 15 × 15 cm tiles Materials: Glazed earthenware. Price is per m2. Impression is an artistic approach to creating ceramic mural...
Other
$650 / item
Silver Metal Heart Photo Frame, Large Model.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver metal heart photo frame, large model. Show off your favourite photos in this heart-shaped photo frame. The heart collection is based on the simple yet universal symbol of lov...
Metal
Double Photo Frame with Heart Design, Silver Metal, Large Model.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Double photo frame with heart design, silver metal, large model. Show off your photos with this double hinged heart-shaped photo frame in silver metal. The Heart collection is based...
Metal
Italian modern lucite frame for Guzzini, 1970s
By Guzzini
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern lucite frame for Guzzini, 1970s Transparent lucite frame composed of two pieces, a square base with a recess into which a round is inserted. Produced by Guzzini in 197...
Lucite
$534 / item
Silver Metal Heart Photo Frame, Small Model.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Silver metal heart photo frame, small model. Show off your favourite photos in this heart-shaped photo frame. The heart collection is based on the simple yet universal symbol of lov...
Metal
Pop Art Modernist Neon Yellow Lucite Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Italian 1970s Pop Art modernist Lucite picture frame features a thick neon yellow Lucite slab with a transparent Lucite "pouch" to display and protect the photograph. A...
Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass
Heart Photo Frame in Gilded Metal, Medium Model.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Heart photo frame in gilded metal, medium model. Show off your favourite photos in this heart-shaped photo frame. The heart collection is based on the simple yet universal symbol of...
Metal
Glass Photo Frame, Signed, Artist's Work, Contemporary, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Glass photo frame, signed, artist's work, contemporary, 20th century. Contemporary glass photo frame, artist's work, signed, 20th century, modern art. Dimensions : H:15,5cm, W: 11...
Glass
Shagreen with Multi-Color Stones Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black shagreen leather with multi-color stone inserts and nickel-plated picture frames by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 10.5 inches / width 8.5 inches / depth 1 inch Photo size: 5 inche...
Stone, Nickel
Multi-Color Crocodile Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Multi-color crocodile leather and gold-plated picture frame by Fabio Ltd Height: 10.5 inches / Width: 8.5 inches / Depth: 1 inch Photo size: 5 inches by 7 inches LAST 1 in stock in L...
Gold
Shagreen with Multi-Color Stones Photo Frame by Fabio Ltd
By Fabio Ltd.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black shagreen leather with multi-color stone inserts and nickel-plated picture frames by Fabio Ltd Measures: Height 13.5 inches, width 11.5 inches, depth 1 inch Photo size 8 inches ...
Stone, Nickel