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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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.
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Style: Modern
1950's Modernist Signed Painting, Tranquil View Of French Buildings
Located in Cirencester, GB
French Buildings
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed, stamped verso
original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper,
overall size: 19.5 x 25.5 inches
condition: v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist / Cubist Painting Signed, Bright Colour Shapes
Located in Cirencester, GB
Colourful shapes.
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century).
Signed original watercolour/ gouache mounted painting on paper board, unframed
Size: 8.5 x 5.75 inches.
Condition: v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Signed Painting, Large French Building Over River
Located in Cirencester, GB
French Buildings
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed, stamped verso
original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper,
overall size: 19.5 x 25.5 inches
condition: v...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
African Bantu Art, Expressive, Surrealistic Gouache by Marcel Gotène
Located in Salzburg, AT
The famous painter, Marcel Gotène (Icon of the contemporary Bantu art)
combines surrealistic impressions with modern tapisserie elements.
Born in 1935 in Yaba, Republic of Kongo,...
Category
1980s Congolese Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Gold Leaf
1950's Modernist Signed Painting, The Two Trees In Field
Located in Cirencester, GB
The Two Trees
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed, stamped verso
original watercolour/gouache painting on paper
overall size: 14.5 x 11.5 inches
condition: very g...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, Woodland over Lake
Located in Cirencester, GB
Woodland over lake
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century).
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on board, unframed.
Size: 9.5 x 13.75 inches.
Condition: very good an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting, Man Playing Tuba
Located in Cirencester, GB
Tuba Player
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
size: 10.5 x 7.25 inches
condition: very good and ready to ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting Signed, Milan Cathedral Cityscape
Located in Cirencester, GB
Milan Cathedral
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed
size: 16.5 x 11.75 inches
condition: very good and rea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Lagar Celso Painting of Seated Model, Watercolor, Signed
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Lagar Celso (Spain, 1891-1966): Seated model, watercolor, signed. Measures: 22x28 cm.
Price example: A painting by Lagar Celso was sold at Subastas Segre in Madrid, December 19, 20...
Category
20th Century Spanish Modern Paintings
1950's Modernist Painting, Lady Reflection in Mirror
Located in Cirencester, GB
Mirror reflection
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original gouache/watercolour painting on board
overall size: 11 x 8 inches
condition: very good and re...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting, Wacky Interior Scene
Located in Cirencester, GB
Wacky Interior Scene
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
size: 10 x 8.75 inches
condition: very good and re...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Signed Modernist Painting, Pianist and Violin Player Interior Scene
Located in Cirencester, GB
French Landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original oil painting mounted on artist paper
overall size: 19.75 x 25.5 inches
condition: very good an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, GB
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century).
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed.
Size: 11.5 x 9.5 inches.
Co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Signed Modernist Painting, Fine Drawing of Historic Fountain
Located in Cirencester, GB
Historic fountain
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original gouache/watercolor painting on artist paper
overall size: 25.5 x 19.5 inches
condition: very ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist Painting Signed, Nude Figure in Landscape
Located in Cirencester, GB
Nude figure
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
size: 9.75 x 12.75 inches
condition: very good and r...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Signed Painting, Figures in French Town
Located in Cirencester, GB
French buildings
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), signed, stamped verso
original watercolor/ gouache painting on paper ,
overall size: 19.75 x 16.5 inches
condition: ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist Painting Signed, Figures on Horseback in Village
Located in Cirencester, GB
The Roadside Tavern
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
size: 11 x 13.75 inches
condition: very good...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, Bright Blue Town Landscape with Horse and Figures
Located in Cirencester, GB
Blue Landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original oil painting on paper
overall size: 22 x 14.5 inches
condition: very good and ready to be enjoy...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, Red French Tall Building
Located in Cirencester, GB
Red building
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original watercolor/gouache painting on paper
overall size: 16 x 10.5 inches
condition: very good and read...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Inside Painted Crystal, "Scholars in Jiangnan" Snuff Bottle by Li Yingtao 2016
By Li Yingtao
Located in Tainan, TW
Li Yingtao, an owner of Yizhenzhai, was born in Hengshui City in 1963. He was praised as a Chinese master of splashing color in inside painting, a Master of Arts and crafts in Hebei Province, and the founder of splashing color techniques in inside painting. By now, he has been teaching and passing down this technique to his students.
Mr, Li Yingtao is one of the most outstanding disciples of the master of Chinese arts and crafts...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Paintings
Materials
Rock Crystal
Martin Sumers (1922-2012), Untitled, 1999 Figural Oil on Board
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Martin Sumers, “Untitled”, 1999.
Vibrant and electric Teals, Greens, Blues, Oranges and Peaches set within a Gold frame.
Oil on Board
Dimensions:
Frame: 26”H x 16.25”w x 2”D
Sit...
Category
1990s American Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Aboriginal Diptyque Paintings by Raelene Kerinauia
By Raelene Kerinauia
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lovely diptyque paintings by Australian Aboriginal artist Raelene Kerinauia (1962- ). Born in 1962 (Tiwi People), Wurrumiyanga, Mantiyupwi Country, Bathurst Island, Northern Terri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Pierre Adrien Ekman (1904_1993), painting on wood panel, circa 1960, France.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Pierre Adrien Ekman (1904_1993),
paint and gold leaf on canvas mounted on wood panel,
imaginary theater set,
circa 1960, France.
Height 1m29, width 1 m.
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
African Bantu Art, Expressive, Surrealistic Gouache by Marcel Gotène 1980s
Located in Salzburg, AT
The famous painter, Marcel Gotène (Icon of the contemporary Bantu art)
combines surrealistic impressions with modern tapisserie elements.
Born in 1935 in Yaba, Republic of Kongo - d...
Category
1980s Congolese Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Gold Leaf
Still Life by Oris Robertson
By Oris Robertson
Located in Pasadena, TX
Still Life in Oil by Oris Roberstson
1970s
Still life of ceramics in a neutral palette by Texas artist Oris Robertson.
Oris Robertson was a prolific visual artist, he started...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paint
Albert Chubac, Composition, Mixed-media on paper, Stamped, circa 1960, France.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Albert Chubac, Composition,
Mixed-media on paper,
Stamped,
circa 1960, France.
Measures: Height 1m73, width 70 cm, depth 1 cm.
Albert Chubac was born in Geneva in 1920. After studying decorative...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Vintage Warren Fischer Figurative Abstract Painting On Linen Canvas
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Warren Fischer Figurative Abstract Painting on linen canvas
Offered for sale is a figurative abstract painting on linen canvas by ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Linen, Paint
Lynn Basa Encaustic Black and White Stripe Panel "Doppleganger" 2013
Located in Manhasset, NY
Lynn Basa encaustic black and white stripe panel "Doppleganger" (signed and dated) 2013. Oil / beeswax on panel.
This is part of our extensive collection ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Lynn Basa, Abstract, Encaustic Painting, Black, White, Canvas, Wax, 1990s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Lynn Basa Encaustic black and white stripe panel "Three Ways of Looking Black" (signed and dated) 2013, Encaustic on Panel.
This is part of our extensive ...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood
Large Oil on Canvass Nude Painting by Alan Brassington
Located in London, GB
A large and impressive oil painting of a male nude, by acclaimed British artist Alan Brassington. This dates from the late 20th century.
Alan Brassington specialises in portraits an...
Category
1990s British Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
Painting 'October in the Cantina' by Sergio Agostini, Italy, 1960
By Sergio Agostini
Located in New York, NY
"Ottobre in Cantina"
Painting, oil on canvas by Italian artist Sergio Agostini, Rome, 1960.
Signed on lower left with sticker from original exhibition at Galleria L'88 on Via M...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas
‘Moving In’ Contemporary Artwork, One Off handmade by Lawrence Kwakye
Located in Voorburg, NL
Title: ‘Moving In’
Spectacular Artwork by Lawrence Kwakye from his imprint paper series in very nice bright color-palette. This represents the abstract world of the unknown. A place...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Modern Paintings
Materials
Textile, Acrylic, Paper
Kayo Lennar "New York" Collage
Located in Astoria, NY
Kayo Lennar (French/American, b. 1923), "New York," collage, June 2008, signed and dated on reverse. Image: 21" H x 17" W; frame: 22.5" H x 18.5" W. Proven...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Kayo Lennar "Promising trips..." Collage
Located in Astoria, NY
Kayo Lennar (French/American, b. 1923), "Promising trips...," collage, 2008, initialed lower right, signed and dated on reverse. Image: 21.25" H x 16" W; f...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Lynn Basa Encaustic Black and White Stripe Panel "Camino", 2018
Located in Manhasset, NY
Lynn Basa encaustic black and white stripe panel "Camino" (signed and dated), 2018.
Encaustic on panel.
This is part of our extensive collection which ju...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood
Lynn Basa Encaustic Black and White Stripe Panel "The Speckled", 2013
Located in Manhasset, NY
Lynn Basa encaustic black and white stripe panel "The Speckled Band" signed and dated.
Oil / beeswax on board.
This is part of our extensive collection w...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood
Inside Painted Crystal, "Rainy Day" Snuff Bottle by Zhang Zenlou, 2012
By Zhang Zenlou
Located in Tainan, TW
Zhang Zenglou was born in Hebei Province in 1956. He is a master of contemporary Chinese inside painted snuff bottle in Ji school. He is cu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Paintings
Materials
Rock Crystal
VINC, Bibendum, 2021, Acrylic on Hood of 4CV
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Artist VINC
4 CV Bibendum
Acrylic on hood of 4CV from 1960 ( French car)
Circa 2021
H 83 x W 100 X D 22 cms
Signed by the artist
Unique and original a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Paintings
Materials
Metal
Italian modern urban landscape airbrush painting by Alvise Besutti, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern urban landscape airbrush painting by Alvise Besutti, 1980s
Painting with rectangular frame made with airbrush. The painting represents an urban landscape with skyscrap...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Large Oil on Board by David Hosie
By David Hosie
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
Very large oil on board by this important Glasgow artist, signed lower right.
Born 1962.
We have been in contact with David and he has told us that this work was one of a series of...
Category
1980s Scottish Vintage Modern Paintings
Pink and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
By Custhom
Located in London, GB
Igneous is a design made from carbon powder and using Custhom’s innovative process of hand-foiling wallpapers, creates a unique distressed or highly polished finish in a wide range o...
Category
2010s English Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Green and Copper Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
By Custhom
Located in London, GB
Igneous is a design made from carbon powder and using Custhom’s innovative process of hand-foiling wallpapers, creates a unique distressed or highly polished finish in a wide range o...
Category
2010s English Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Copper Metallic Hand Guilded Botanical Wallpaper, Made by Hand in Uk
By Custhom
Located in London, GB
Rye features bold oversized leaves, complementing the bestselling metallic Columbia Road design of large eucalyptus stems. Inspired by the Barbican Conservatory in London Rye offers ...
Category
2010s English Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
Black and Gold Hand Guilded Wallpaper, Non-Repeating Mural, Made by Hand in UK
By Custhom
Located in London, GB
Igneous is a design made from carbon powder and using Custhom’s innovative process of hand-foiling wallpapers, creates a unique distressed or highly polished finish in a wide range o...
Category
2010s English Modern Paintings
Materials
Paper
1950's Modernist Painting, French Building over Lake
Located in Cirencester, GB
Lake scene.
by Bernard Labbe (French, mid-20th century), stamped verso.
Original watercolour/gouache painting on paper.
Overall size: 10 x 15 inches.
Condition: very good and rea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, French Clock Tower
Located in Cirencester, GB
Artist/ School: Benard Labbe
Title: The Old Church
Medium: oil painting on board, unframed
Size:
board: 8.75 x 7.25 inches
Provenance: priv...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Painting Signed The Busker
Located in Cirencester, GB
Busker
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on board, unframed
size: 13.75 x 10 inche...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, GB
By Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
size: 14 x 10 inches
co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, Pianist & Violin Duet
Located in Cirencester, GB
The Pianist & Violin Duet
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed
size: 11.75 x 8.75 inches
condition: very go...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting Signed, Black & White French Archway
Located in Cirencester, GB
Black & White Archway
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolour/ gouache mounted painting on paper board, unframed
size: 15.75 x 11 inches
condition:...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Classical French Figures in City -1950's French Modernist Cubist Painting Signed
Located in Cirencester, GB
Classical figures.
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century).
Signed original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper board, unframed
Size: 13 x 9.25 inches.
Condition: very good...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Signed Modernist Painting, Large Landscape of Historic Landmark
Located in Cirencester, GB
French landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original gouache/watercolor painting on artist paper
overall size: 19.75 x 25.5 inches
condition: very ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting, Busy French Town Square
Located in Cirencester, GB
French town square.
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century).
Original watercolour/ gouache painting on paper, unframed
Size: 12 x 17.5 inches.
Condition: very good and ready t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Signed Modernist Painting, Two Caricature Figures
Located in Cirencester, GB
Two figures
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original oil painting on artist paper
overall size: 21 x 25.5 inches
condition: very good and ready to be en...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's Modernist Painting, Grey Skies Over French Peaceful Town
Located in Cirencester, GB
Grey sky landscape
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century), stamped verso
original oil painting on paper
overall size: 18 x 15 inches
condition: very good and ready to be enj...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
1950's French Modernist/ Cubist Painting signed, French Chateau
Located in Cirencester, GB
French Chateau
by Bernard Labbe (French mid 20th century)
signed original watercolor/ gouache painting on artist paper, unframed
size: 13 x 15 inches
condition: very good and rea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Modern Paintings
Materials
Other
Jan Erika "Island"
Located in Hudson, NY
The "Island" fine art print, shown here, is by UK artist Jan Erika. Unlike her exuberantly colored abstracts, this image reveals a more subtle approach to color and form. The Gicle...
Category
2010s British Modern Paintings
Materials
Wood, Paper
Georg Walter Rössner, Portrait of Mrs. Yvonne Santiago
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Georg Walter Rössner (1885-1972), portrait of Mrs. Yvonne Santiago. Oil on canvas, unframed, 88 x 74 cm. Signed.
In perfect condition.
Price example: A similar painting by Georg...
Category
20th Century Modern Paintings
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 folk art, wall decorations, asian art and furniture and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern paintings made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paintings, popular names associated with this style include Danese Milano, Enzo Mari, Mimmo Paladino, and Custhom. 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 $75 and tops out at $50,000 while the average work can sell for $900.