Skip to main content

Modern Posters

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.

to
3
1
4
8
7
4
2
1
1
1
1
3
3
1
1
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
4
4
4
Style: Modern
Al G. Barnes Animal Show Circus Original Poster Framed, United States, 1895
Located in Madrid, ES
Original framed poster of famous Al G. Barnes Circus "Animal show circus".
Category

1890s American Antique Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Vintage Original Alakh Niranjan Bollywood Movie Poster
Located in Pasadena, CA
Filmmaking is a reflection of the culture it arises from, and Bollywood cinema has been forever intertwined with the Indian identity. The posters from the 1970s, especially the 1975 Alakh Niranjan, resonate with a formative period in the evolution of Bollywood, where the socio-political landscape was continuously shaping the narratives portrayed on screen. The film industry began to explore more complex character representations, especially those of women by integrating them as central figures. During this period, Bollywood began to solidify its role as a cultural touchstone that mirrored the aspirations and anxieties of Indian society. The presence of the panther that the actress holds on a leash is not only a stylistic choice; it reflects themes of power, dominance, and the connection between nature and human emotion, frequently explored in the films of that era. In Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma today), Alakh Niranjan is a term commonly used to refer to the Creator. It is also referenced to describe the qualities of both God and the Self, known as the Atman. The word Alakh translates to “that which cannot be perceived or seen,” while Niranjan means “free from blemishes or impurities.” Similar to Ghanaian horror posters that reflect the unique cultural fears and narratives of their society, Bollywood posters...
Category

1970s Indian Vintage Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

"Vijay Path" Ghanaian Movie Poster
Located in Chicago, IL
Vijaypath was a Bollywood action hit in 1994. It's critically acclaimed soundtrack topped charts across the world and became one of the most recognizable in India's history. The film's international success is evident in this hand-painted advertisement...
Category

Late 20th Century Ghanaian Modern Posters

Materials

Fabric

James Dewoody original art, circa 1980s. "Lexington Avenue at 48th Street"
Located in Houston, TX
James Dewoody original art, circa 1980s. "Lexington Avenue at 48th Street" Numbered in graphite, lower left AP 6 Signed Dewoodys work is currently on d...
Category

1980s North American Vintage Modern Posters

Materials

Wood, Paper

Related Items
Édouard Bouillière - Toulouse City Poster from 1920
Located in PAU, FR
Old art deco poster of the city of Toulouse circa 1940. Designed by Édouard Bouillière and published by Affiches B.Sirven. 79 x 58.5 cm
Category

1920s French Vintage Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Vintage Airline Poster of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand, ca.1960
Located in Langweer, NL
Vintage poster of New Zealand / Go There by NAC. Wellington: R.E. Owen, ca. 1960s. Photographic lithograph of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

French School Teacher Educational Paintings "La Pipe", circa 1930s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Painted by a school teacher in rural Hautes Pyrenees, France. Based on the Toto, Lili, Rene and Jojo French educational stories. It is likely that the s...
Category

1930s French Vintage Modern Posters

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

19th Century Paris Magicians Poster on Canvas
Located in London, GB
19th Century Paris Magicians Poster on Canvas A rare example of a late 19th century lithograph on canvas Paris magician’s promotional poster. By Effi...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Modern Posters

Materials

Canvas

Original Buffalo Bill Movie Banners 84"Long
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Selling as a pair - Banner from the Robert Altman's 1976 film Buffalo Bill and the Indians; and Sitting Bull's History Lesson staring Paul Newman. Looks m...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Posters

Materials

Linen

Pair of 1894 Watercolour Paintings by H Brock Univited Guest, a Lion in the Path
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of late Victorian watercolors signed H Brock and dated Apr 1894 The first is titled “An Uninvited Guest” and the second “A Lion...
Category

1890s English Antique Modern Posters

Materials

Wood

Vintage Bjorn Wiinblad Tivoli Gardens Poster Copenhagen, Denmark, 1981
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Bjorn Wiinblad Tivoli Gardens of Copenhagen, Denmark framed poster. Vintage poster printed by Permed & Rosengreen and designed by Bjorn Wiinblad depicting an harlequin advertising Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, the colors are bold and vivid. Bjorn Wiinblad poster...
Category

20th Century Danish Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Vintage Swedish Mid-Century Physics Educational Diagram
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Swedish Mid-Century Physics instructional educational diagram, chart or poster. Highly collectible ephemera from 1950's Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Eden Hashish Centre Kathmandu Ganesh Poster 1974 Calendar
Located in New York, NY
Eden Hashish Centre Ganesh poster by acclaimed Indian artist S. Murugakani. with original 1974 calendar attached. Framed in custom brass framed glass frame and tin back, with hange...
Category

1970s Nepalese Vintage Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Italian Painting "Grey Sun" from a Sophia Loren Movie
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Italian vintage painting "Grey Sun" , signed by Osvaldo Malvizzati (Imperia 1923...) and dated 1962. This painter, piedmontese by adoption, lived abroad for many years and then he settled in Pinerolo, near Turin. This painting refers to the famous film "A special day" by Italian producer Ettore Scola, with Sofia Loren...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Posters

Materials

Canvas

Original 1902 American Playhouse Poster
By U.S. Litho Company
Located in Peekskill, NY
This was an estate find and part of a beautiful collection of rare excellent turn of the century posters. They were hidden away for over a 100 years. About the poster: You'd think that a play called 'The New Baby' might feature said child in its promotional material. But here's the thing, there really isn't a baby at the center of the comedy, and that's the crux of this entertainment. The plot concerns a husband who is so bored with country life that he dreams up the idea of having an illegitimate son in London as a way to get into town for an occasional 'night off'. When his wife decides that the child should be adopted, the expected comic tissue of falsehoods and misunderstandings frays and hilarity ensues. Adapted from German by A. Bourchier, the farce opened in London in 1896 to what a local critic termed 'much mirth'. Several years later, when the play had crossed the Atlantic and entered the repertory of David de Wolf - cleverly called the Baby's 'chaperone' on the poster - and his troupe of travelling players, that understated review was translated into the more American howling success'. The cast and director would've been totally unfamiliar with the British hinterlands, so this splendid design concentrates on the hi-jinks of the characters and their situation.' At the start of the 20th century, America was in the full glory of its cultural adolescence, bursting with energy and optimism. In 1900 in New York there were 33 legitimate Broadway theatres, and many more would be built within the next decade to meet growing audience demand. New York's exploding population was also enjoying increased mobility. In 1904, the city opened its first underground commuter railroad lines. Thanks to these 'subways,' tens of thousands living far from the theatre district could catch a Broadway show and still sleep in their own beds. Add in the ever-increasing numbers of tourists who came into the city by rail and steamship, and it was easy to see why Broadway could now support more productions and longer runs than ever before.' We believe this magnificent and awe inspiring poster typifies the best of musical history and musical posters...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Rare Large Vintage Laurel & Hardy Poster, "The Dancing Masters"
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare version of the original theatrical release poster for the black and white 1943 movie by 20th century fox. The frame obscures a name lower right. This one is the same image as...
Category

1940s Vintage Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Previously Available Items
Set of 29 New Old Calendar Pirelli from 1981-2012
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 29 New old Calendar Pirelli, included special edition (Karl Lagerfeld 2011) all the calendar are in the original box, except 2 pieces, all the calendar are in new conditions....
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Modern posters for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern posters for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage posters created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with fabric, paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern posters made in a specific country, there are Africa, Ghana, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 posters differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $617 and tops out at $1,980 while the average work can sell for $1,298.

Recently Viewed

View All