Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe mid-century modern American furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
Postwar American architects and designers were animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist “International Style” architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the ’30s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale, in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for, respectively, pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair. George Nelson and his design team created Bubble lamp shades using a new translucent polymer skin. Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were re-purposed: the Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs that used surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century designers caught the spirit.
Classically-oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb — who designed holistic groups of sleek, blonde-wood furniture — and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern American furniture on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style:Mid-Century Modern
Li Yuan-Chia Cosmic Point Multiple Mix Media Painting
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Li Yuan-chia
Cosmic 'Point' Multiple
1929–1994
This Original piece from Lisson Gallery London 1968 Exhibition features a painted white lacquered steel panel with 4 magnetic points...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Steel, Magnets
Steve Schapiro Signed Original Photograph Print of John F. & Jacqueline Kennedy
Located in Studio City, CA
A historic and iconic, richly toned, silver gelatin print or image by prolific and renowned photographer Steve Schapiro.
Signed, stamped and titled ("John and Jacqueline Kennedy W...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Still Life with Italian Soda Bottles, Original Oil Painting, Framed
Located in Chicago, IL
Still Life painting, with origins dating back to the 16th Century, often depicts simple everyday objects. Conklin uses richly colored Italian Soda bottles to play with placement and ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint
Erwin Blumenfeld Doe Eye "Oeil de Biche" Offset Lithograph
Located in Plainview, NY
Erwin Blumenfeld Doe eye " Oeil de Biche" offset lithograph of a closeup of the model Jean Patchett face measuring 18 5/8 x 16 1/4 inches with no apparent inscriptions or marks. The ...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Paper
Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a couple that lived in France from 1951-1983....
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Paper, Wood
Selection of Wassily Kandinsky Lithographs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Wassily Kandinsky lithographs or gallery wall, circa 1960s. The lithograph pictured on the top left measures 15" H x 11" W. The lithograph pictured on the top right meas...
Category
1960s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Male Nude Conte Crayon Drawings
Located in Atlanta, GA
Male nude conte crayon drawings, artist unknown, American, circa 1960s.
They are priced at $450 each. updated
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Roberto Crippa "Spirale" 1950 Ed. Galleria Pace Ceramic Plate 3/20
Located in Brescia, IT
Glazed ceramic
Example 3/20
Perfect condition.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic
Group of Latin American Artwork
Located in Atlanta, GA
Group of Latin American artwork, circa 1930s-1960s.
From left to right, they are:
1) Mixed-media abstract painting, executed by César Manrique, Mexican (1919-1992), also known a...
Category
1950s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
Melissa Strawser Bertoia Junior Dandelion Gong Intaglio Print, 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary artist Melissa Strawser’s Bertoia Junior Dandelion Gong Print is a pulled Artist Proof, an original intaglio print using aquatint printed onto Hahnemuhle Paper with colo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Op-Art Artist Anne Youkeles New Perspective Signed 3-D Serigraph Collage, 1971
Located in St. Louis, MO
Anne Youkeles (Austrian/American b. 1920) Op-Art Artist 3-D Geometric Serigraph Collage titled "New Perspective" signed, number 43/210 and dated 1971. In fine condition, not examined...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Abstract Midcentury Painting by Claffy Williams
Located in Atlanta, GA
Abstract midcentury painting, entitled "Earth Gesture", by Claffy Williams, circa 1985. Retains original artist made wood frame.
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint, Wood
Alberto Giacometti Framed Black and White Limited Lithograph "Annette", 1964
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful sketched lithograph by famed Swiss artists/sculptor Alberto Giacometti.
The lithograph was printed in Paris by Mourlot Freres in 1964 and was issued in an edition of ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Pair of Russian Constructivist Plates by Wladimir Njemuchin for Villeroy & Boch
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Russian constructivist plates by Wladimir Njemuchin for Villeroy & Boch, circa 1980s. Great graphic appeal. Ready to wall mount.
Category
20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Porcelain
Selection of Color Modern Lithographs and Silkscreens
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of color modern lithographs and silkscreens, circa 1930s-2000s. They have been framed in clean lined black lacquer gallery frames under UV resistant glass. They are:
Top ro...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Steve Schapiro Iconic Signed Silver Gelatin Print "Three Men, New York 1961"
Located in Studio City, CA
A historic and iconic, richly toned, silver gelatin print or image by prolific and renowned photographer Steve Schapiro. Perhaps his most famous image.
Signed, stamped and titled ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Italian Mid-Century Silk-Screen Printing Positive Negative by Bruno Munari, 1950
By Bruno Munari
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Silk-screen printing Positive Negative by Bruno Munari, 1950
Square abstract silk-screen printing entitled Positive Negative on paper. The colors present inside ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
Lenticular Eye in Round Frame
Located in New York, NY
Vintage lenticular eye in round black frame (5.25" diameter). Eye follows you around the room as you walk around.
Vintage eye was made by the now defunct Long Island factory called ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Metal
Still Life with Italian Bowl, Life Mask, Peach and iPod, Original Oil Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
This still life painting on panel captures a variety of objects. Among the objects depicted are a beautiful venetian glass bowl, a cup of Italian gelato, a ripe peach, a white life m...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint
Serigraph by Helen Frankenthaler Titled "Aerie", 2009
Located in Stamford, CT
"Aerie" by Helen Frankenthaler, Signed and with edition number 99/128. Sheet size is 29.5 x 38.75 inches, framed in a 12 karat white gold frame using acid free materials with UV plex...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Modern Janet Satz Collage Painting
Located in Redding, CT
Mid-Century Modern Janet Satz collage painting. Entitled woman and landscape painting and collage.
Rich textural 3D images of abstract female nude. This will parcel ship for $20
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paper
Selection of Abstract Modern Lithographs or Gallery Wall by Tapies & Van Velde
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of abstract modern lithographs or gallery wall, from the limited edition folio Derriere le Miroir, France, circa 1970s. They have been professionally framed in clean lined ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Original Peter Keil Framed Acrylic and Pen on Paper
By Peter Keil
Located in Wichita, KS
This painting is from signed artist Peter Keil and come framed in a black wood frame and new matte. These pieces are unusual and rare. I have another the same size that has green and...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
Mid-Century Modern Glass Wall Sculpture by Hayes Kelley
Located in Belmont, MA
Mid-Century Modern glass wall sculpture by Hayes Kelley.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass
Black and White Abstract Lithographs by Pablo Palazuelo
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of black and white abstract lithographs, by Pablo Palazuelo, from the limited edition folio Derriere Le Miroir, France, circa 1970s. They have been professionally framed in...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Pedro Friedeberg Drawing "Muñeco", Mexico City, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
Small mixed-media drawing by the great Pedro Friedeberg, titled "Muñeco" 1960s. Signed in ink, with gallery label on the back (Galleria Iturbide. Mexico City). See photos.
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Angelo Testa "Paper Ballet"
By Angelo Testa
Located in Chicago, IL
Angelo Testa print. Ink on paper. Signed and dated; [Paper Ballots Angelo Testa 1976].
Angelo Testa was an American textile designer who became the first graduate of the Institute...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Irving Amen Signed Mid-Century Modern Limited Edition Woodcut Print Quest #1
By Irving Amen
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully designed and darkly colored woodcut image by New York City/ American born Jewish artist Irving Amen. This image features characters from Don Quixote.
Pencil signed,...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Enrico Giussani 'Italian, Gorgonzola 1938' "Colori Di Luino" 1972
By Enrico Giussani
Located in Stamford, CT
Enrico Giussani (Italian, Gorgonzola 1938 ) "Colori di Luino" 1972
This painting is from an important Swiss Collection of Raimondo Rezzonico
former President of the Locarno Film ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
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Oscar Piatella Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas "La Lunga Strada", 1958
Located in Dallas, TX
Early work on canvas by Italian artist Oscar Piatella titled "La Lunga Strada" which translates as "The Long Way" executed in 1958.
Bio: (Source: Brun Fine Art)
Oscar Piattell...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
‘Tea at the Vicarage’ by Margaret Dovaston, Dated 1952
By Margaret Dovaston
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
‘Tea at the Vicarage’ by Margaret Dovaston, dated 1952, an oil painting showing four gentlemen having an earnest conversation over a cup of tea on a terrace outside a cottage garden,...
Category
1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint
Horizon Marine Tapestry by Jean Picart Le Doux, Signed, Great Condition
Located in Kansas City, MO
Large Jean Picart Le Doux "Horizon Marin" tapestry handwoven at Atelier Pinton in Aubusson France. Signed. This is from the edition of 500. Virtually no signs of wear. No stains, no ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wool
"The Dance of Man in Modern Times" from the Portfolio by Victor Pasmore
Located in Stamford, CT
"The Dance of Man in Modern Times - Questions without an Answer" from the portfolio by Victor Pasmore, circa 1972. Etching and aquatint newly framed using archival materials.
Category
Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Mark Rothko Exhibition Poster, "Green Red on Orange", Pace Editions, 1978
By (after) Mark Rothko
Located in Kansas City, MO
Framed Mark Rothko "Green Red on Orange" poster from the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum by Pace Editions, 1978. Very good original condition.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
1970s Large Abstract Oil Painting by Brother Lavrans Nielsen
Located in Chicago, IL
Earthy shades of green, effervescent yellows and a bit of orange create an atmospheric piece by the celebrated Brothers Lavrans Nielsen. Born in Brooklyn of Scandinavian background h...
Category
1970s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint
Vibrant Color Lithographs by Bjorn Wiinblad
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vibrant color lithographs by Bjorn Wiinblad, circa 1950s. A perfect compliment to your Danish modern interior. They retain their original frames. They are priced at $850 each.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paper, Glass
Curtis Jere Pom Pom or Sea Urchin Wall Sculpture
By Curtis Jere
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Elegant brass-plated and black painted five urchin or pom pom wall sculpture signed Curtis Jere
Note: Sculpture can hang in horizontal or vertical.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Brass
Still Life with Italian Coffee Maker, Lay Figures & Bowls, Original Oil Painting
Located in Chicago, IL
This still life painting on panel captures a variety of objects. Among the objects depicted are a elaborate Italian espresso maker, an upturned venetian glass pitcher, two wooden mod...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint
M. Gouirand, House in Landscape, Oil on Canvas, 1955
Located in London, GB
Mireille Binoux Gouirand, House / landscape, oil on canvas , 1955.
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint
Dan Miller Mixed-Media Painting Tribal Robots
By Dan Miller 1
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Mixed-media on paper by Dan Miller, mostly shades of grey with blue, red and gold overtones. White highlights on center robot's face give this a tribal feel. Art work size is 18.5" h...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Abstract Painting by Eugene Kloszewski
Located in Atlanta, GA
Abstract Painting by Eugene Kloszewski, circa 1950's. Kloszewski worked with and was personal friends with Josef Albers. These works were purchased from Kloszewski's widow. Please se...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Watercolor
Eruption by Arun Bose
By bose
Located in Providence, RI
Etching AP (Artist Proof) entitled "ERUPTION" by Arun Bose, circa 1974. Measures 32 1/4" x 24 1/4" in frame.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Vintage Porsche Signed and Number Lithograph Suite by the Iconic Erich Strenger
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
I'm excited to offer for sale a suite of 5 signed and numbered prints by Erich Strenger. Strenger was the man that put Porsche art on the map. Erich had a 30 plus year relationship w...
Category
1980s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Modernist Anodized Aluminum Gazelle Wall Sculpture Pair by Pendergast
By Pendergrast Products
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Highly detailed anodized aluminum Gazelle wall sculptures pair designed by Jacques Richard for Pendergast Products featuring two Gazelle.
Molded hooks on the verso to facilitate ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Aluminum
Surrealist Mediterranean Beach Scene Painting, circa 1983
Located in New York, NY
Surrealist Mediterranean beach scene painting of girl facing sea, two empty modernist beach chairs, and graphic umbrella. Signed, Veronica, 1983.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
Large Signed Original Abstract Black & White Expressionist Painting
Located in West Hartford, CT
Iconic Mid-Century Modern style large abstract Expressionist painting utilizing black and white acrylic enamel paint and a gestural manner. Signed by artist and displayed in a giltwo...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Textile, Canvas, Acrylic, Wood, Giltwood
Framed Pair of Francisco Rodriguez san Clemente Oil Paintings
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of oil paintings by Francisco Rodriguez San Clemente (Spanish, 1861-1956): signed bottom right and professionally custom framed. Trained at Academy of Fine Arts in Madrid, Franc...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint
American Painting, "Sail Boats" Signed Jean Kalisch '1960-1970' Oil on Canvas
Located in Southampton, NY
American painting
Titled: "Sail boats"
By: Jean Kalisch, American Postwar, Contemporary Painter (1912-1995)
Japanese/American 20th century, California Painter, Cubist Colorist
...
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Other
Mid 20th Century Pop Art Painting "Sawbuck" by, Robert Dowd, 1965
Located in Englewood, NJ
An original pop art oil on canvas painting "Sawbuck" by, famed Pop Artist Robert Dowd portraying a sawed off Ten Dollar Bill. The canvas is signed in the lower right corner. The pain...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Paint
Marcel Duchamp 'Esquivons Les Ecchymoses des Esquimaux aux Mots Exquis' 1968
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marcel Duchamp 'Esquivons Les Ecchymoses des Esquimaux aux Mots Exquis'.
Multiple of photograph record with printed collage.
Published by The Letter Edged in Black Press, Inc., New...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
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Joan Miró Lithographs
By Joan Miró
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Joan Miro color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. The lithograph on the left in the first photo has been sold. The other two are available. We purchased a group of these...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Mid Century Hammered Copper Wall Relief of a Man
Located in Redding, CT
Mid Century Hammered copper wall relief of a man. This has a nice 3D feel to it with texture and patina. This will parcel ship for $45.
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Copper
Joan Miró Lithographs
By Joan Miró
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Joan Miro color lithographs, France, circa 1960s. We purchased a group of these color lithographs from the estate of a couple that lived in France from 1951-1983. These ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Ramon Horts Minimalist Contemporary Artwork N4
By Ramon
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ramon Horts, Minimalist artwork.
Structures of metal compositions made in Barcelona, circa 2019.
In original condition.
Scraped metal, rusted and varnished.
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Metal
Vintage Picasso "After" Still Life wool needlepoint Tapestry, circa 1970s
Located in Paris, France
A very decorative still life wool needlepoint of the famous painting pitcher and bowl of fruit "After" Pablo Picasso.
This needlepoint Tapestry is based on the original painting exh...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wool
Sonia Delaunay Stunning Original Cubist Art Composition
Located in Arles, FR
Stunning example of the artist’s work, original color composition by Sonia Delaunay.
Wonderfully decorative original cubist composition otherwise known as an "eauforte" and title...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Still Life with Alexander Bust and iBook, Original Oil Painting, Framed
Located in Chicago, IL
Still Life painting, with origins dating back to the 16th century, often depicts simple everyday objects. Conklin sets his composition with both antiquities and modern elements to br...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint, Linen
Ellsworth Kelly Mallarme Suite of 11 Lithographs
Located in Stamford, CT
Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923-2015) Mallarme Suite of 11 lithographs. These lithographs are pages from a book in which Kelly illustrated Stéphane Mallarme's poem "Un Coup de Dés Ja...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
