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Modern Contemporary Art

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Modern
Taureau dans l’arène
Located in PAU, FR
Pablo Picasso/ MadouraTaureau dans l'arène 1948 (Ramié 80). Plat rectangulaire en terre de faïence blanche. Tampons "Madoura plein feu" "CR" et "Edition Picasso" Edition à 450 exempl...
Category

1940s French Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Acrylic

Silk Furnishing Panel with Acrylic Glass
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Fornasetti silk printed panel between 2 sheets of plexiglass, like new, still with plastic protection.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Silk, Resin

21st Century Watercolor Giraffe
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Acrylic, Paper

Adrian Abstract Paint, circa 2017
Located in Barcelona, ES
Adrian Abstract Paint, circa 2017. Manufactured in Spain. Materials: Wood Dimensions: D 3,7 cm x W 22 cm x H 16,2 cm The artwork is in its original condition, showing minor sign...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood

Modern Treason Wall Art Sculpture Piece Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Treason wall art piece, contemporary collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. Like a crumpled up piece of paper, Treason embodies the hurt, the emptiness, the bet...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Art Glass, Fiberglass, Paint

Lusitano Wall Art, Swarovski Crystals, Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Lusitano Wall Art, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home. Wall art with exclusive Greenapple design ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Glass

Art Deco Majestic Wall Art Sculpture Onyx Brass Handmade Portugal Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Majestic Wall Art Piece, Modern Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern. A sublime piece of wall art conceived to restructure the surrounding space. Simple, sublime, majestic. The Miel onyx details form an exquisite combination with the golden cross...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Marble, Onyx, Brass

Woodcut Print ‘Nude in a Canoe’ by Simon Packard
Located in Newark, GB
Strikingly large woodcut of a nude person standing in a canoe boat, circa 1985. First of 25 made. (1/25) The monochromatic palette highlights all of the detail put into the initially...
Category

1980s English Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Contemporary Abstract Textured Painting in light Blue, Green Tones by Ezra Zäh
Located in Rümmingen, BW
Ezra Zäh's light blue and green abstract painting is a captivating exploration of color and texture. Layer by layer, he applies paint to a wooden board, building up different hues a...
Category

2010s German Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

Adrian Abstract Paint, circa 2017
Located in Barcelona, ES
Adrian Abstract Paint, circa 2017. Manufactured in Spain. Materials: Wood Dimensions: D 3,7 cm x W 16,2 cm x H 22 cm The artwork is in its original condition, showing minor sign...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood

Centaurs by Polyák István Vilmos
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Centaurs by Polyák István Vilmos combined technique on the painting board. Signed in the lower right corner Polyák István 1998.
Category

1990s Hungarian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic

Scarabeo Watercolor Painting
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Paper, Acrylic

Ukrainian Contemporary Abstract Art Diptych Painting Anthropocene by Voznicki
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Andriy and Olesya Voznicki are well established Ukrainian artists. They have both graduated from Lviv Academy of Art in Ukraine, Olesya - from the Art Glass department and Andriy as a sculptor. Forced to recently flee their home in Ukraine and relocate to the Netherlands, Olesya and Andriy Voznicki have restarted their practice in vicinity to Amsterdam and been supported by Mia Karlova...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

Karl Otto Götz color lithograph untitled 1967
Located in Münster, DE
Karl Otto Götz color lithograph 1.450,00 € incl. VAT Karl Otto Götz (1914 Aachen - 2017 Wolfenacker) Color lithograph "untitled", signed and dated, created 1967, framed behind glass ...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Modern contemporary art Dutch design wall mirror "The Float collection" oak wood
Located in Vinkel, NL
Definition; "Move or float slowly and carefully in a liquid or the air; float" Do not judge too quickly. A look in this wall mirror says it all. Let your thoughts flow and remember...
Category

2010s Dutch Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Mirror, Oak

Henry Matisse's 'Fleur à Quatre Pétales': Limited Edition Lithograph, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Elevate your art collection with this exquisite framed lithograph, featuring Henry Matisse's iconic piece "Fleur à Quatre Pétales," meticulously printed by Michel Caza. Crafted as a ...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Contemporary Luciano Ventrone Painting Authenticated Titled Dated and Signed
By Luciano Ventrone
Located in Roma, IT
Luciano Ventrone Painting Oil on canvas, signed lower right L. Ventrone '76 The work has been authenticated directly by the artist and cataloged in the Ventrone Archive under the num...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Glass

Henri Matisse Framed Color Lithography, circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Color lithograph after the work by Henri Matisse, Framed on high quality frame in solid lacquered wood. Signed in the stone. Henri Matisse whether working as a draftsman, a sculpto...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Kinetic mobile
Located in London, GB
Large kinetic mobile hand made by the artist Alistair Berg. Alistair Berg is a sculptor based in Somerset. He uses a variety of materials to create lightweight kinetic mobiles design...
Category

2010s British Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal, Brass

Henry Matisse's 'Poisson Chinois': Color Lithograph from the Cut Out Series
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Embark on a visual journey with this stunning large framed color lithograph by Henry Matisse, extracted from his iconic series of cut outs, specifically the artwork "Poisson Chinois"...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Ukrainian Contemporary Abstract Art Diptych Painting Rebirth by Voznicki
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Andriy and Olesya Voznicki are well established Ukrainian artists. They have both graduated from Lviv Academy of Art in Ukraine, Olesya - from the Art Glass department and Andriy as a sculptor. Forced to recently flee their home in Ukraine and relocate to the Netherlands, Olesya and Andriy Voznicki have restarted their practice in vicinity to Amsterdam and been supported by Mia Karlova...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

A Very Special Christmas Original 1987 first pressing Vinyl Record
Located in EINDHOVEN, NL
A Very Special Christmas Various artists 1987 first pressing vinyl record A&M Records - SP-3911 Cover art by Keith Haring This 1987 original pressing vinyl record showcases the dis...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Set of 2 Walljewel White Onyx by Lisette Rützou
Located in Geneve, CH
Walljewel white onyx by Lisette Rützou Dimensions: 15 x H 42 cm Materials: Rose, green and white onyx. Lisette Rützou’s design is motivated by an urge to articulate a story. In...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Onyx

Keith Haring 1992 Man Holding Radiant Baby - Pop Art Screenprint
Located in EINDHOVEN, NL
Keith Haring 1992 Pop Art - Art offset print on thick art paper, Man Holding Radiant Baby Keith Haring (New York, 1958-1990), French 1992 pop art - Art offset print, untitled, depic...
Category

1990s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Azulejos Portuguese Hand Painted Tile Mural "Pomegranate Tree" Signed by Artist
Located in Baldock, GB
Beautiful tile mural with the "POMEGRANATE TREE" motif finely painted. Quantity: 10 tiles Tile mural size: 11.8"W X 29.5"H (30cm X 75cm) Tile size: 5.9"W X 5...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

GIORGIO DE CHIRICO - Sun on the Temple 1969 Lithograph signed and numbered
Located in Vigevano, PV
Giorgio de Chirico (Volos 1888 - Rome 1978) "Sunshine on the Temple" 1969 color lithograph cm 70x50 Signed at lower right titled and numbered 45/90 Embossed stamp "Alberto Caprini S...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

Azulejos Portuguese Hand Painted Tile Mural "Rooster" Signed by Artist
Located in Baldock, GB
Beautiful tile mural with the "ROOSTER" motif finely painted. Quantity: 8 tiles Tile mural size: 23.6"H X 11.8"W (60cm X 30cm) Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Portug...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Azulejos Portuguese Hand Painted Tile Mural "Swans" Signed by Artist
Located in Baldock, GB
Beautiful tile mural with the "SWANS" motif finely painted. Tile mural size: 41.3"H X 47.2"W (105cm X 120cm) Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Portugal Production met...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Alfredo Troisi, Evolution of the Square, 1975, Mixed Media on Cardboard
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Pair of paintings of the evolution of the square by Alfredo Troisi (Foggia 1938). Mixed technique on schoeller cardboard. Size: 47x47 cm one, 42x42.5 cm the second.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Azulejos Portuguese Hand Painted Tile Mural "Lemon Tree" Signed by Artist
Located in Baldock, GB
Beautiful tile mural with the "LEMON TREE" motif finely painted. Quantity: 10 tiles Tile mural size: 11.8"W X 29.5"H (30cm X 75cm) Tile size: 5.9"W X 5.9"H (...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Locked Away mixed media on Canvass by Terry Thomas
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
LOCKED AWAY - TERRY THOMAS This is an extraordinary work of art 'Locked Away' by Terry Thomas, a renowned artist who has carefully painted this piece in his studio nestled within the...
Category

2010s European Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic

Abstract Mixed media on Canvass signed 2015
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
ABSTRACT MIXED MEDIA ON CANVASS A great size mixed media abstract painting of a face in acrylic and other media, on a stretched canvas signature to bottom right and dated 2015 Age:...
Category

2010s French Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic

'Untitled' Saltwork
By FOS
Located in Copenhagen, DK
In this wall piece by FOS a chemical reaction containing oxygen, water and salt is created and when the water evaporates the salt is crystallised and a landscape of salt takes shape....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Other

silkscreen '71, "phallic geometries"
Located in Felino, IT
silkscreen '71, "phallic geometries" serigraphy year 1971, numbered 20/99. subject "phallic geometry" , printed on black cardboard. glued to picoglass type substrate, no glass. signa...
Category

1970s European Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Ernst Fuchs (1930 - 2015) "Head of a cherub", created in 1982 Color silkscreen
Located in Münster, DE
Ernst Fuchs (1930 - 2015) "Head of a cherub", created in 1982 Color silkscreen, ed. 200 pieces, signed and numbered Dimensions 67.7 cm x 45 cm Ernst Fuchs was born on February 13...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Sam Middleton "Color Jazz" 1965 Color lithograph on BFK Rives
Located in Münster, DE
Sam Middleton (1927 New York - 2015 Schagen NL) "Color Jazz", 1965 Color lithograph on BFK Rives Edition of 10 signed copies, Ex. 10/10 signed and nu...
Category

1960s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paint, Paper

Miklos Nemeth "Nude" watercolor on paper, 1950s
Located in Münster, DE
Miklos Nemeth (1934-2012), "Nude", watercolor, signed, framed behind glass 57 x 67 cm Nemeth began his studies in 1950 at Ödön Marffy's School of Fine ...
Category

1950s Hungarian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paint, Paper

Ernst Fuchs (1930 - 2015) "Head of a cherub", created in 1982 Color silkscreen
Located in Münster, DE
Ernst Fuchs (1930 - 2015) "Head of a cherub", created in 1982 Color silkscreen, ed. 200 pieces, signed and numbered Dimensions 67.7 cm x 45 cm Ernst Fuchs was born on February 13...
Category

1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Eduard Bargheer "Cairo" 1966 Color lithograph on laid paper
Located in Münster, DE
Eduard Bargheer (1901-1979) "Cairo", 1966 Color lithograph on laid paper, signed and dated by hand Ex.: 60/120 Dimensions: 40 x 54 cm Eduard Bargheer (1901 - 1979) was an artist...
Category

1970s German Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Azulejos Hand Painted Portuguese Tiles for Kitchens, Bathrooms and Outdoors
Located in Baldock, GB
44 Hand Painted Portuguese Tiles - 1m². Tile size: 5.9"H X 5.9"W (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Portugal Production method: Handmade, hand painted, XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries origina...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Henri Matisse Fern Cut Out Lithography in Black and Green, 1953
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of Henri Matisse's artistic mastery with this captivating color lithograph from his revered Cut Out Series. Created in 1953 and meticulous...
Category

1970s French Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

FERNANDEZ ARMAN - From Paintbox 1970 Accumulation of resin trowels
By Armand Pierre Fernandez ARMAN
Located in Vigevano, PV
FERNANDEZ ARMAN (Nice, Nov. 17, 1928 - New York, Oct. 22, 2005) Accumulation of spatulas under resin from Paintbox, ll edition published by Abrams Original Editions, New York in 197...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

Azulejos Portuguese Hand Painted Tile Mural "Albarrada" Signed by Artist
Located in Baldock, GB
Beautiful tile mural with the "ALBARRADA" motif finely painted. Tile mural size: 29.5"H X 35.4"W (75cm X 90cm) Tile size: 5.9"W X 5.9"H (15cm X 15cm) Origin: Portugal Production...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Floral Watercolor Painting
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Acrylic, Paper

LOUISE NEVELSON - Night Tree 1970, Lead Intaglio Series 76 x 63.4 cm
Located in Vigevano, PV
LOUISE NEVELSON - Night Tree 1970, Lead Intaglio Series. Louise nevelson "night tree" italy, 1970 embossed lead on cm fabriano paper signed, titled and dated by the artist from an e...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Lead

Original Engraving by Arnaldo Pomodoro, signed and numbered, edition of fifteen
Located in Milano, IT
Offered for sale is an extremely rare engraving by Italian modern and contemporary master Arnaldo Pomodoro, famed author of the well known discs, spheres and objects in bronze that u...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Peter Halley, Core, 1991, Lithograph, Framed
Located in Vigevano, PV
Peter Halley Core, 1991 Silkscreen with lithography on Coventry Rag paper 40 1/4 × 28 × 2 in 96.5 x 66cm Pencil signed, dated and numbered 22/50 Publisher: Edition Schellmann & Pace ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Decorative artwork in Murano glass, limited edition, one of a kind
Located in Milano, IT
"Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities, that allow for a potentially endless recycling. Created with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

Contemporary Artwork - Astronaut - Cosmonaut black and white
Located in Milano, IT
Contemporary Artwork - Astronaut - Cosmonaut By Ricardo Rodriguez Black and white original painting (not a print), depicting a cosmonaut in his space suit and helmet. It is the work...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas

Sandro's Monochrome Mastery: Abstract Paint in Black and White (circa 2015)
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Discover the timeless allure of Sandro's Abstract Paint, a captivating artwork crafted circa 2015 in Germany. This piece seamlessly blends the contemporary with the classic, showcasi...
Category

2010s German Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood

Big White "Esplosioni" Painting by Italian Artist Eugenio Galli, Wall Sculpture
Located in Milano, IT
Offered for sale is a big "Esplosioni" (Explosions) by Italian painter Eugenio Galli, an abstract artist who has been researching the themes of light and substance for well over thir...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Paper

Decorative Murano Glass Wall Sculpture, "Eterna" Sustainable Reclaimed Design
Located in Milano, IT
"Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities, that allow for a potentially endless recycling. Created with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

"Eterna" Contemporary Wall Sculpture in Reclaimed Murano Glass by Tommaso Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
"Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities, that allow for a potentially endless recycling. Created with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

"Eterna" Contemporary Wall Sculpture in Reclaimed Murano Glass by Tommaso Spinzi
Located in Milano, IT
"Eterna" is an arwork concept that celebrates the beauty of art glass, its vivid colours and its upcycling possibilities, that allow for a potentially endless recycling. Created with...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Murano Glass

Poppies Watercolor
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Paper, Acrylic

Jordi Alcaraz Contemporary Abstract Minimalist White Artwork, 2019
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Jordi Alcaraz artwork made in 2019. 'Sense Titol' Hand signed. Jordi Alcaraz was born in Spain, 1963. Alcaraz’s discourse was born in the classic tradition of painting and sculptu...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Hand Painted Dragonfly
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming and sophisticated wall decoration has been entirely hand-painted on 100% natural cotton paper, using the sumi-e technique inspired by ancient Korean paintings. Particul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Cotton, Acrylic, Paper

Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas in Black and White Felix Bachmann, 2023
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful Contemporary Abstract Painting on Canvas in Black and White by Felix Bachmann was made 2023. The pieces is painted on canvas with acrylic, pencil and chalk. A unique ...
Category

2010s German Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Modern contemporary art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern contemporary art 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 contemporary art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, decorative objects, mirrors and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern contemporary art made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and Portugal pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original contemporary art, popular names associated with this style include sicis, Louise Heighes, Las Animas, and Sabrina Landini. 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 contemporary art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $110 and tops out at $191,803 while the average work can sell for $3,868.

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