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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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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Style: Modern
Acrylic on Canvas Painting Titled "Exhibidores" by Carolina Antoniadis, 2014
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Acrylic on canvas painting titled "Exhibidores" by Carolina Antoniadis, Argentina, 2014. Carolina Antoniadis was born in Rosario city, province of Santa Fe and from an early age arts started to exist in her life. The main reason was that her grandfather, Demetrio Antoniadis, was a Greek landscape painter. He came to Argentina, dwelt in Rosario and rapidly associated with the impressionists of the time. Demetrio knew pretty well how to convey his love and passion for arts to his family. Five years afterwards, the family moved to Buenos Aires. “My first approach to painting was when I was a kid and I sat and stared at my grandfather’s paintings...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paint

Richard Hirsch Encaustic Painting of Nothing, Painting of Nothing Series, 2012
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's encaustic Paintings of Nothing is made of ceramic raw materials, dry pigment and wax. This piece is part of his ongoing Painting...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Clay, Organic Material

Andrew Plum Diwali Festival of Lights Contemporary Abstract Painting 2013
Located in Montreal, QC
“Diwali Festival of Lights” is an original, one-of-a-kind, blue, green, orange, yellow, red, gray, pink, cream, white, black, contemporary, acrylic on canvas abstract painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmony to create this unique, contemporary work of art by Andrew...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic

Artistic Mosaic Handmade Dimension and Colors Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing 'tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divul...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum

“IRON MAN” Cal Ripken, Original Painting by Lynn Curlee
Located in New York, NY
“IRON MAN” Cal Ripken Original painting by Lynn. Curlee This painting was used as an illustration in Ballpark — The Story Of America’s Baseball Fields ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic

Richard Hirsch Encaustic Painting of Nothing #14M, 2012
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's encaustic Painting of Nothing #14M is made of ceramic raw materials, dry pigment and wax. This piece is part of his ongoing Pain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Clay, Organic Material

Large Gliclee of a Reclining Nude Female
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing our exquisite "Large Giclée of a Reclining Nude Female" - a captivating piece of art that exudes grace, beauty, and sophistication. This stunning black and white pictur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Curtis Jere 1989 Brass and Steel Ribbon Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Curtis Jere 1989 brass and steel ribbon sculpture.
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Art Pirate Mirror in Polished Inox, Fine Silver, Precious Stones and Diamonds
Located in Oporto, PT
Inspiration: Limited edition 1/10 This piece of art tells stories of looting and fury, from pirates to avid treasure hunters. The luxurious dagger r...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Sterling Silver, Brass, Silver

Contemporary Monument Forms Abstract Art Print with Black and Yellow
Located in London, GB
Monument forms are a series of paintings by Louis Jobst experimenting with form and color. Here there are two black abstract forms amongst a metaphysical landscape. The painting focu...
Category

2010s British Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic, Paper

Stylish Artistic Mosaic Handmade Gold Leaf Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum, Gold Leaf

Richard Hirsch Encaustic Painting of Nothing #13M, 2011
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's encaustic Painting of Nothing #13M is made of ceramic raw materials, dry pigment and wax. This piece is part of his ongoing Pain...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Clay, Organic Material

‘the Pose’ Pastel and Watercolor Male Nude Fiona Macpherson
By Fiona MacPherson
Located in Montreal, QC
Pastel and watercolor on paper male nude; titled: “The Pose” signed by the artist lower right corner: Fiona MacPherson. Measure: Approximate 40” H x 30” W x 1.5” D.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Contemporary Art

2 Cats and a Bone, Outsider Artist Drew, 2021
Located in Hastings, GB
This piece is titled 2 Cats and a Bone, painted in 2020 during lockdown and using an abandoned car park sign as the medium. Measuring 152cm wide x 84cm Height Drew is an 'Outsid...
Category

2010s British Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

Andrew Plum Louisiana Blues Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2009
Located in Montreal, QC
“Louisiana Blues” is an original, one-of-a-kind, blue, black, white, hues of yellow, contemporary, acrylic on canvas abstract painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmony to create this unique, contemporary work of art by Andrew...
Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas

Artistic Mosaic Handmade Dimension and Colors Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Glass

Giovannozzi Home, Partition Wall in Portoro Marble and Metal Brass Finish, Italy
Located in Tivoli Terme, Roma
Partition wall composed in black marble type "Portoro" and metal brass finishing, created by Michele Arcarese Architect together with Giovannozzi. - S...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Marble, Brass

Roseline Koener Mixed-Media Art, 2002
Located in Wallkill, NY
Roseline Koener mixed-media 2002 About the artist: My adventurous journey as an artist has been focused on accessing the magic pool of vibrant colors and life forces deep within me. I marvel at the infinite richness and divine beauty of colors, sounds, patterns, textures, and fragrances of Mother Nature. I am inspired and amazed by the powerful and dynamic cycles of life, which generate newness and oneness. The circular movements of planets and every cell, the miraculous growth of plants and mountains, the morning’s eclosion of roses, and the buoyancy of ocean waves fascinate me. Artists and musicians like Klee, Matisse, Tombly, Motherwell, Frankenthaler, Anatsui, Bach, Hafiz, Rumi, Hildegard von...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Baseball in Small Town America, 1930s, Original Painting by Lynn Curlee
Located in New York, NY
Baseball in Small Town America - 1930s. Original, painting by Lynn Curlee Acrylic on stretched canvas. Gallery wrapped with painted edges. This painting was used as an illustration...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic

Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawing Triptych, Appearance Series, 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Black Ink on Mylar Drawing Triptych was created in 2017. This is his latest series Appearance, which he started ten years ago and also ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Mylar

Stella Benvenuto Handmade Embroidery, Argentina, 2019
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Stella Benvenuto handmade embroidery, Argentina, 2019. Untitled. The embroidery was exhibited in her solo show "Between sky and earth" at Calvar...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Textile

Batter Up at Fenway, Original Painting by Lynn Curlee
Located in New York, NY
Batter Up At Fenway. Original painting by Lynn Curlee Acrylic on stretched canvas. Gallery wrapped with painted edges. This painting was used as an illustration in Ballpark — The...
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic

Tile Panel Tua Handmade Decorative
Located in Lisbon, PT
This handmade decorative tile panel combines the traditional Portuguese faience tile making techniques with a modern approach of shapes and color, res...
Category

2010s Portuguese Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Faience, Wood

Life Size Unique Pop Art Wall Sculpture
By Yves
Located in Miami, FL
Unique, larger than life, three dimensional female figure surrounded by palm fronds, painted in hard candy cherry colored car paint. This pop art piece is 1 in a series of 2 unique p...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Fiberglass

Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawings, Appearance Series, 2016 - 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Black Ink on Mylar Drawings were created in 2016 - 2017. This is his latest series Appearance, which he started ten years ago and also ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Mylar

Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawings, Appearance Series, 2016 - 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's black ink on mylar drawings were created in 2016 - 2017. This is his latest series Appearance, which he started ten years ago and also ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Mylar

Large Diptych Abstract Painting on Two Square Canvases
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A mesmerizing abstract diptych painting having two side by side 30" square canvases that are a magical continuation of oneanother.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas

Patrick Carrara Divided Lines Triptych, Graphite on Paper, 2010
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Divided Lines Drawings Triptych was made in 2010. The D.L. Series (2010 -2011) was created after Gardens of Silence (2009 - 2010). No m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Stylish Artistic Mosaic Handmade Platinum Leaf
Located in London, GB
Making artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass Mosaic collections, all this...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum, Platinum

Stylish Artistic Mosaic Handmade Gold Leaf Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass Mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum, Gold Leaf

Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawings, Appearance Series, 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Black Ink on Mylar Drawings were created in 2017. This is his latest series Appearance, which he started te...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Mylar

Urban Realism, Shaft of Light, Christopher Windle, 2012
By Master Contemporary Original Artist Rugs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Contemporary urban realism by local Philadelphia artist, Christopher Windle. Light and shadow, along with graphic perspective conveys a moody solitu...
Category

2010s American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paint

Confused Man Walking His Dogs by John Alexander
Located in Dallas, TX
Lithograph "Confused Man Walking His Dogs" by John Alexander, 1995 edition of 60. 59/60 Framed and signed lower right. John Alexander (1945-) is an American artist form...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Elena Lyakir Where Swallows Hide Photograph, Aves Series, 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Elena Lyakir's Where Swallows Hide was photographed in 2017 and is part of her Aves Series. It's an ongoing exploration of how we relate to the visual ex...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum

Richard Hirsch Encaustic Painting of Nothing #29, 2012
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's encaustic Painting of Nothing #29 is made of ceramic raw materials, dry pigment and wax. This piece is part of his ongoing Paint...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Clay, Organic Material

Modern Umberto Dattola for Dilmos Pink Leaf Storage Sculpture Handcrafted
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden cabinet coated in pink leaf, preciously applied by hand of the designer Umberto Dattola. Supported by a branch of ashwood, found in the woods surrounding the Atelier. By conne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Gold Leaf

Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawings, Appearance Series, 2013 - 2015
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's black ink on Mylar drawings were created in 2013 - 2015. This is his latest series Appearance, which he started te...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Mylar

Stylish Artistic Mosaic Handmade Platinum Leaf Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass Mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum, Platinum

Yohannah de Oliveira ‘Nous’ Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2021
Located in Montreal, QC
“Nous” is an original, one of a kind contemporary, acrylic on linen Abstract Painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmony to create this unique, contemporary work of art by Yohann...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic

Patrick Carrara Black Ink on Mylar Drawings, Appearance Series, 2014 - 2017
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's black ink on Mylar drawings were created in 2014-2017. This is his latest series Appearance, which he start...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Mylar

Artistic Mosaic Handmade on Aluminum Panel Gold Leaf Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making artistic mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum, Gold Leaf

Stylish Artistic Mosaic Handmade Gold or Platinum Leaf
Located in London, GB
Making artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass Mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum, Platinum, Gold Leaf

Patrick Carrara Garden of Silence Triptych, Graphite on Paper, 2009
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary New York artist Patrick Carrara's Garden of Silence Drawings was created in 2009. G.O.S. (2009-2010) was the first series using a mechanical pencil with a hard 5H graphi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Artistic Mosaic Handmade Dimension and Colors Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass Mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum

Artistic Mosaic Handmade Marble Mosaic Mother of Pearl
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

Stylish Wall Art Work Polished or Matt Ebony Mosaic Insert Liquid Metal
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Metal

It Takes Two to Tango, Yellow Hat and Blue Outfit on a Red and Black Background
By Jean Sanglar
Located in Miami, FL
Jean Sanglar was born in France in 1926. He draws with taste and talent from an early age, however, his family will only consider this a mere hobby. After studying law, he later took...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Acrylic, Wood, Paint

Michel Comte Silver Gelatin Photograph Print "Jeremy Irons with Monocle", 1990
By Michel Comte
Located in Studio City, CA
A darkly rich, yet playful portrait of Oscar Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons done in 1990 by famed Swiss fashion and fine art photographer Michel Comte. ...
Category

1990s Swiss Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Paper

Artistic Mosaic Handmade Dimension and Colors Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass Mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum

Modern Umberto Dattola for Dilmos Gold Leaf Storage Sculture Handcrafted
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden cabinet coated in gold leaf, preciously applied by hand of the designer Umberto Dattola. Supported by a branch of ashwood, founded in the woods surrounding the Atelier. By con...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Coral, Gold Leaf

Andrew Plum Calypso Contemporary Abstract Painting, 2011
Located in Montreal, QC
“Calypso” is an original, one of a kind, blue, yellow, green, cream, white, black, contemporary, acrylic on canvas abstract painting. Vibrant pops of color work in harmony to create this unique, contemporary work of art by Andrew...
Category

2010s Canadian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas

Handmade Artistic Marble Mosaic Rug Dimension and Colors Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making artistic mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Marble

Handmade Artistic Marble Mosaic Rug Dimension and Colors Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Marble

Artistic Mosaic Handmade on Aluminum Panel Dimension and Colors Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making Artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass mosaic collections, all this allowed us to produce and divu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum

Original Carlisle Harris Modernist Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas Untitled
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and well executed abstract painting was done by Carlisle Ainsworth Harris of Trinidad in 1990. This original painting is a framed acrylic on canvas and highlights Harris's...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas

Richard Hirsch Encaustic Painting of Nothing #19, 2011
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary American ceramic artist Richard Hirsch's encaustic Painting of Nothing #19 is made of ceramic raw materials, dry pigment and wax. This piece is part of his ongoing Paint...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Clay, Organic Material

Artistic Mosaic Handmade Dimension and Colors Customizable
Located in London, GB
Making artistic Mosaic, design of unparalleled beauty, inventing ' tromp l'oeil' thanks to the endless colors of the glass Mosaic collections, all this...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Aluminum

Stella Benvenuto Handmade Embroidery, Argentina, 2019
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Stella Benvenuto handmade embroidery, Argentina, 2019. Untitled. The embroidery was exhibited in her solo show "Between sky and earth" at Calva...
Category

2010s Argentine Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Textile

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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