Modern Decorative 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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
Period: Late 20th Century
Finely Framed and Matted Lithograph by Barbara Wood Woman with Hat and Flowers
Located in Stamford, CT
A finely framed and matted lithograph by Barbara A. Wood woman with hat flowers.
From Columbus, Ohio, Barbara Wood is a painter of modernist figures, es...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
"Dayglo Square Float" Optical Art
Located in New York, NY
"Dayglo Square Float" wall mounted optical sculpture encased in acrylic by Leonard Janklow. Signed.
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
Paul Slapion 'American, 20th Century' Mixed-Media Abstract Painting, circa 1985
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul Slapion (American, 20th century) mixed-media abstract painting
Title: In Each of Us...All of Us #2,
circa 1985
A fine mixed-media painting created with many layers of glass, ink and oils.
Visually stunning optical art.
Dimensions: 16 inches x 20 inches.
Frame dimensions: 20.25 inches x 16.25 inches.
Very good vintage condition. Lightly distressed frame.
Signed verso with the original "OK Harris Gallery, NY" label.
The OK Harris Gallery was an art gallery located at 383 West Broadway...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paint
Paul Slapion, Mixed-Media Abstract Painting, circa 1985
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul Slapion (American, 20th century) mixed-media abstract painting
Title: In Each of Us...All of Us #4
circa 1985
A fine mixed media painting created with many layers of glass, ink and oils.
Visually stunning optical art.
Dimensions 16 inches x 20 inches.
Frame dimensions 20.25 inches x 16.25 inches.
Very good vintage condition. Lightly distressed frame.
Signed verso with the original "OK Harris Gallery...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paint
Paul Slapion, Mixed-Media Abstract Painting, circa 1985
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul Slapion (American, 20th century) mixed-media abstract painting
Title: In Each of Us...All of Us #10
circa 1985
A fine mixed-media painting created with many layers of glass, ink and oils.
Visually stunning optical art.
Dimensions 16 inches x 20 inches.
Frame dimensions 20.25 inches x 16.25 inches.
Very good vintage condition. Lightly distressed frame.
Signed verso with the original "OK Harris Gallery...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paint
Decorative Colored Mirror with Wood Frame, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Decorative colored mirror with wood frame, 1980s
Big decorative colored mirror, dating to the 1980s. Big mirror with wood frame and coloured gl...
Category
1980s European Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Art Glass, Wood
Abstract Painting Acryl on Canvas in Black-Grey-White by Guillermo Aritza 1991
By Guillermo Arizta
Located in Salzburg, AT
Modern abstract painting in black and white colors signed on backside Guillermo Aritza, black shadow gap frame silvered on front view.
Born 1949 in Mexico, living since 1985 in Paris...
Category
1990s French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Large Woodblock Print by Gregory Amenoff
Located in New York, NY
Very large format wood block painting mounted in a carved black and gilt frame. Signed.
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood
Drawing by Manuel Viana, Lithography in Black and White, Limited Edition
By Manuel Viana
Located in Salzburg, AT
Drawing by Manuel Viana, lithography in black and white, limited edition 135/300 signed
Handcrafted wooden frame with white gilt decoration, non-reflecting glass
Biography:
The art...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Crayon
Fantastic Set of Five Fashion Illustrations by Antonio Lopez
By Antonio Lopez 2
Located in Atlanta, GA
A suite of five fashion illustrations of swimming suites by Antonio Lopez (1943-1988). All in pencil and watercolor in the same color and style scheme done in a set. Each with many i...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Contemporary Modern Dance Painting by Margaret Ware
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stunning contemporary painting by listed artist Margaret Tcheng Ware. A modern dance trio bathed in natural light. Absolutely beautiful. Oil on canvas. Dimensions 29" x 39 1/2". Fram...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Paul Slapion 'American, 20th Century' Mixed-Media Abstract Painting, circa 1985
Located in San Francisco, CA
Paul Slapion (American, 20th century) mixed-media abstract painting
Title: In Each of Us...All of Us #9,
circa 1985
A fine mixed-media painting created with many layers of glass, ink and oils.
Visually stunning optical art.
Dimensions: 16 inches x 20 inches.
Frame dimensions: 20.25 inches x 16.25 inches.
Very good vintage condition. Lightly distressed frame.
Signed verso with the original "OK Harris Gallery, NY" label.
The OK Harris Gallery was an art gallery located at 383 West Broadway...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paint
Composition by Lars Englund, Sweden, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Composition by Lars Englund, Sweden, 1980s.
Aquarelief.
Measures: H 76 cm/ 2' 6 1/2"
W 33 cm/ 13".
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Plastic
Large Scale Geometric Abstract Painting by Dee Brown
Located in San Francisco, CA
Large scale geometric abstract painting by Dee Brown
Fantastic original acrylic on canvas by Dee Brown.
The painting is in good vintage condition with a few minor scuff marks c...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Light Coming on the Plains by Cameron Zebrun 1987 Mixed-Media Oil on Wood Panels
Located in Dayton, OH
Light coming on the plains by Cameron Zebrun 1987 mixed-media oil on wood panels
Cameron is a Renaissance man inspired by the natural world to create sculpture, photographs, paint...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Other
Modernist Painting Suggestiveness by Peter Sengl, 1985, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Modernist Painting Suggestiveness by Peter Sengl 1985 Austria This painting by Peter Sengl was named suggestiveness. Also the painting is signed and dated.
Peter Sengl was born 1945...
Category
1980s Austrian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Painting by Peter Keil, Mid-Century Modern Art, New Frame, C 1977, On Canvas
By Peter Keil
Located in New York, NY
Peter Robert Keil was born to an artist blacksmith father whom he lost very early in his childhood during the Second World War. During the end phase of the war, Keil's mother, also a...
Category
1970s German Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Acrylic
Rick Lee Metal Light Up Wall Sculpture in the Style of Jere
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A contemporary modern abstract wall sculpture with upper light , patina art metal design , satin black rods with chrome details . To the reverse is the artist label signed by Rick Lee...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Oil on Canvas by José Herrera
By José Herrera
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oil on Canvas by José Herrera (Spanish, 1943-).
Signed and dated 1973.
Original stainless steel frame.
A beautiful piece.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Stainless Steel
Vaporwave Style Kenny Dasch Sophisticated Lady Pencil Signed Print, 1988
By Kenny Dasch
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This vintage 1988 pencil signed serigraph, “Sophisticated Lady,” perfectly captures the spirit of the divine feminine. The female figure stands in bold...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass
Anthony John Padovano Metal/Paint Sculpture, Signed, Dated, Numbered
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great modernism sculpture, by the well-known artist Anthony J. Padovano. Dated 1970 and numbered 2/6.signed.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Gerard Diaz French Iris Pencil Drawing
By Gérard Diaz
Located in Roma, IT
This drawing is a view of a garden.
In the background, we see a high base topped by a statue of a 19th century figure along with other architectural ruins.
Central to the composition...
Category
1990s French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Unique, Large Decorative Meissen Mural, Wall Decoration by Prof. Heinz Werner
Located in Berlin, DE
Unique. Large decorative Meissen mural, wall decoration by Prof. Heinz Werner.
Painted porcelain plates. Modern design. Signed and dated. Meissen swords stamp. The mural is very hea...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Porcelain
Robert Patrick Painted Acrylic over Vinyl Textile Fiber Art, 1991
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Signed by Robert Patrick painted acrylic over vinyl textile fiber art, 1991.
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Fabric
'Helsinki' Sign Designed by Jan Svenungsson, Copper, Unique, Sweden, 1991
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sign designed by Jan Svenungsson,
Sweden. 1991.
Copper.
Unique.
Dimensions:
H: 16 cm/ 6 1/4"
W: 40 cm/ 15 3/4"
Category
1990s European Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Copper
Modernist Multicolored Abstract Painting, 1990, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Abstract painting signed RZM and dated 28.2.1990.
Mixed-media on carton framed with a baroque style frame.
Measures:
Width 25.59 in (65 cm)
Height 31.5 in (80 cm).
all measures are a...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Curtis Jere Mixed Metals Pom Pom Starburst Hanging Wall Sculpture Vintage
By Curtis Jeré
Located in North Miami, FL
This Curtis Jere wall sculpture has dangling rods ending with balls as the tips meet a starburst of brass as the pom pom. It is mixed metals with chrome at the bottom and brass at the top. This Curtis Jere vintage...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Charcoal Drawing Black-Beige Michel Batlle 1987 Handworked Frame, Museums Glass
Located in Salzburg, AT
Disguise: Charcoal abstract, figurative drawing in black color on beige paper from Michel Batlle, signed 1987
Handworked frame, with wihite-gilded decoration, non-reflecting museums glass...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Laddie John Dill Large Lithograph and Woodcut on Wove Paper, 1985
Located in Downingtown, PA
Laddie John Dill large lithograph and woodcut on wove paper,
Untitled, signed, dated and numbered 25/35, 1985.
Dimensions: 37 inches x 64 1/2 inches wide (sight 28 inches x 55 1.2 inches)
Reference:
From the artist's own bio.
Laddie John Dill, a Los Angeles artist, had his first solo exhibition in New York City with Illeanna Sonnabend Gallery in 1971. He was one of the first Los Angeles artists to exhibit. Light and...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Asian Picture "Ever Lasting Happiness"
By Chin-Chai Chang
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
For customers that require professional insured delivery we are proud to have teamed up with a nationwide professional delivery company that will assist with coordinating your delive...
Category
1970s Chinese Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Modern Color Full Glass Sculpture by Theresa
Located in Weiningen, CH
Modern color full glass sculpture by Theresa.
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Art Glass
Large Modern French Tapestry by J.L Viard
By J.L. Viard
Located in NYC, NY
A tapestry by French artist J.L Viard for Murmure des Sylves. Tightly woven wool and wool blends.
Signed on the front and again the reverse tag with an edition 21 of 100.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wool
Abstract Painting Signed D. Filov
By Dmitry Filov
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting signed D. Filov. Very retro abstract piece. Beautiful and unique color scheme. This piece has a wooden frame. Great addition...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Abstract Painting Signed D. Filov
By Dmitry Filov
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting signed D. Filov. Very retro abstract piece. Beautiful and unique color scheme. This piece has a wooden frame. Great addition...
Category
Late 20th Century West Asian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Modern Color Full Glass Sculpture by Theresa
Located in Weiningen, CH
Modern color full glass sculpture by Theresa.
Category
Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Art Glass
Colorful Modern Collage Wall Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This framed abstract collage features a unique array of textiles, fabrics, and more colored with a wide ranging palette. This mixed-media artwork is framed for hanging in home or off...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
The Red Dot - Framed Abstract Silkscreen
Located in New York, NY
THE RED DOT. A framed abstract silkscreen printed on the reverse of a sheet of glass. This process makes the image perfect and seamless.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Glass
Charcoal Drawing Black, Beige, Red and White Michel Batlle 1987 Handworked Frame
Located in Salzburg, AT
Polyphem: Charcoal abstract, figurative drawing in black-red-white color on beige paper from Michel Batlle, signed 1987
Handworked frame, with white-gilded decoration, non-reflecting...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
"Spindle, " 1991 Framed 30" Pastel on Paper by Jim Waid, Companion Available
Located in New York, NY
In "Spindle, 1991" artist Jim Waid through his mastery of pastel on paper, reflects a microcosmic view of nature that would otherwise be purely abstracted without the sporadic inclus...
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Other
Russian Oil on Canvas, Weaect X.M 1990 Signed Valdimir Shelest
Located in Stamford, CT
Valdimir Shelest digital artist oil painting of letters in an abstract form. From a home in Greenwich CT.
Category
1990s Russian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Signed Philip Perkins Vintage Cubist Painting
By Philip Perkins
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful painting dated 1970 that has great planes of color and field is by the abstract painter, Philip Perkins. His resume is impressive with early studies in Europe with maj...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Aspects of Flowers Oil on Canvas by Rebecca Cooperman
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful oil painting of a still life arrangement of flowers simply rendered in oil on canvas by Rebecca Cooperman. Exhibited at Lever House by The Leag...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Original Lithograph by James Carter with Southwest Pottery Theme
By James Carter
Located in New York, NY
Original Signed lithograph titled "Shield" by James Carter. It also has a custom burled elm frame. This piece has been floated and features hues of teal, terra cotta, sea foam green,...
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Mirrored Modernist Metal Wall Sculpture by Deidre Selig
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This modernist wall sculpture by D. Selig features mirrored glass mounted on steel.
Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Steel
Italian Modern Aluminium and Glass Decorative Panel with Geometric Pattern 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern square satin aluminium and glass decorative panel with geometric pattern, 1970s.
Painting with square-shaped aluminum frame, with satin finish. Panel designed in glas...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Aluminum
Diego Giacometti (1905)1985), La Promenade ses Amis carpet, numbered 87/ A-100.
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Diego Giacometti (1905)1985),
La Promenade ses Amis carpet,
circa 1985,
wool,
With a label woven inscribed GIACOMETTI
and numbered 87/ A-100 on the underside.
This lot is number 1...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wool
Italian Modern Black and White Artwork on Glass by Tarantino, 1983
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern black and white artwork on glass with wooden frame by Tarantino, 1983.
Work on glass with black background and satin design depicting an expanse of water and a waning...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood
Italian Modern Colored Abstract Painting from an Milanese House-Studio, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern red, brown, green, light blue, orange, black and white abstract painting from an milanese house-studio, 1970s
Beautiful and simple, medium size abstract painting from...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Paper
1980s Modern Metal Wall Art Hammered Copper Enamel Abstract Artwork Signed
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Metal Art
1980s Modern Art hand Hammered Swirled copper Enamel metal wall abstract Artwork signed piece.
Unfortunately, we are unable to read signature.
Dimensions:12 x 12 x .13 ...
Category
1980s Unknown Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Rufino Tamayo, "Cabeza en Rojo" Aquatint, Etching, Lithograph Signed and # 71/99
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a small edition and very well made by Poligrafa Barcelona, Spain documented in 15 Aguafuertes 1979. Signed and numbered in white crayon 71/99. Good impression and color.
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Modern Sculptural Wall Art
Located in New York, NY
Modern sculptural wall art with painted resin surface, titled 'Radiance' and signed 'Miller' on the back.
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Resin
Modern "Soleil Rouge" Oil Painting By Peter Keil
By Peter Keil
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Modern "Soleil Rouge" Oil Painting By Peter Keil
Graffiti chic.
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Chess Board Game Metal Wall Art by Artist Alex Kovacs, circa 1970s
By Alex Kovacs
Located in New York, NY
A signed metal and copper chess board game wall art piece by artist Alex Kovacs, circa 1970s, USA. Signed and dated 1976 as shown. The artist's original business card is attached on ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Copper, Metal
Modern decorative art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern decorative 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 decorative 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 glass, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern decorative art 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 decorative art, popular names associated with this style include sicis, Louise Heighes, Atlasproject, and Peter Keil. 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 decorative art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $35 and tops out at $191,803 while the average work can sell for $2,184.
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