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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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: 20th Century
Stunning Bas Relief by Alicia Penalba in Metal Alloy
Located in Beirut, LB
Sculpture by Alicia Penalba, bas relief in metal alloy, signed Alicia Penalba, dedicated from the back, dim: 60 x 60 cm.
Penalba arrived in Paris in 1948, with a scholarship from t...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Vintage Metal Wall Art
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Eye-catching piece of wall art combining different shades of metal and textures to interesting effect. Please confirm item location with seller (NY/NJ).
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Ilya Bolotowsky Signed Modernist Silkscreen Vertical Blue Ellipse Series
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredibly graphic piece, signed by Ilya Bolotowsky (American, 1907-1981) from the early 1970s. Signed Silkscreen part of the vertical blue ellipse blue series. Silkscreen on Rives p...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Three Original 1992 P. Szekely Paintings for Emilio Pucci
By Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
Three single paintings, mixed technique on paper, signed and dated P. Szekely 92, made on the occasion of a presentation of Emilio Pucci fabrics in...
Category
Late 20th Century Austrian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Herbert Fink, Shadow of an Elko, Etching on Paper, 1979
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Limited edition pencil signed and numbered 6/250 original Fine art etching by the very well listed artist and print maker Herbert Fink. This is signed and...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
"Bad Day" by George Crionas Lithograph
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An extraordinary "Bad Day" by George Crionas Lithograph 162/200 from the 1960s and in great condition. The piece is title "Bad Day" and depicts a clown thinking looking out a window....
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Brass
Michael Parkes "Night Flight" Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas Nude Swans
By Michael Parkes 1
Located in Dayton, OH
"Night Flight by Michael Parkes
Giclee on canvas with gold toned Baroque style frame.
In pursuit of the Unknowable, the swan princess is encouraged b...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
The Big Book Of Harley-Davidson Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Big Book Of Harley-Davidson:
Official Publication by Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Bolfert, Thomas C.
Published by Harley-Davidson Inc. Milwaukee, 1989
The Big Book Of Harley-Davidso...
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Vintage William Gatewood Mixed Media Diptych Collage Kite & Kimonos 70"
Located in Dayton, OH
"William Gatewood original mixed media collage titled Kite and Kimonos.
William Gatewood (1943-1994) is known for Japanese image paintings, wood an...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Hardwood, Paint, Paper
Abstract Landscape, David Lord, circa 1960
By David Lord
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful abstract landscape.
Fabulous muted colors, almost pastel like.
Acrylic on canvas laid on board.
Antique ebonized oak frame.
Unsigned.
Category
1960s English Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Sitting Monkey Gouache by Henri Samouilov
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Gouache and pastel study of a sitting Macaque monkey with its hand to its head by Henri Samouilov with a similar unfinished study to the reverse of the...
Category
1990s French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Original Clair Seglem Tall Portrait Painting of a Nude Blonde Woman
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A lovely tall portrait painting by the late Oklahoma artist Clair Seglem. The piece has a muted pallet and depicts a woman in the buff with long blonde h...
Category
20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Masonite, Paint, Paper
Jeanne Grut for Alumina, a Faience Hyacintara Parrot Wall Releif
By Jeanne Grut, Aluminia
Located in Kastrup, DK
Jeanne Grut 1927-2009.
A faience wall relief in the shape of a hyacintara parrot.
Blue glazed faience, branch and background unglazed.
Designed 1961 by Jeanne Grut for Aluminia, Denm...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Faience
Large Midcentury Abstract in the Style of Jackson Pollack Oil on Canvas
By (after) Jackson Pollock
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful colors dropped, poured or spilt onto an extremely large cancels which is 5 foot x 8 foot. Unsigned and guessing the age it looks to be 40 to 50 yes old. Stretcher has suppo...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Herbert Fink, Lonesome Pine, Etching on Paper, 1979
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Limited edition pencil signed and numbered 126/250 original Fine art etching by the very well listed artist and print maker Herbert Fink. This is signed a...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Expressionist Portrait of a Woman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Expressionist portrait of a woman that alludes to the Fauvist movement filled with garnet, scarlet and deep brown color fields. Bright green, yellow and blue accents highlight the ar...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Curtis Jere Fish Aquarium Made of Brass and Painted Metal from 1993
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
Rarely seen monumental Curtis Jere fish aquarium from 1993. This wall hanging piece is made of brass and painted metal. The wall art is dated...
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
André Masson, Femme, 1975, Lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Saint ouen, FR
André Masson, Femme, 1975
Color lithograph on Arches Paper
Signed at the lower right part of the artwork.
From the series "I dream"
Framed
Dimensio...
Category
1970s European Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Silver Leaf Foil Wall World Map Engraving Based on the Original Moses Pitt, 1681
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique style pictorial silver leaf foil world map taken from and original engraving my Moses Pitt, 1681
This is a very interesting ...
Category
20th Century English Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Silver Leaf
Italian Murano Glass Decorative Panel by Alfredo Barbini
Located in Milan, Italy
Murano glass decorative panel designed and produced by Alfredo Barbini in 1980.
Signed and with original labels.
Biography
Alfredo Barbini ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Murano Glass
Standing Macaque Gouache by Henri Samouilov
Located in Henley-on Thames, Oxfordshire
Gouache and pastel study of a standing macaque monkey by Henri Samouilov with an unfinished study of two monkeys to the reverse of the sheet
Paris, ...
Category
1990s French Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Abstract Composition
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Abstract slate sandstone composition by Nicole Cormier (1932-2020)
Provenance from the artist atelier.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Slate, Sandstone
The Moon Goddess Oil Painting on Canvas
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Moon Goddess oil painting on canvas.
Great colors with a lady under the moon with a cat and owl around her.
Very fine contemporary painting, stretch...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
1980s Crowing Rooster Copper Enamel Painting Abstract Art Blue Green
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Delight Colorful Abstract Copper Enamel Wall Art Crowing Roosters in blue and green circa 1980s
19.5 H x 31.25 W x 1.25 D, Art 24 x 12
Copper Enamel ...
Category
1980s North American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Larry Laslo Green, Grey, Yellow, Black Abstract Landscape on Paper Custom Framed
By Larry Laslo
Located in North Miami, FL
This fantastic abstract strong landscape work of art by the designer Larry Laslo is signed in the lower right hand corner. The vivid colors of green, yellow white, black and cobalt b...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Lacquer, Paint, Paper
Lester Goldman Abstract Watercolor Painting, Blue, Pink, Green, and Red, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
Lester Goldman watercolor in striking colors of blue, pink, green and red. Acquired directly from the estate of Lester Goldman. Excellent condition and ...
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Chrome
From the Far West Carpets and Textiles of Morocco Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
From the Far West Carpets and Textiles of Morocco
Fiske, Patricia L. and Pickering, W. Russell and Yohe, Ralph S.
in black cloth covered board ...
Category
1980s Moroccan Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Kurt Larisch, Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Signed, Dated, Title in Back
By Kurt Larisch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice and large painting by the well known Austrian artist, Larch, worked in Mexico for many years. This art work is title in Spanish in back "Luna Congelada" his style is abstra...
Category
1970s Mexican Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Gypsy Antiques from the Hollywood Antique Store
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Signe from the famous Gypsy antiques in Hollywood.
Category
1990s American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Plywood
Andrianna Shamaris Framed Vintage Courrèges Bonjour Scarf from Paris France
Located in New York, NY
Rare, vintage Courrèges silk scarf in excellent condition found in Paris, France. Features bold pop-art style colors and shapes with the Courrèges...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood
Joan Lehman Geometric Brass and Glass Block Suspended Cube Sculpture Vintage
Located in North Miami, FL
This amazing vintage sculpture by the noted glass artist and philanthropist Joan Lehman has forms of an inverted triangle and a square with a glass cube bl...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Brass
Original Abstract Painting by Listed Artists Tom Belloni
By Tom Belloni
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful 1976 abstract mixed-media painting by America artists Tom Belloni. The painting has orange, browns and gold colors. The painting is hand signed Belloni and dated 1976 on ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Resin, Acrylic
André Masson, Femme II, 1975, Lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Saint ouen, FR
André Masson - Femme II, 1975
Color lithograph on arches paper
Signed at the lower center part of the artwork.
From the series "I dream"
Framed
Dimensions: 50 x 66 cm.
Category
1970s European Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Over the Desert Au Fil du Désert Textiles from the Nomadic Desert Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Over the Desert - Tents And Weaving Of Nomadic Pastors.
Au fil du de´sert: Tentes et tissages des pasteurs nomades de Me´diterrane´e
(French Edition)
(French language) Paperback...
Category
1990s Moroccan Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Pop Art Yellow and Black Perspex Light Panel by Johanna Grawunder Italian Design
Located in London, GB
A 1980s Pop Art yellow and black perspex light panel by Johanna Grawunder
An Art Lighting panel, yellow / black perspex with florencescent light bulbs. I...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Plexiglass
Andrianna Shamaris Framed Vintage Courrèges Owl Scarf from Paris France
Located in New York, NY
Rare, vintage Courrèges cotton scarf in excellent condition found in Paris, France. Features bold pop-art style owl sitting on the Courrèges Paris logo. Set in a modern espresso teak...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood, Cotton
Margaret Smith “Near the Zócalo” Abstract Impressionist Cityscape Oil Painting
By Margaret Smith 1
Located in San Francisco, CA
A signed late 1970s/early 1980s large abstract impressionist cityscape oil painting on board titled “Near the Zócalo”, by American artist Margaret Smith.
The Zócalo is the common na...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Beulah ‘Elsie Sloan’ Stevenson, Abstract Oil on Board Painting, Signed, Dated
By Beulah Stevenson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a beautiful oil on wood board painting by the well known artist Beulah Stevenson. Her works are in major museums and important collections. Labels in back from the Brooklyn s...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint
Untitled, After Keith Haring
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Untitled, After Keith Haring
Vintage unsigned well executed oil on canvas of figures supporting each other, the center image measures 33.5" W x 34" H, on a white background canvas m...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas
Rare Vintage Gold Colored Collecting Fine Art Mirror or Picture Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
One of a kind artwork picture or mirror frame.
This unique work of wall-art never seizes to draw your attention. Everytime you look at it, you will discover something new, because there is so much going on. The beauty and originality in this modern work of art is that the entire frame is mostly filled with old and antique bits...
Category
Late 20th Century Dutch Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
Six Round Framed Silk Screen by Edgardo Giménez, Argentina, 1973
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Six round framed silk screen by Edgardo Giménez. Argentina, 1973.
The six are hand signed by the artist.
--
Detail of each silk screen in order of the...
Category
1970s Argentine Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
"Figure in Blue", Oil on Canvas, Framed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautifully framed oil on canvas representing a blue figure.
Size: 13 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches canvas, 22 1/8 x 18 1/2 inches frame.
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Wood, Paint
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
Abstract Painting On Canvas
Located in Denton, TX
Abstract painting on canvas. Yellow, blue, green tones. If you look hard enough, you can spot an umbrella and a duck!
Category
20th Century North American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Canvas, Paint, Wood
1995 Playing Card Collage Artwork by Robert Heckes Mixed-Media Decoupage
Located in Dayton, OH
1995 playing card collage artwork by Robert Heckes mixed-media Decoupage 72"
"Rural or country themed collage, featuring a rooster perched at the cent...
Category
1990s Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Limited Edition 78/95 Bill Mack Signed Bronze Statue Picture Titled Solitude
By Bill Mack 1
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare 1987 Limited Edition number 78/95 Bill Mack Solitude bonded bronze picture
The impact of Bill Mack's art is...
Category
1980s European Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Bronze
“Nightwind” Abstract Ink Drawing by Syd Solomon
By Syd Solomon
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A black and white abstract drawing entitled “Nightwind” by Syd Solomon, c.1964. The piece features expressive movements created by long and harsh strokes and curves of dark ink. A na...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paint, Crayon
Victor Vasarely Geometric Print with Purple Frame, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Colorful abstract lithograph with iconic geometric motif by Victor Vasarely, American, 1970s (Signed and numbered 137/250). Vasarely is widely considered to be the father of Op Art.
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
Andrianna Shamaris Framed Abstract Courrèges Scarf from Paris France
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Courrèges silk scarf in excellent condition found in Paris, France. Features bold contrasting colors in this beautiful abstract silk vinta...
Category
1950s French Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Wood, Teak, Reclaimed Wood, Silk
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
Very Large Gold Gilt Papier Mâché Wall Hanging Mask of the Gods of Wind in Mask
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare and large gold leaf gilt wall sculpture in papier mache of the Gods of Wind
This is one of a pair, the second piece is half the s...
Category
20th Century English Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
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
Porcelain Belgian Beer Sign, Three Stars Leopold, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Porcelain Beer Sign for Belgian Beer - Three Stars Leopold Sign
A large and great looking Belgian beer sign with the American colors white, red and blue ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Metal
1980s Francisco Toledo Mexican Modernism Mixed Media Animales Artwork
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Famed Mexican Artist FRANCISCO TOLEDO (1940–2019) the Latin American Master of combining diverse materials for mixed media.
Scorpions, Grasshoppers and Crickets.
No...
Category
1980s Mexican Vintage Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Other
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
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
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
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
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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