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Modern Drawings

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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Original Ink Drawing (4) by Storm P. – 'The Three Little Men and The Trickster"
Located in Kastrup, DK
Robert Storm Petersen (Danish, 1882-1949) – Storm P. Original Drawing: "De tre små mænd og Nummermanden" ("The Three Little Men and the Number Man / Trickster"). Ink drawing on paper...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Modern Drawings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Mixed-Media of a Motorcyclist by Avant Garde Disney Artist Walter Peregoy
By Walter Peregoy
Located in Pasadena, CA
Walter Peregoy (1925 2015) was an American artist acclaimed for his Avant Garde style. He is also known for his work at Disney, Hanna-Barbera, and Format Films during the mid-20th ce...
Category

1990s American Modern Drawings

Materials

Wood, Paper

Portrait Of A Gentleman, Oil On Canvas, Early 18th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Portrait Of A Gentleman, Oil On Canvas, Early 18th Century
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Modern Drawings

Materials

Canvas

Joe Bradley Etching, Untitled
Located in Long Island City, NY
Joe Bradley Etching, Untitled. This piece is signed, dated, and numbered to verso '21/100 Joe Bradley 18'. This work is number 21 from the edition of 100 published by Paupers Press, ...
Category

20th Century Modern Drawings

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Original French Color Lithograph of Two Women by FRANCIS de LASSUS SAINT-GENIES
Located in Miami, FL
An original large French artist proof depicting two beautiful women, one wearing a stylish hat and the other is in a reclining position. Marked E.A. and signed by the artist Francis...
Category

20th Century French Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Italian Modern Abstract Mixed Media Painting on Paper and Metal Frame, 1972
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern Abstract mixed media painting on paper and metal frame, 1972 Abstract style mixed media painting on paper. The gestural painting is characterized by rounded lines and ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Drawings

Materials

Metal

A Portrait Of A Lady Of Quality, Oil On Canvas, 18th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
A Portrait Of A Lady Of Quality, Oil On Canvas, 18th Century
Category

Late 18th Century French Antique Modern Drawings

Materials

Canvas

Van Day Truex Ink Wash and Watercolor Self-Portrait, circa 1945
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A unique and original circa 1945 self-portrait by the legendary designer Van Day Truex painted in black ink, ink wash, and watercolor on celadon green watercolor paper and housed in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Drawings

Materials

Plexiglass, Wood, Paint, Paper

PABLO PICASSO 'Les Trois Musiciens'
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This exquisite artwork is a rare and remarkable example of Pablo Picasso's innovative approach to portraiture, a silk medium. Known for his constant experimentation, Picasso's decisi...
Category

1950s French Vintage Modern Drawings

Materials

Silk

"Floating Frame" Abstract Purple and Grey by Betty Marvin
Located in Pasadena, CA
This acrylic painting by Betty Marvin is part of her series titled “Floating Frame”, which includes works exhibited at the Los Angeles County Museum and in a solo exhibition at Richa...
Category

1990s American Modern Drawings

Materials

Acrylic

Framed Nude Drawing Study by Harriet Rosander de Tourtchaninoff, 1940s, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
Framed sketch by Swedish artist Harriet Rosander de Tourtchaninoff (1912-1965), likely created in the 1940s. This artwork is a study of the female form, where Rosander de Tourtchanin...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Modern Drawings

Materials

Lead

Danish Artist Framed Abstract Drawings on Paper, Signed Martin 1976
Located in Esbjerg, DK
In the style of Carl Henningsen Pedersen and Eugeniusz Gerlach comes this set of original drawing from the Danish artist Martin Nielsen. Martin is a selftought artist and his style c...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Francois-Xavier Lalanne - The Geese (in french : les oies), 2004
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Francois-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008) The Geese (in french : les oies), 2004 This extremely rare print by François Xavier Lalanne depicts three geese. It is an edition of only 10 copi...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Robert Motherwell Ink on Paper, 1976
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Robert Motherwell, Untiled, Ink on Paper, 1976 Robert Motherwell (American, 1915-1991) Ink on handmade paper 11 inches high x 16 inches wide This work is framed in an Italian gil...
Category

20th Century American Modern Drawings

Materials

Glass, Giltwood, Paper

ST. PETER'S BASILICA - Charcoal Drawing - Signed - Unframed - Italy - Circa 1984
Located in Chatham, ON
BASILICA DI SAN PIETRO ROMA - Vintage Italian architectural charcoal/mixed media drawing on paper - indistinctly signed lower left - titled & da...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Original Ink & Watercolor Architectural Painting by Louis De Moll
Located in West Chester, PA
Original Ink Drawing & Watercolor Architectural Painting by American Architect Louis De Moll of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Matted to approximately 37.5” wide x 14” tall Wear to fram...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Drawings

Materials

Metal

Francois-Xavier Lalanne , Sheeps, unique work
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Francois-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008), Sheeps, unique work This unique work by François Xavier Lalanne is made of watercolor, with lines drawn with graphite and manière de crayon. De...
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

"Adam", a Graphite Figure Drawing by Sherry Camhy
Located in Chicago, IL
"Adam" by Sherry Camhy is a breathtaking large-scale graphite drawing that captures the essence of human form with unparalleled precision. The nude male figure stands in a classic co...
Category

2010s American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Pencil Sketch of Bull and Figure on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Sketch of Bull and Figure on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Pencil Sketch of Bull in the Ring on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Sketch of Bull in the Ring on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Mixed Media Art on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media Art on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Pencil Sketch of Bull of Paper
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Sketch of Bull of Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Mixed Media on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel Charcoal on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel Charcoal on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Figure Sketch on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Pencil Sketch of Figures on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Sketch of Figures on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Pencil Sketch of Bull in the Ring on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Sketch of Bull in the Ring on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Set of 2 Pencil Sketches on Canvas Paper
Located in New York, NY
Set of 2 Pencil Sketches on Canvas Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

"Untitled" Mixed Media Sketch on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
"Untitled" Mixed Media Sketch on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Felicia Pacanowska Pastel on Paper
Located in Houston, TX
Felicia Pacanowska Pastel on Paper in archival frame Polish Artist (1907-2002)
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper, Crayon

Oil on Paper Sketch
Located in New York, NY
Late 20th Century Oil on Paper Sketch
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Mixed Media on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Pencil Sketch of Figure on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Sketch of Figure on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel Figure Sketch on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel Figure Sketch on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Category

20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Teitelbaum Ink on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Teitelbaum Ink on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel Soldier Art on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel Soldier Art on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Mixed Media Sketch on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media Sketch on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Pencil Sketch of Bull Riders on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Sketch of Bull Riders on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Pencil Sketch of Bull of Paper
Located in New York, NY
Pencil Sketch of Bull of Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Teitelbaum Mixed Media Art on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Teitelbaum Mixed Media Art on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Mixed Media Figure Sketch on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media Figure Sketch on Paper
Category

20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel Figure Sketch on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel Sketch on Black Paper
Category

20th Century Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel Soldier Art on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel Soldier Art on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

"Brothers II" by Edith Isaac-Rose Oil Pastel on Paper
Located in New York, NY
"Brothers II" by Edith Isaac-Rose Oil Pastel on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel Sketch on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel Sketch on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Mixed Media on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Mixed Media Art on Paper
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media Art on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel on Paper Sketch by Ralph Dubin
By Ralph Dubin
Located in New York, NY
20th Century Oil Pastel on Paper Sketch by Ralph Dubin
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel Sketch on Black Paper
Located in New York, NY
Oil Pastel Sketch on Black Paper
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Mixed Media Figure Sketch on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media Figure Sketch on Paper by Edith Isaac-Rose
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Oil Pastel on Paper
Located in New York, NY
20th Century Oil Pastel on Paper
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Anna Lesznai, Attributed To, Watercolor On Cardboard, Circa 1930
Located in Honnelles, WHT
"Lively market scene" Watercolor on cardboard, no signature cardboard dimensions: 29.5 x 39.5 cm
Category

20th Century Hungarian Modern Drawings

Materials

Canvas

Willem De Kooning Complete Set of 17 Lithographs Each Signed and Numbered 1988
Located in New York, NY
Seventeen Lithographs for Frank O'Hara, New York, Limited Editions Club, 1988 the complete set of 17 signed and numbered lithographs in colors by Willem De Kooning, title page, and justification, on Chine appliqué, numbered 51 of 60 (there were also 12 with opposite facing text, and 550 bound copies with the lithographs appliquéd to the text pages), all with full margins and beautifully framed. Comes with original black cloth-covered portfolio with black leather label and gilt stamped title (very minor wear) and original purchase paperwork from Baby Jane...
Category

1980s American Vintage Modern Drawings

Materials

Wood, Paper

Vintage Boho Signed Richard Avedon Exhibition Poster
Located in west palm beach, FL
fantastic vintage Boho exhibition poster. Created for the iconic Richard Avedon and his show at the Hawkins Gallery in LA. Hand signed by Avedon. A very special collectors piece. Acq...
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Drawings

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Modern drawings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern drawings 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 drawings created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, asian art and furniture, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern drawings made in a specific country, there are North America, Europe, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original drawings, popular names associated with this style include Manuel Santelices, Diane Guyot de Saint Michel, Patrick Carrara, and Jennifer D. Printz. 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 drawings differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $57,787 while the average work can sell for $1,275.

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